Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Brown.
Danielle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey started three years ago when I was scrolling through Facebook and happened upon a cookie decorating video and I was instantly hooked. I have always enjoyed trying my hand at new creative outlets so that same day, I sought out any material I could find to learn more about it, researched and bought all of the ingredients. Every day, when I got home from work, I’d spend hours practicing mixing dough and learning how to create the proper icing, constantly sharing my excitement and creations with my family and friends. After spending months perfecting my cookie recipe, I was confident enough to start posting my creations and before I knew it, I had multiple orders! I was floored at the amount of positive feedback that began rolling in and about how my cookies tasted as good as they looked! I hit the ground running and began designing my first logo and created my businesses own Instagram and Facebook to share my work. This combined with constant word of mouth referrals led to a few more orders which soon led to a steady stream of inquiries.
I had never felt more fulfilled! I was constantly gushing about my ideas and dreams of possibilities and my tribe supported me in a big way from sharing my posts to surprising me with branded packaging to help me build my business. To this day, consistent sharing of each new special custom order and word of mouth referrals are what drive my entire business. I am thankful every day that I followed my gut instincts and pursued my passion because I get to wake up every day and do what I love for a living!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For anyone, starting your own business is a challenge. For me, I was a Junior in college, lost, not knowing what I wanted to do with my life when cookies fell into my lap. Watching my peers climb the corporate ladder, I decided to take the road less traveled and start my own business. With that, I definitely experienced the hurdles and challenges that all brand new entrepreneurs face. I quickly became overwhelmed like most creatives with business aspects like budgeting, time management, and legal requirements. At the same time, I also struggled with “cookie cutter syndrome” and trying to find ways to always stand out from the crowd and set myself apart. Although, throughout all of my struggles, my passion and determination led me to success. Knowing that I am my own boss and that I am in control of my future makes any bump in the road worth it in the end! I live by the quote, “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” – Babe Ruth
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sweet Dee’s Custom Cookies – what should we know?
Sweet Dee’s Custom Cookies is really just that, custom in every way. I specialize in homemade and hand decorated artisan sugar cookies. With each and every order, I take detailed notes on the customer’s vision and theme and then use that as inspiration to not only execute their wishes but create unexpected surprises within each one.
I like to think I am known for my bubbly personality as well as my over the top details for each order. I spend so much time on each individual cookie like they’re mini pieces of art!
When I hear feedback from customers about how delicious my cookies taste and how beautiful they are, it makes me extremely proud. I take pride in each and every cookie that I make so knowing that my cookies made someone’s party or event that much more special means the world!
I think that the customer’s find value in the acute attention to detail that really makes each cookie come alive in its own way. I really enjoy personalizing my cookies by incorporating my other creative interests such as calligraphy. I also am constantly learning more about my craft and practice different techniques so that I can continue to grow my business bigger and bigger.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I grew up in a very left-brained household which exposed me to all kinds of creative outlets. I was encouraged to try new things. I have memories of my mom taking my sister and me every weekend to Hobby Lobby or craft stores to pick out supplies for whatever project we could envision. Canvases, yarn, beads, clay, etc. I never enjoyed any particular sport or activity enough to stick with it for long until I started my cookie business. Even though I have always been creative I was never good at Art. For the life of me, I cannot paint a picture or draw but once I have a cookie in front of me, my creative juices start flowing! Both my parents and my older sister are all entrepreneurs, so from a young age, I have seen how rewarding and inspirational owning your own business can be.
Contact Info:
- Email: sweetdeescustomcookies@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetdeescustomcookiess/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetdeescustomcookies/
Image Credit:
Alex Shelton Photography
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