There’s an expression in both Danish and English that captures my feelings about this time of year: April showers bring May flowers. Just like our patio planters—which will soon overflow with herbs and edible flowers—we have countless ideas and plans patiently waiting on their chance to bloom.

Since opening our doors we’ve been honored to be featured in some of Colorado’s leading publications, from 5280 to Edible Denver. But when fellow Boulder entrepreneur Kelsie Michelson— of Tectonic—featured us in their online journal, it felt like a different, more personal kind of milestone.

As much as I lean into the slow pace and coziness of January, the early days of winter often feel like they drag on forever. Perhaps this is bittersweet (like so many of my favorite flavors!), but I actually enjoy winter the most when spring is in sight and I can anticipate the change of seasons.

I’ll let you in on a little secret: I actually love the post-holiday slowdown. Of course, gathering with friends and family is something I look forward to all year, but the joy of the holidays also comes with a flurry of events (and loads of extra baking) that can leave me feeling stretched a bit too thin.

Building a business can be a lonely road, especially as a “solopreneur”. Thankfully, Süti & Co. has always been a family venture, supported by both my children and the chosen family members who have helped make this dream a reality. So if you’ll indulge me, I’d like to express my gratitude.

As a chef, a lover of beautiful objects and a person who has dedicated her career to making other people happy, it’s safe to say that I take “gifting” pretty seriously. Yet where others may feel that the most impressive presents are lavish, ostentatious offerings, I gravitate to more thoughtful gestures that celebrate the unique qualities of the people I love.

Every year, when the mornings and evenings start to get chillier, my Danish soul starts to feel brighter and more cheerful. As I surround myself with candles, cooking heartier dishes and preserving the final fruits of summer, I can sense that the season of celebrations—of gathering around the table with loved ones—is upon us.

When we first opened our doors in September of last year, to say we weren’t sure what to expect would be an understatement. Yet from the first person who stepped through our doors (Hi Priscilla!), to the many dozens of you who have not only stopped by, but keep coming back week after week…we truly cannot express our gratitude enough. To put it in numbers, 52% of all our customers have visited more than once—a massive win for any small business. In a world where attention is fleeting (and most trends are over before we even know they’ve started), the opportunity to slow down and meaningfully connect with our community is all we ever could have asked for.

We all know a talented home cook who whips up the most wonderful meals out of nothing. Yet if you look closely at what these savvy hosts have in common, it’s likely their well-stocked pantries. As a chef with a hectic schedule, I’ve found that my version of well-stocked includes not only high-quality dry and canned goods, but also some versatile homemade items—like pickles, compound butters or finishing salts—that can be layered, sprinkled or drizzled over countless different dishes.

When we set out to start a supper club series on the Süti & Co. patio, I knew what I was hoping to create and cultivate. Yet actually seeing that vision take shape has continued to surprise and delight me—largely because of you, dear friends, and the ways you have helped bring my dream “restaurant” to life.

With Father’s Day on the horizon, I’ve found myself thinking about all the stylish, sophisticated and charming men who frequent our café. When I first opened Süti & Co.—filling the menu and the shelves with all my favorite things—I wasn’t quite sure who our regular customers would be. Perhaps the biggest surprise has been how many men walk through our doors, demonstrating a simple, if overlooked, truth: that guys also enjoy the finer things in life.

Being a working mom has never been an easy balancing act. As a single mother and an entrepreneur, one of the loveliest parts of opening Süti & Co. has been the ability to more easily share the chef side of my life with my children (who you’ve likely met at the shop!). The store has also been a wonderful platform to showcase artisan goods from other hardworking, creative moms and woman-owned small businesses.

Over the past few months, I’ve been working behind the scenes to launch a new, after-hours dinner series for our local Boulder community. Inspired by the recipes I learned at my grandmother’s side, my many years in Michelin-starred kitchens and more recent adventures in catering as the owner of Fresh Food Further, this supper club is an opportunity to bring together the whole of my culinary experiences in a more personal, creative setting.

There may still be a few weeks of Colorado winter ahead, but that hasn’t stopped me from getting excited for spring. New beginnings, fresh energy, longer days…there’s just something about the budding plants and return to life (and dining!) outdoors that makes this transitional time of year feel particularly exciting.

One of the great pleasures of food is its connection to memory—and often, to the simple pleasures of childhood. While I may not be able to sit at my grandmother’s kitchen counter, I can track down some exceptional bread, craft a few homemade pickles and assemble a truly beautiful smørrebrød (aka: a Danish open-faced sandwich).