Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Thomas.
Hi Chelsea, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2017, I decided to quit my high school teaching position to be home with my two young children. It became clear very quickly that I could not sit still and I wanted more out of every day! I expressed an interest to a new neighbor friend of mine for her to show me how to make the “fancy cookies” she had on her Facebook. She prepared a cookie decorating night for us and I was immediately hooked. It was the perfect combination of challenge, gifting potential, and yummy goodness. I spent the next six months making as many cookies as I could to perfect the icing consistencies and baked edges of cutout sugar cookies. I was making them for all celebrations and gatherings and every occasion in between.
Eventually, word began to spread and people I didn’t know were contacting me about cookies for their events, and I could no longer do them unendingly for free (as I would have loved!). I felt like God had equipped me with the drive, ability, desire, and time to pursue a self-sustaining hobby and bless others in the process.
In 2019, I began selling cookies as people requested them, and from there, I learned how to build and sustain a home business. My husband and kids have supported me through the busy weeks, countless pick-ups and deliveries, as well as the early Saturday morning porch sales. The business changes every year with new ideas and different ways to grow and diversify the cookies I offer, mostly to keep my restless mind entertained.
We moved to the Bridgeland neighborhood in 2020 from the start of the pandemic, and I had no idea what an amazing community we were entering. You bet I wanted to make a good impression on our neighbors, so I made a bunch of cookies and dropped them on doorsteps. That was the beginning of a humbling and exciting identity as a Bridgeland cookie lady! Although there were already several others who made cookies and other delicious treats before me, my new and existing friends in the neighborhood shared the news of my business and it grew exponentially. I began holding porch sales where no contact had to be made between people, and customers could shop my creations right off my porch. That was when my community really began to support me and build my confidence in growing the business.
I’ve had to remind myself that the important part of this journey isn’t to make money or even to keep myself busy, but to glorify God with my time and choices. More times than not, I get it wrong. I’ve had weeks when I genuinely neglected my children’s needs, and didn’t check in with my husband on how work was going. The pantry often fills up with baking supplies with no room for actual food. Eric has a recurring joke (I still laugh nervously) about having cookies for dinner because I’m up to my neck in orders for the week and can be found baking hundreds of cookies instead of cooking for the family. Unlike my insane push to make every cookie perfect and stunningly beautiful, I have learned to give myself grace and grow from my mistakes.
I’d like to think of myself as God’s “fancy cookie” that he keeps working on and perfecting over the years. My cookie business continues to refine me, give me purpose, and sanctify my role in my family.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have struggled with not being able to say no to orders I couldn’t fit in, balancing cookies and family time, and comparing myself with other professional cookiers
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I hope that my love for my customers sets me apart from any old baker. My favorite part of filling orders for all sorts of people (those I love and those I’ve never met) is that I earnestly pray over each cookie; I pray that they bring joy to all who encounter them, and that God’s love would be felt. I’m uniquely positioned to not be motivated by a need to make money but instead by a desire to meet the requests of my customers.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Amanda – for teaching how to make cookies and thereafter bring an enthusiastic customer and encourager!
My whole family for accepting the first few batches that were less than impressive and for ongoing support to raise prices, find boundaries, and increase my joy in the business.
Pricing:
- $42-$48 per dozen
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @chelseajocookies
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/chelseajocookies
