Ayana Fernando outside Fresh Thyme where her products from Sugar Sweet Bath and Body Treats will be sold starting June 19 (Courtesy of D'Andrea Bolden)(Courtesy of D'Andrea Bolden)

KALAMAZOO, MI — Local entrepreneur Anaya Fernando, 18, traded her graduation cap for a contract.

Fernando will be expanding her business, Sugar Sweet Bath + Body Treats, after signing a deal with grocery retailer Fresh Thyme Market. She visited the Portage store June 19 for Sugar Sweet’s official launch.

The idea for Sugar Sweet was born after a conversation with family. Fernando said she always had an entrepreneurial spirit and wanted to start a business. After some thought, a self-care brand featuring body oils, lotions and lip scrubs seemed like the right venture to pursue.

“I knew I wanted to start a business because when I was younger I always had the desire to do business,” Fernando said. “At one point I did sell snacks after church, after events, and at one point when I was really really young I sold paper dolls and had the inspiration to do a yard sale.”

Sugar Sweet was founded in 2018 but until now, Fernando could not dedicate her full attention to it due to classes and extracurricular commitments. In addition to serving as CEO of Sugar Sweet, Fernando is a dancer and tennis player.

Fernando heard news of the deal toward her last day of classes at Portage Northern High School. Now, she feels prepared to dedicate her full attention toward the business.

“When I heard the news I was pretty excited but school was in the way so I was always busy,” Fernando said.

The two primary participants in Sugar Sweet are Fernando and her mother. They said they are looking to purchase more updated industrial equipment to streamline the production process and effectively fill bulk and private label orders.

A core part of her business is supporting the community. Fernando said she is looking to become more involved and support causes she is passionate about.

“I have volunteered my time with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Brown Boy Brown Girl Reads, Steps to Victory and other community organizations. I also volunteer through my local church,” Fernando said. “I also donate product to be given away in the community freely. Currently, I would love to partner with some local organization that focus on unhoused women with children.”

Four products, the Berry Breeze Whipped Body Butter, Oatmilk and Honey Whipped Body Butter, Black Raspberry + Vanilla Sugar Scrub and Berry Breeze Sugar Scrub will be available for purchase inside the Fresh Thyme Market location in Portage, at 6212 S. Westnedge Ave.

Fernando said they’ve sold “hundreds of body butter and sugar scrub(s)” in the month of June and have received rave customer reviews. Current sales are just the beginning, she says.

“We are an emerging brand in the self-care market and we are just becoming more visible and scratching the surface,” Fernando said.

New space, fundraising campaign helps Can-Do Kalamazoo propel local startups

Fledging falcons named after Black Kalamazoo pioneers

Michigan’s Best Local Eats: D’Nicio’s Parlour serves up softball-sized scoops west of Kalamazoo

Fatherhood network offers space to be vulnerable, resources to Kalamazoo dads

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.

Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 5/1/2021).

© 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.

Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.