By Kirk Kern
Cooking and baking have always been a creative outlet for Shelly Toly. The Skye Canyon resident previously ran a catering business and small retail bakery but has spent her recent years working in tech as a marketing strategist.
“As I started thinking about my next chapter, I kept returning to food—it’s where I feel the most joy and connection,” she said. “Launching Bougie Bites gave me a way to blend my background in hospitality, design, and storytelling into something fun (and delicious) I can share with others.”
Bougie Bites specializes in macarons, a French meringue-based sandwich cookie that Toly learned to make while taking a series of pastry classes living in Paris in 2012.
“One of those classes focused entirely on macarons—their technique is notoriously tricky, but I was determined to master them once I got home,” she said. “Over the years, they became my signature party dessert, and eventually friends (and even strangers) began ordering them for weddings, birthdays, and special events. Now I’ve made thousands—and I’m still obsessed.”
And a side business was born.
“Launching Bougie Bites gave me a way to blend my background in hospitality, design, and storytelling into something fun (and delicious) I can share with others,” she said.
Toly said Nevada’s cottage food laws allowed her to legally bake and sell macarons directly from home and at local events. She didn’t need to build or rent a commercial kitchen to start her business.
Bougie Bites goes hand-in-hand with Toly’s other business, The Coco and Chanel Social Club. This business, named after her two dachshunds, offers a way for people to host beautiful, low-stress gatherings with curated party kits and how-to guides. Each kit includes recipes, styling tips and prep plans for party hosts.
“Bougie Bites was a natural extension—macarons are the perfect sweet treat to serve or gift at these events,” she said. “They’re the first product in what I hope will become a larger line of handcrafted baked goods, both sweet and savory, designed to make everyday celebrations feel a little extra.”
Toly and her husband Sean moved to Skye Canyon in 2024 after living in Southern Highlands and Henderson.
“After three moves in nearly seven years, we finally feel like we’ve found ‘home’,” she said. “I love the peaceful mountain views, the access to outdoor spaces, and the strong sense of community. It’s the perfect balance—close to great shopping and dining, but without the traffic headaches. As empty nesters, we really appreciate the lifestyle here.”
Those interested can visit the website www.cocoandchanelsocialclub.com.