Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Orr.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I went to culinary school 15 years ago and worked in various baking/pastry positions before getting burnt out. When I had my daughter, my husband and I moved to his hometown of Sherman, TX. I decided to try and bake on my own and do cookie art while being a stay at home mom. A couple of years later, CJ’s Coffee Cafe asked me to come and bake for them part-time. It’s a wonderful opportunity as it’s allowed me to take care of my little girl and persue my photography. I still do cookie art on the side from time to time to help with expenses.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have been plenty of struggles. I have a lack of space in our rental home so it’s very easy for orders to overtake my home. As my daughter has gotten older, I’ve had to take some off my plate. There’s also the inevitable slow spurts of summer and after the holidays that can hurt financially. We could end it with trying to juggle it all (motherhood, entrepreneurship, lack of social life, etc.) which will lead you to eat an entire pack of tear and share M&M’s in your parked car while crying and listening to Sia.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
For Twelve Eleven, I started out trying to bake everything. I do love baking. It’s such a wonderful way to spread joy. In the end, I really love doing custom cookies, or cookie art as I like to call it. If I could support myself just on decorated cookies alone, I certainly would, as the work itself can be very therapeutic.
What were you like growing up?
Personality wise, I am an introvert with a very dry sense of humor. I have always fought social anxiety as well as depression. Interest growing up was always on the creative side; writing, art, photography, etc. If I could make something, I was happy. I was never allowed in the kitchen as a kid and I think that’s what made me find culinary school so appealing. I didn’t even know you needed to preheat an oven! It was a rough start with some tough chefs but I came out alright.
Pricing:
- Most custom cookie sets are $40
- I will work out deals for logo cookies as low as $24
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.1211bakery.com
- Phone: 2144172926
- Email: 1211bakery@gmail.com
- Instagram: 1211bakery
- Facebook: 1211bakery
- Twitter: 1211bakery
Image Credit:
All photos are taken by Shannon Orr Photography
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