Today we’d like to introduce you to Spencer Lee IV.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey has been about discovering what I want for myself and having the courage to pursue it. I’ve always had a creative side, and over time, I’ve wanted to find ways to turn that creativity into something of my own.
Over the years, I’ve been figuring out who I am, what I’m good at, and what I want out of life. Not everything I’ve tried has worked out the way I expected, but I’ve learned something from each experience. I’ve come to realize that I don’t want to limit myself to one path or wait until I have everything figured out before pursuing the things that interest me. I’d rather explore my creativity, try new things, and give myself the opportunity to discover what I’m capable of.
I’ve also been focused on branding myself and building my online identity as “The Fourth Spencer.” I created that identity as a way to represent myself creatively and explore different opportunities. One of the first things I did under that name was release my book, *The Way Life Is*, which gave me the opportunity to experience what it’s like to put my work out into the world and see where it could lead. It was a way for me to test the waters, learn from the experience, and start figuring out what I want to build for myself.
More recently, I started Sweet or Sum, a home-based bakery in Gallatin, Tennessee, specializing in cookies, with plans to expand into other sweet treats in the future. My family had been telling me for years that I should start selling cookies, but I wanted to make sure I had my recipes where I wanted them before turning it into a business. Once I felt ready, I decided to take that step and see where I could go with it. I wanted to create a brand that was more than just selling baked goods. I wanted it to have its own personality, something people could connect with and remember.
Starting a business has definitely been a learning experience. From developing recipes and figuring out pricing and packaging to building a website and creating content, I’ve had to learn a lot along the way. I’m still in the early stages, but I’m proud of taking the steps to turn an idea into something real.
At this point in my life, I’m focused on finding my way, figuring out what I truly want, and putting myself in a position to achieve it. I don’t have everything figured out, but I’m learning more about myself through the things I create and the opportunities I pursue. My goal is to continue growing, exploring my creativity, and building a life that reflects the things I’m passionate about. I’m excited about what’s ahead and looking forward to seeing how far I can take it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think one of the biggest challenges is simply getting started and turning an idea into an actual business. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes, from finding your audience and attracting customers to making sure you’re handling the legal side of things correctly. I wanted to make sure I was doing everything the right way, so I had to learn to be patient and not rush the process just to get everything out there.
Another big challenge was developing a cookie recipe that I felt confident selling. I’m very particular about my products, and I wanted to make sure I was putting out something I could genuinely feel good about. It took time to get things to where I wanted them, but I think it’s important to stand behind what you’re selling.
Timing was another factor. I always knew that selling cookies was something I wanted to do eventually, but I didn’t know exactly when I would take that step. Sometimes you have an idea for a long time before you feel ready to act on it. For me, a big part of the journey has been figuring out when to take that leap while making sure I was prepared for what came with it.
I’m still learning as I go, especially when it comes to building an audience and getting those first customers. But I understand that starting a business takes time, and I’m willing to put in the work to grow Sweet or Sum into what I envision it becoming.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sweet or Sum?
Sweet or Sum is a home-based bakery in Gallatin, Tennessee, specializing in cookies, with plans to expand into other sweet treats in the future. My goal is simple: to offer amazing cookies while building a brand that people recognize, connect with, and remember.
What sets Sweet or Sum apart is that I don’t want to overcomplicate things. I want to focus on making great cookies and giving people something they’ll genuinely enjoy. I believe the product should speak for itself. At the same time, I put a lot of thought into the branding and overall identity of Sweet or Sum. I want it to have a distinct personality and the kind of presence you would expect from a major, well-known brand. Even though I’m just getting started, I’m building with that bigger vision in mind.
One of the things I’m most proud of is taking something I’ve been doing for years and turning it into a product I can package and sell. It’s amazing to see everything come together and watch something that was once just part of my everyday life become a business of its own.
Sweet or Sum currently operates through an online pre-order model, with orders opening on Wednesdays and closing on Sundays at 4 p.m. Orders ship within 1–2 days after the cookies are baked.
Ultimately, I want to build a recognizable brand known for its products, its personality, and the experience it creates for customers. I’m starting with cookies, but I see plenty of room for Sweet or Sum to grow.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a very creative person, even if I didn’t always express it. I enjoyed planning things, thinking through details, and considering how different decisions could lead to different outcomes. I also liked writing songs whenever I was bored, so I’ve always had an interest in creating things and expressing myself in different ways.
Personality-wise, I was extremely quiet and dealt with a lot of social anxiety. I actually preferred to be overlooked rather than have too much attention on me. I usually had a few people I felt comfortable around, but even then, I didn’t open up too much. A lot of my thoughts, ideas, and ambitions were things I kept to myself.
At the same time, I always dreamed big. Sometimes, my vision for what I wanted was bigger than what I was prepared for at the time, but I think that was part of figuring myself out. I didn’t necessarily know how I was going to accomplish everything I imagined, but I knew there was more I wanted to explore and experience.
Looking back, I can see that a lot of those qualities are still a part of me today. My creativity, the way I think through things, and my desire to build something of my own have followed me into adulthood. I may not have always been the person to speak up or put myself out there, but I was always thinking, imagining, and figuring out what might be possible.
Pricing:
- 6 cookies for $12
- 12 cookies for $24
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sweetorsum.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetorsum
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetorsum
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweetorsum
