IN Fox Chapel Area Winter 2016 | Page 46

Sweet How BY NICOLE TAFE it is Bella Christie & Lil’Z’s Sweet Boutique brings unique, tasty treats to Aspinwall. “E very day is a sweet day at Bella Christie & Lil’ Z’s Sweet Boutique!” say sisters Kristin Lewis-Smith and Kadee Lewis. As one of Aspinwall’s treasured boutiques, Bella Christie & Lil’ Z’s offers something unique and delectable that will tantalize the taste buds of anyone whose favorite part of a meal is dessert. Bella Christie’s was initially started by Kristin Lewis-Smith about 12 years ago. At that time, the home-based business was small and specialized in decorated cookies and bakery bars as well as cookies that were produced for private and wholesale clients. Growing up, Lewis-Smith would spend countless summers “down south” 44 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area apprenticing with her grandmother—a master “southern” baker and candy maker. With her grandmother’s influence, she quickly fostered a love for baking and candy making, and when her children were very young, she decided to delve into a business of her own that quickly became a success. About four years later, Lewis-Smith and her sister, Kadee Lewis, joined forces to expand this business to create the shop that exists today. Lewis, a personal trainer and gym owner in Aspinwall, pushed her sister to expand her talents and encouraged her to tackle new items like fondant and wedding cakes.