Courtesy photo
Sara O’Neil owns and operates, SaraSota’s, a bakeshop on Second Street in Tillamook. The business will celebrate ten years in June.
On any weekday morning, SaraSota’s is a bustling place; a quaint spot for coffee dates or a quick bite to eat. Located on Second Street in Tillamook, owner Sara O’Neil said she loves the vibe and funkiness of the location which adds to the charm of her bakeshop. And the Tillamook community has loved it as well.
Come June, SaraSota’s will celebrate ten years in business. “I’m really thankful to the community for supporting me; everyone is super positive,” O’Neil said. “I like that Tillamook supports small businesses.”
A decade ago, O’Neil went into business herself after many years working in the cake decorating and coffee shop industry.
“I had always wanted to have my own business,” O’Neil said. “It was quite the journey in the beginning testing out recipes because I had always decorated cakes but never baked for myself.”
In her previous work, O’Neil had established a clientele that gave her the confidence to open her own storefront. She named the business “SaraSota’s” which came from a nickname she had as a child. “The first couple years it was about constantly putting myself out there as much as I possibly could,” she recalled. “I was just getting my name out there; dropping my treats off here and there.”
Her hustle paid off. “The business has slowly built over the years because people keep caring about me,” O’Neil said. “I’ve become known for wedding and specialty cakes. But you can also come in and have breakfast, sit down, have some tea and coffee. It’s a little meeting place.
