Kristen D'Angelo earned a following in Fairfax, VA, over the past few years baking from her home and becoming a familiar face at farmers markets there.

Now, she's in the middle of renovations in a space in the Clock Tower Plaza to open her first bakery. She is aiming to open the shop by March 12.

Sweet Hearts Patisserie will feature handmade pastries, including the petit fours and French macaroons she said she is best known for.

"I've always wanted to have my own bakery," she said Wednesday afternoon as contractors and electricians buzzed around the shop. "This just seemed like the perfect spot."

D'Angelo said she already feels at home with the other shops, such as My Butcher and More and Wine Cellars of Annapolis, that help give the small center on Forest Drive its personality.

"Having always done farmers markets, I've always been surrounded by the same, like-minded people," she said. "And this area has that feel."

And not to mention, the area has its own farmers market in the summer.

D'Angelo has remodeled the main shop area with a large new chandelier, a new ceiling, fresh paint and other lighting. The kitchen area was already equipped for a bakery—it was most recently Praline Bakery—and basically ready for her to start baking.

She said she has hired workers for the retail end, but is still in the process of hiring four additional people to help her with the baking.

"It's really been a fun adventure," D'Angelo said.

For more information, visit www.sweetheartspatisserie.com.