Veteran’s Leadership and Culinary Creativity Power The Makery in Pace

As a former Electronics Technician 2nd Class in the U.S. Navy, Cody Sowell knows the value of discipline, teamwork, and precision. Those same skills now help power The Makery, a full-service bakery in Pace, which he co-founded with his wife, Meredith Sowell, a seasoned pastry chef with experience at top resorts and private clubs.

Together, Cody and Meredith have built more than a bakery — they’ve built a community hub. Open Wednesday through Saturday, The Makery offers breakfast pastries, breads like sourdough and rotating focaccia, and imaginative creations such as stuffed croissants and candy corn mousse tarts. Each menu blends the comfort of familiar favorites with the excitement of innovation.

The Makery’s welcoming space — bright, colorful, and designed to feel like a grandmother’s kitchen — invites customers to linger. Beyond their pastries, the Sowells have introduced hands-on experiences such as make-your-own cupcake bars, kitchen tours, and cooking classes. These interactive offerings deepen customer relationships and set the bakery apart in the local market.

Their commitment to community runs deep. The Makery hosts free game nights, story times, and youth activities, providing a positive, inclusive gathering space. The couple also rents their commercial kitchen to home bakers, helping local entrepreneurs meet health regulations and grow their own businesses.

Cody and Meredith actively engage with the Pace Area Chamber of Commerce, Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office, and other local partners to promote small-business growth. With support from the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC), they have navigated complex permitting and compliance processes while exploring opportunities to expand into institutional and government contracts.

As Santa Rosa County celebrates National Veterans Small Business Week, The Makery stands as a shining example of how veteran leadership and small-business creativity can enrich a community, one pastry at a time.

For more information, visit themakerybakeshop.com.