Today we’d like to introduce you to Sally Ford.
Sally, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 2015, I ordered cookies from a local cookie baker for my son’s 1st birthday. When I received the cookies, I thought they were absolutely beautiful and tasted delicious. I was instantly intrigued. Shortly after, I started watching YouTube cookie videos, reading cookie blogs and thought, “I can totally do this!”. My first set of cookies were *not* good. They had an uneven thickness, the icing was running off and they were a disaster, to put it nicely. However, I refused to give up. I practiced and made free cookies for friends and family. My technique improved with each set and after about six months, I was confident enough to start selling them.
Fast forward almost five (!!!) years and I currently make and sell about 10-15 dz cookies a week. Most of my customers are repeat customers from when I first started, I can’t believe the cookies I made for their baby shower are now for that same child’s 4th birthday! Making custom cookies is something I’ve grown passionate about and love doing everyday.
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?
My main struggle is trying to find that balance between being a mom and running a business. Even when I’m not actively baking or decorating, I am answering emails, brainstorming next week’s designs, shopping for supplies or keeping my social media business accounts up to date. It’s a daily struggle but I try to take it one day at a time.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sally’s Sweets – what should we know?
Sally’s Sweets makes custom cookies from scratch which are hand-rolled and hand-decorated. My cookies are buttery vanilla sugar cookies which are then decorated with layers of vanilla almond royal icing. They are perfect for birthdays, showers, weddings or even corporate events. Although I am proud of the designs and techniques that I am able to achieve with each set, I am most proud of the recipe that I’ve perfected. My cookies are soft thanks to the butter yet have a slight bite. They are not too sweet and have a hint of almond flavor. I get told all the time how delicious they are! My favorite way to eat one is in the morning with a cup of hot coffee!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Amazing customer service is extremely important to me. I treat my customers the way I would want to be treated. I try my best to answer messages and emails in a timely manner, I try to be flexible for pick up days/times and try my best to squeeze in last-minute orders. I have made mistakes before on spelling or color errors (I’m only human!) but I try to do everything in my power to make it right.
Pricing:
- Cookies-$39/dozen
- Wrapping & ribbon-$45/dozen
Contact Info:
- Website: sallyssweetstx.com
- Email: sallyssweetstx@hotmail.com
- Instagram: sallys_sweetstx
- Facebook: facebook.com/sallyssweetstx
Image Credit:
Fulleylove Photography
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