Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Beck.
Renee, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
About five years ago, I was approached by a friend at church to see if I could make a cake and some cookies with royal icing for an upcoming kids birthday party. I remember laughing and asking her what royal icing was. Honestly, I had only ever done cakes for my kids’ birthdays. I told her I would give it a shot- with help from YouTube and a good friend of mine (who had decorated cookies before), we managed to make the cookies and cake. They were a huge hit at the party and I left that afternoon with people asking if I could do cake and cookies for some upcoming events. When I got home, I called my friend and asked her if she wanted to start baking part-time with me and she said YES! So here we were, coworkers by day, and the bakers of Flour Girls by night/weekends. Our schedules started filling up and quickly.
A few months in she decided she wanted to focus on going back to school but told me I could keep the name and work the business as mine and she would support me- and she has ever since!! She recently graduated and I could not be more proud of her.
Over the years, my husband and kids have assisted as the other Flour Girls, and it is totally a family business. Our family has been through a lot and Flour Girls had to be put to the side in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey and the beginning of some knee issues for me. We lost all of my baking stuff…or so I thought.
In November 2018, after moving twice, and honestly having no desire to bake again, my kids asked if we could make cookies to take to people we were Thankful for. They didn’t want any cookies- they wanted Flour Girls cookies. So my husband went to the attic, and much to my surprise, he had been able to save all of my cookie cutters from the flood. He told me he had saved them for me until I was ready to start again.
I remember posting on social media that I had found some cutters and was going to try my hand at Thanksgiving cookies to see how they would come out. I made one batch of cookies and icing and spent 8 hours decorating the two dozen cookies. I took a picture and posted them to social media and I instantly had people asking me if I was back baking again.
The next thing I knew, I was taking orders for Thanksgiving- 22 dozen cookies in 2 days. What was happening? How did I get back to this? Well, I have been going strong ever since. My cookie dream had become a reality- AGAIN and I honestly couldn’t be happier.
Flour Girls only specializes in cookies now, but that is honestly where my passion is. I love knowing I am a small part of people’s memories!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing in life worth having comes easily. It’s been hard- knowing how to balance my regular job, my family. Was I spreading myself too thin? Then Hurricane Harvey happened, and over the last 3 1/2 years I have had nine knee surgeries. Life throws your curveballs. You have to constantly step back and evaluate your priorities. Life is always a balancing act and your priorities will change. I have had to learn to say no at times, knowing it is for the greater good. I have found being honest with my customers when I am needing to step back or am unable to do something it the best bet. I have the most amazing customers and that base grows daily.
My advice to someone starting out in anything would be to know your “why”. Why are you doing this? The minute you forget that you need to step back and regroup. Burn out can happen so fast. And lastly, don’t ever forget that you have been given an amazing gift and talent and there is no other you. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Be genuine and stay true to yourself. Work Hard and give credit to those who help you along the way.
You can do anything you put your mind to!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Flour Girls – what should we know?
I am a custom in home bakery that specializes in cookies in Atascocita, TX. I help to bring people’s cookie visions to life.
I have a true passion for people, and getting to love on them through cookies is so amazing!
I would like to believe that my willingness to help others and genuine appreciation for their business sets me apart. I know they could go to a bunch of other places to get cookies, but they choose Flour Girls, and they come back. That has to mean something.
There is a customer I have done bridal shower, wedding favors, baby shower, first birthday and now Baptism cookies for their child. This blows my mind that they trust me for these momentous events.
I also offer cookie classes for people of all ages and skillsets. It is so much fun to share my love of cookies with others.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
Definitely my mom. Some of my most favorite memories are baking with her as a child. She would always find recipes for us to try, and we would talk and laugh.
She is the strongest person I know. She always worked hard and never gave up, even when it seemed impossible. She taught me to always have faith and trust in God. I know I would not be who I am today without her, she has been an amazing role model and I know I would not be who I am today without her.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flourgirlstx.com
- Phone: 281-520-7323
- Email: flourgirlstx@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/flourgirlstx
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/flourgirstx
Image Credit:
Renee Beck (Flour Girls)
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
