Family Roots
Miranda Gilbert is the proud owner of Sissy’s Sweets in Boiling Springs and Spartanburg, SC. Growing up, Miranda always had a passion for baking and eventually shared that passion with her little sister, Erika. The two sisters, who affectionately called each other “Sissy,” did everything together and shared a dream of opening their own sweet shop someday. Erika lived with Down Syndrome until she passed from related health complications in 2020. Even after her passing, Miranda knew she wanted to honor her sweet “Sissy” by fulfilling their shared dream and offering the same opportunity of employment to more differently-abled people.
In 2023, Sissy’s Sweets Bake Shop & Coffee opened it’s doors for the first time in Boiling Springs, SC. It’s still very much a family affair as Miranda bakes her famous desserts, working closely with her parents, brother, and a team of employees whom they love like family. Erika has always known how to steal the show, and she does so very much with her beautiful photos beaming down from the lively purple walls of the shop.
In July 2024, the family team opened their second location at the old Spartan Bakery in West Spartanburg. They’ve inherited the famous cake square recipe and are adding it to a delicious repertoire of Miranda’s amazing sweets. Only more exciting things are to come for Miranda, employees, and the large network of customers that have quickly become addicted to the fun, lively environment and delicious treats at Sissy’s Sweets.
Why is Sissy so special?
When asked about her relationship with her “Sissy,” Miranda fondly recalls why sisterhood, sweets, and the Jonas Brothers have always brought them together. Memories of Erika truly drive the culture of Sissy’s Sweets bake shop and it’s clear to see why the store is such a joyful place.
Midnight Munchies
“One night, she snuck in my room at midnight and begged me to make her s’mores. We used to make them in the microwave all the time. She was always on some kind of diet but I’d sneak her sweets because I knew it was her favorite. I have pictures from that hilarious memory of her sneaking and eating the s’mores in my room that late.”
Prancing Princess
“Another fun memory I have is when she stole the show at Miss South Carolina. She was my Palmetto Princess both years I competed. Each queen was allowed to have a princess during her year to mentor and do fun events with. During the actual Miss South Carolina performance nights, the palmetto princesses learned a dance to perform for the audience. Sis was the only princess with special needs, but they gave her the spotlight front and center of the dance. She stole the show and had the best time dancing beside Miss South Carolina every night.”
A Jonas Bro Obsession
“The story about us meeting the Jonas Brothers (the second time) is really cool. They actually advertised meet and greets for the first time when they announced their 2019 tour. I didn’t care how much it cost, I was determined to get us passes. I stayed only for hours working on it. And finally, I got them! This was May 2019 and the concert wasn’t until August 2019. From May until August, Sis was in and out of the hospital every other week. She was so sick those few months. We were afraid she wouldn’t be able to go to the meet and greet. But thankfully, that day she wasn’t sick and made it to the concert. I’ll never forget when they opened the curtain for us to go in and have our few minutes with them. Sis threw her hands up and said “Kevin!!” Which was hilarious because Nick was her favorite. I just cried because she was so excited and I was thankful we were able to go. The boys were so sweet to the both of us. I told them about how sick she had been and Kevin immediately got a sharpie out and they all signed her pass. Even though everyone was told no autographs. I will never forget that day.”