Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Flynn.
Deborah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story started with a passion for baking and attending culinary school.
In 2002, I received a culinary arts degree and worked for a number of years in the restaurant and baking industry. However, after working in a corporate setting and following strict recipe and menu standards, it didn’t allow me to express my full artistic abilities. I missed having the freedom to create and try out new recipes the same way I did in culinary school. Often I would think about starting my own business, but at the time, the Texas Cottage Food Law had not been passed and my only option would be a storefront bakery. I wasn’t ready to start that type of business so I decided to put the idea on the back burner in hopes that the cottage law would eventually proceed.
Now that many years have passed and the laws have changed, my cookie business has become a reality thanks to my dad. Since the beginning of my journey, he believed in me and wanted to see me achieve something I had always wanted to do instead of just talking about it. My dad was the perfect cookie and sweets tester so after I completed some refresher classes, I began giving him samples of my work and after liking them so much, we began discussing the idea of starting my own company. Shortly after that conversation and the request for more of my treats, my dad helped me start my business. With his help, I’ve never had to worry about many obstacles because he always made sure I had everything I needed in order to succeed!
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?
Even with lots of baking experience, cookie decorating is a newer adventure for me. I have struggled through hundreds of cookies to get to where I am today, but I’ve enjoyed learning along the way!
The biggest thing I’ve learned is to always accept a challenge and that has helped me grow as a cookie artist more than anything. I can still remember taking my first cookie order that was out of my comfort zone and when I pushed myself to make them perfect, they came out beyond my expectations! Most of my orders are custom designed and can take up to several days to complete a full set from start to finish. In the end, the ultimate reward is hearing positive feedback from my customers!
Growing my business has been a challenge under the Texas Cottage Food Laws. Since there is no storefront, bakers rely on referrals or media sites. Currently, cottage bakers aren’t allowed to have an online store so that makes it difficult to sell, but as of September 1, 2019, that will be changing. Once the new law starts bakers can have an online store as long as part of the transaction takes place in person such as the pick-up or delivery. Bakers will also be able to do pop-up shops as long as they are operating the sale of their items. If anyone is interested in having Red Velvet Cookies and Baking Co. do a pop-up shop at their business, I can definitely do that come September!
Red Velvet Cookies and Baking Co. – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Red Velvet Cookies and Baking Co. is a home-based cottage bakery established and located in McKinney, Texas specializing in artisan cookies, custom decorated sugar cookies, cookie cakes & other baked goods. Every item is handmade from scratch using real, quality ingredients. My mission is to bake delicious baked goods and treats that bring a smile to your face.
Several things I’m most proud of are the quality ingredients that are used in all my baked goods and also the strict sanitation methods used to operate my business. While some people are concerned about buying food from a home kitchen, I can say my kitchen is much cleaner than most commercial kitchens I’ve worked in over the years. Coming from a professional background, using the best ingredients available and keeping my kitchen super clean are the two most important priorities of my entire business!
I believe what sets me apart is the taste and appearance of my sugar cookies. They are one of a kind and have a combination of part vanilla bean and part red velvet in every cookie, so you get both flavors in each bite. I offer regular vanilla and other flavors of sugar cookies but my customers always ask for the red velvet vanilla bean cookie! They love the taste but also their unique marbled appearance!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The first official cookie sale and the reactions I received from my customer has been the proudest yet most rewarding moment of my career. After delivering their order, they messaged me saying the flavors and design of the cookies were very beautiful and delicious! After hearing those compliments, I felt very accomplished and confident about my work.
Pricing:
- I require a minimum of one dozen
- My detailed cookies are around $36-$45/dozen
- Pop-Up sales start at $3/cookie
- Special sales and holiday sales are posted on Instagram & Facebook
Contact Info:
- Website: redvelvetcookiesandbakingco.com
- Email: info@redvelvetcookiesandbakingco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redvelvetcookiesandbakingco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redvelvetcookiesandbakingco
Image Credit:
Red Velvet Cookies and Baking Co.
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