Today we’d like to introduce you to Madalen Schillo
Hi Madalen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, my family cherished the tradition of baking Christmas cookies and candies each year. I was blessed to be surrounded by skilled bakers, and when my husband, Kenneth, and I began dating in high school, I discovered that he too came from a family rich in Christmas baking traditions. One of the highlights of his family’s celebrations was the decoration of sugar cookies, which marked my initial introduction to this delightful art. Kenneth’s grandmother would prepare hundreds of sugar cookies, and we would gather around the table for hours, joyfully decorating them with icing and sprinkles. Though the cookies may not have always been the most beautiful, their deliciousness brought us joy as we shared boxes of them with family and friends during the Christmas season.When Kenneth and I relocated from Wisconsin to Texas, we faced the challenge of continuing our beloved baking tradition without our families nearby. Yet, we were determined to pass this cherished experience on to our two daughters. In December of 2023, we decided to compile our family recipes and embark on a new baking tradition as a family of four. I committed to making three batches of cookies, but as we began decorating, it became clear that our hearts were calling us to create even more.Inspired by beautiful sugar cookies I had seen on social media, I conducted research on making royal icing that would harden, allowing for more intricate designs. This journey of discovery led to further research and practice, and before long, we had baked and decorated ten dozen cookies, each adorned with new creative ideas. Although I began with limited knowledge, my determination to learn propelled me forward.Initially, I used ziplock bags filled with icing as makeshift piping bags, but it was Kenneth who encouraged me to consider selling the cookies. Doubts crept in, as I questioned my artistic abilities, yet I continued to research and practice. I invested in the right tools and embraced the process wholeheartedly. The support from friends, who encouraged me to bring cookies to every event, provided me with invaluable practice and exposure.By March 2024, All Saints Baking Co. came to life.Kenneth and I were introduced to the world of entrepreneurship in our early twenties, and over the past decade, we have been richly blessed to learn from some of the finest minds in the industry. These experiences have shaped our outlook and equipped us with essential insights for running a successful business. Through the relationships we’ve fostered and the environments we’ve engaged with, we recognized our desire to operate in more than just one arena.For a time, we grappled with uncertainty about our direction. Our passion for entrepreneurship and yearning to create something meaningful were clear, yet the specifics remained elusive. It was only when we deepened our faith that we discovered our true calling, igniting our journey toward establishing a business that resonates with our values.Reflecting on our path, it all aligns beautifully. We utilize family recipes, bake together as a family, and now, we are expanding our tradition to invite others to partake in this joyful experience.A year later, through countless orders, I have refined my craft, acquired new skills, and expanded our business. We now have the privilege of baking for a diverse array of events, including baby showers, gender reveals, birthday parties, corporate functions, and more.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The greatest challenge I have encountered in my journey with All Saints Baking Co. has been overcoming my own self-doubt. It is the struggle to believe in my capabilities and to trust that I can craft a product worthy of others’ appreciation. While many may allow such doubts to deter them from pursuing entrepreneurship, my faith has served as a powerful motivator, inspiring me to delve deeper and seek understanding. I recognized that feeling “not good enough” in the moment should not dictate my actions; I had to begin my journey, knowing that with dedication and perseverance, I would grow.My faith and the unwavering support of my husband have been essential pillars in this endeavor. They continually uplift and encourage me, especially during challenging times. This encouragement fuels my determination to enhance my offerings. When faced with setbacks, I return to the drawing board, eager to learn, create, and refine my craft. My husband often reminds me, “Don’t define the thing before you do the thing. Just GO!” This reminder propels me forward, reinforcing my belief that with faith and resilience, all things are possible.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At All Saints Baking Co., we are dedicated to creating personalized and custom sugar cookies that reflect the love and care we pour into our work. As both a mother and a business owner, I take great pride in the journey I have embarked on. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood, homeschooling my children, and running a successful business has been a fulfilling endeavor, made possible through the art of baking.From the very beginning, my daughters have played an integral role in All Saints Baking Co., contributing their ideas for designs and assisting me in various ways. It is a profound blessing to share this experience with them, allowing them to witness their parents walking by faith, striving for their dreams, and pursuing them with unwavering determination.What distinguishes our business is the heartfelt attention given to each order. There is nothing “cookie-cutter” about our approach; every creation is a unique reflection of my dedication. When faced with challenges, I am committed to learning and discovering new ways to fulfill each vision. Everything we produce is custom and handmade, embodying a piece of my heart and passion.I recognize that it truly takes a village to nurture children, and the same holds true for succeeding as a business owner. I have been blessed with a wonderful support system, encompassing family, friends, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs, who have been there for me throughout this journey. Their encouragement, guidance, and belief in my vision have been indispensable, and I attribute much of my success to those who have uplifted me and helped me navigate the obstacles along the way.It is my hope that whenever individuals encounter All Saints Baking Co., they are reminded of their inherent worth as beloved children of God, and that they too are cherished and loved by Jesus. None of this would be possible without His grace and guidance in my life.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I consider myself an open book, and should you meet me in a casual setting, you would likely learn about my dreams, my vision, and the aspirations I am working diligently to accomplish within an hour. Though I was an introvert in my younger years, I have embraced the opportunity to step out of my shell and engage in the art of networking. These skills have proven invaluable, and I attribute much of my current success to their development.As a child, I envisioned a future in the medical field; however, I eventually recognized that this was not the path God intended for me. Instead, I discovered that entrepreneurship has always felt like my true calling. I have never allowed myself to be confined by limitations. While my ultimate goals have remained steadfast, the journey to achieve them has transformed over time—and it has certainly presented its challenges. Yet, when one holds a deep belief in their purpose, it prompts the question, “What do you have to lose?”This perspective drives me to pursue my ambitions with passion and faith, trusting that God has a plan for my journey.
Pricing:
- $40 One Dozen Basic Design Cookies
- $20 Half Dozen Basic Design Cookies
- $50 One Dozen Custom Cookies
- $25 Half Dozen Custom Cookies
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @allsaintsbakingco
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Ashley Nicholette
