By Maggie DiGiovanni
Elmore/Autauga News
Last Saturday Carmen and Mark Winslett satisfied the public’s tastebuds with a new bakery in our fair town. When they announced their plans to open Eclectic Sugar and Spice by year’s end, excitement ran high. Most friends and neighbors enjoyed Carmen’s cakes, breads, cupcakes and jellies at fests or by special requests in past years. Eclectic Mayor Davenport stopped in to welcome the new business and taste test a cake pop.
When asked her secret for moist, delicate and delicious baked goods, Carmen passed along the family secret. She insisted a firm family work ethic, whether born into the Winslett clan or part of their expanded Eclectic members, is the primary ingredient. Laughing, Carmen bragged that even her three-year-old granddaughter knows how to make a delicious buttercream icing.
Since moving to the area, the Winsletts became part of solutions to planning events in the town. Whether developing and inspiring others to become part of Eclectic’s Cotton Festival, increasing vendors and guests at Taste of Eclectic, or running for office, they set an example others seek to follow.
As jelly and jam lovers, my family enjoys the Sugar and Spice brand for unique tastes. Although there is a basic recipe, Carmen tests unusual ingredients, such as combining muscadine and peach to complement each other. Some jams and jellies may contain brandies, wines, and various liquors. The alcohol burns off, but the underlying flavors remain. Breads include the same daring combining of the unusual to make them a must-have for those who buy that first loaf and return for more.
Carmen owned a successful bakery for five years in Ohio before moving to Eclectic. Although all adult family members hold jobs or attend school full-time, everyone pitched in to make Eclectic Sugar and Spice a reality. However, anyone who knows the Winsletts realizes this is only a part of what they do here.
Evelyn Baker, a friend of 30 years, praises Carmen and Mark for raising money to help the family of Evelyn’s brother after his death. Eclectic Library saw the results of the Winsletts becoming involved in its funding efforts. The Cotton Festival appreciated a dramatic increase in the number of vendors and visitors the year Carmen and her family stepped in to help, as did the Taste of Eclectic event.
Behind the scenes, husband Mark is the builder and fixer. He prefers to let his wife and children be out front and take the credit for this amazing family’s accomplishments. Carolyn and Rob Winslett, children to Carmen and Mark, put in long hours without grumbling. Dalton Winslett, another son, no longer lives at home. He returns several times a week to help whenever he can. They realize the importance of working hard to make dreams come true. Carolyn’s fiancé, Daniel, works beside the Winsletts where needed.
Despite all the accomplishments of this family and the pride Eclectic has for them, they remain unpretentious and unassuming. The shop’s décor is quaint and warmly inviting thanks to Marie from Original Grace Boutique who supplied the down-home signs and the decorating know-how. Something else the Winsletts do – they bring out the love and good will others have for them.
To visit Eclectic Sugar and Spice head over to 190 Main Street, Eclectic, or contact them at (334) 201-0092 or by email [email protected].
Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057442869537
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