Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Russell.
Megan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My business started in 2017 but I got into cookies making in 2016 when my mom asked me if I could make cookies as party favors for my grandma’s 80th birthday in June. I took on the challenge to attempt royal iced cookies, and they turned out decent for my first attempt. We have a baker in the family that tried my cookies and said they turned out good for my first try and had good flavor. With the positive feedback, I got back to baking and tried to make cookies at Christmas time. As with most things, I was getting better with practice. I took on my very first paid order in February of 2017 from a family friend.
After I received my first few orders, I started creating a business name with the help of my sister. I enjoyed making the cookies, but I also liked making wood signs and canvases, so that is how we came up with Meg’s Makes and Bakes. After a name was created, my business slowly started growing as the word of mouth was getting out from the people who had ordered before. My business has continued to grow through word of mouth and I couldn’t be happier. The makes was put on the back burner for a little while as my cookie orders were flooding in and kept me very busy. Cookie orders have slowed down since the coronavirus, so I have been able to focus on adding some more makes to my portfolio. Cookie orders are picking back up, but I can’t wait to continue growing the makes and bakes in my portfolio. I am grateful for the wonderful journey I have been on so far and can’t wait to see where the future takes it.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a completely smooth road, but it’s hard to grow without some bumps in the road. I have had a few times where business has slowed down and made it hard to get by. The one good thing about having business slow down a few times is that it has helped me not get burnt out on cookies. The holiday seasons have been so busy, that at times, I didn’t want to make another cookie. The slow times have helped me continue my journey and looking back, I am so grateful for the slow times because I love getting the chance to do something I enjoy everyday.
Please tell us about Meg’s Makes and Bakes.
Meg’s Makes and Bakes is a business focused on customized decorated sugar cookies to customized canvases and signs. Customized decorated sugar cookies is definitely what I am known for, but I am hoping to grow the makes part to be known just as well. I am very proud of how far I have come on improving my cookie decorating and learning new techniques to keep growing.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is baking pies with my aunt as the holidays. It was not an easy task, as we would have to make several pies to have enough for the whole family, but spending time with my aunt was worth it. Baking pies with her every year is what made me love baking so much.
Pricing:
- Decorated sugar cookies start at $36/dozen, go up depending on theme and details
- Lazy Susans start at $60
Contact Info:
- Website: megsmakesandbakes.com
- Phone: 7133013942
- Email: megsmakesandbakes@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megsmakesandbakes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megsmakesandbakes
Image Credit:
Samantha Russell
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