Lydia is the owner and founder of Lydia's as well as Sugar & Slice Bakery, which opened in 2019 on Main Street St. Charles. She started selling baked goods out of her home at 15, opened Sugar & Slice at 21, and Lydia's at 26 years old. As a self taught baker, Lydia specializes in the decorating of custom cakes along with cupcakes. Lydia is a creative force with a heart for people and a vision that inspires everyone around her. As a young female business owner, she leads with authenticity, warmth, and an unwavering belief that hard work and kindness go hand in hand. She’s a reminder that leadership isn’t just about running a business, but about building something that brings people together.

Katey’s journey at Lydia’s began behind the bar as a barista, rooted in her love for people and passion for coffee. With a deep sense of care for both the team and the guests, she grew into her role as Operations Executive. Known for her uplifting spirit and steady leadership, Katey leads with heart, always encouraging others, fostering connection, and keeping the team moving forward together. Her dedication and integrity shine through in everything she does, helping make Lydia’s a place where both staff and guests feel truly at home.

Dani discovered her passion for cake and cookie decorating after joining Sugar & Slice for what was meant to be just a holiday season — and never looked back. Originally trained as a Veterinary Technician, she found her true calling in the creative, fast-paced world of the bakery. Now as Kitchen Manager, Dani is one of Lydia’s biggest supporters, leading with a mix of humor, heart, and endless encouragement. Her creativity and dedication bring energy and laughter to the kitchen every day, inspiring the team and bringing everyone together.

Taylor was first drawn to Lydia’s by its charming style and warm, distinct atmosphere, she knew right away she wanted to be part of it. Taylor’s joy for what she does shines through every shift, you can always find her dancing, singing, or cracking a “dad joke” that fills the room with laughter. Outside of work, she’s a proud wife and mom of two, often spending her time at church events with her family. Her heart for people and contagious energy make Lydia’s feel like home for everyone who walks through the door.

Sadie brings creativity, warmth, and a people-first mindset to her role as Brand Manager at Lydia’s and oversees social media and events with an eye for connection. Outside of Lydia’s, Sadie also serves as a Manager at The Campus Victory Project, where she helps develop and empower the next generation of leaders, and she’s actively involved in the STL Girl Network. Her sweet spirit and eagerness to do her best shine through in everything she touches. When she’s not working, you’ll find her exploring St. Louis — discovering new restaurants, coffee shops, and local events along the way.

Courtney has been working alongside Lydia for about five years, first joining Sugar & Slice as part-time holiday help while she was in school and she’s been growing with the business ever since. Now as Wholesale Coordinator, she loves connecting with new people, business owners, and chefs, always making sure every first impression counts. Courtney has a natural gift for conversation and brings genuine warmth to every interaction, helping build lasting relationships that reflect Lydia’s spirit of community. If she weren’t in the bakery world, you’d probably find her in the medical field, caring for people in another way, which says everything about her heart.

Jackie brings incredible attention to detail and a teacher’s heart to her role as Order Coordinator. By day, she’s a full-time high school teacher, and she carries that same level of organization, patience, and care into coordinating custom orders at Lydia’s. She ensures every order is handled with love, from the first inquiry to the final finishing touch. Our custom orders truly wouldn’t run without her steady presence and care.

Alex leads the Main Street bakery with heart, dedication, and an incredible sense of care for both her team and customers. She’s always the first to step up and make sure everything runs smoothly, keeping the space full of warmth and welcoming energy. Alex pours love into every detail, from supporting her baristas to connecting with guests, making Sugar & Slice a place people love to visit again and again. Her kindness and commitment truly set the tone for the entire team.

Kaitlyn brings passion, creativity, and energy to the kitchen every day. A recent culinary school graduate, she has quickly become known for her incredible talent, especially as the baker behind our signature macarons. Her imagination comes through in every batch and she is always experimenting with fun flavor combinations. Kaitlyn’s humor and enthusiasm inspire everyone around her to have fun and think creatively in the kitchen.

Gigi has been decorating full-time since joining Sugar & Slice in March 2022, but her love for cake design started years earlier, first at Dairy Queen, then from her own kitchen. What began as a passion quickly became her purpose, and she now leads with incredible skill and imagination as the heart behind our custom cakes. Gigi pours her whole heart into every design, crafting each one with care, creativity, and intention. Her gentle spirit and desire to serve others shine through in everything she does, whether she’s piping the perfect detail, rolling fondant, or cheering on her coworkers. When she’s not in the bakery, Gigi loves playing Dungeons & Dragons and listening to true crime podcasts.

Maria has been a lifelong baking enthusiast, known for her famous cookies long before Lydia’s ever opened its doors. As a stay-at-home mom to twins, Matt and Rachel, and to Lydia, she filled her home with sweet treats, creativity, and care, the same spirit she now brings to the bakery. Maria is the heart behind our cheesecakes and pies, each one made with a lot of love (and plenty of butter!). She’s endlessly kind, crafty, and full of light, bringing warmth and laughter to everyone around her. Watching Lydia’s dream come to life has been one of her greatest joys and she has provided continuous support!