In this episode of Greeley Business Beat, we sit down with Suzanne Sereff, owner and founder of Warm Hugs Mixes & Boutique, a downtown Greeley favorite for more than 30 years. Suzanne shares how a childhood filled with gingerbread baking days, handcrafted gifts, and family recipes inspired a business built entirely on creativity, connection, and community. From selling out her very first craft-show booth to running a thriving brick-and-mortar shop with her husband and daughter, Suzanne reflects on the relationships, traditions, and grit that helped Warm Hugs grow into a beloved local destination.

We explore the evolution of the business, the realities of small-business ownership, and why Greeley’s supportive community has been essential to Warm Hugs’ journey.

Key Highlights: 

  • [00:02:20] A Business Rooted In Family Traditions
    Suzanne shares how her grandmother’s recipes and her mother’s sewing skills became the foundation of Warm Hugs, inspiring her first handcrafted baking mixes and gift packaging.

  • [00:07:25] Lessons Learned Along the Way
    From the occasional missing recipe card to the challenges of visibility, Suzanne reflects on the everyday realities of running a small business and the importance of persistence.

  • [00:12:45] Growing a Family Business
    Suzanne talks about working alongside her husband and daughter, and how bringing her daughter into the business introduced the systems, structure, and processes that helped Warm Hugs level up.

  • [00:17:00] Looking Ahead: Staying True to the Heart of the Business
    Rather than expanding locations, Suzanne shares her dream of making the current Warm Hugs storefront a destination for people across the country.

  • [00:18:27] Advice for New Entrepreneurs
    Suzanne encourages aspiring business owners to “feel the fear and do it anyway,” start small, listen to encouragement from others, and stay true to their foundation.

Rapid Fire Questions: 

  • Winter or Summer? Summer. I can be outside.

  • Coffee or Tea? Coffee.

  • Morning or Night? I can be both, but I continue into the night if I can.

About Warm Hugs: Warm Hugs is a handcrafted mix company and boutique offering scratch-made soup and baking mixes, unique gifts, fashion, home décor, and seasonal goodies, all from a cozy storefront in downtown Greeley. Every mix is made on-site and packaged by hand, continuing a family tradition that began with Suzanne’s grandmother’s recipes. With a focus on creativity, warmth, and personal connection, Warm Hugs has become one of Greeley’s most cherished local businesses.

Learn more: Visit Warm Hugs online or stop by the shop to explore their handmade mixes and one-of-a-kind gifts.

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The Greeley Business Beat is brought to you by the City of Greeley in collaboration with 1K Creative. Learn more about what makes Greeley a vibrant and welcoming community at VisitGreeley.com. 

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