Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Norwood
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am an elementary school teacher and have been for the past 32 years. My husband is now retired from teaching/coaching. We have two boys Landry and Ryan. When Landry was in his second year of college, and Ryan was about to graduate from high school, I knew I was about to be an empty nester. I prayed about a way I could make a little extra income and for something that would fill my time with them being gone. I thought about redoing furniture or baking, but nothing really came to mind. Then one day, my youngest sister Sunni texted me and sent a picture of some adorable decorated cookies. She was wanting some cookies for my nephew’s first birthday and said “How cute are these cookies! I wish you could try to make these. But, if you can’t, you can make chocolate chip cookies instead.” It was the end of May 2016, summer was just beginning, and so the challenge was on. I decided right then, that my nephew was going to get cute, adorable farm animal cookies. So, I spent the next two weeks on the internet teaching myself how to make them. I did not take chocolate chip cookies to the party, but I took homemade sugar cookies that I decorated with homemade royal icing. The farm theme cookies were a hit at the party and my love for making decorated sugar cookies had begun! From there, I received more orders for decorated cookies, it snowballed, and Amy Carol Cookies began. Eight and half years later, I am still baking and making decorated sugar cookies. My small business is what it is today, first and foremost because of my faith in God, and the support of family, friends and community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would say yes, it has been a smooth road. I have never struggled for business. Living in a small community you know a lot of people and they know someone that they will refer to you. I live in Wise County, where there are basically nine communities, and everyone knows everyone. At least it used to be that way, we are growing fast!
My biggest challenge is setting limits for myself. Sometimes, I do have to turn business down because making custom decorated cookies takes many hours and is very time consuming. Once, I stayed up for two days straight! That was not good for my health or my family. I’ve learned to set limits and refer customers to others bakers in the county if I do not have time to make them. I’ve even had to turn down my Mom before! I always thought saying no, would turn away business, but I’ve learned that most people are understanding and do come back. With that being said, my calendar for making custom decorated cookies stays booked and most people have to book with me 3 to 6 months in advance.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am considered a cottage baker, meaning I bake from my home and follow the Texas Cottage Law. I specialize in delicious homemade custom decorated cookies. I make them unique to the special occasion and I try not to make the exact same set twice. I do my best work when given the theme/color and full creative privileges.
I have a signature vanilla-almond cookie which is my most preferred flavor. In the past I have offered decorated cookies in other flavors such as simply vanilla, confetti, pumpkin spice, chocolate brownie, lemon and chocolate chip. I also offer a gluten free signature or simply vanilla cookie.
I have offered a few basic beginner classes and some just “fun, I’ll talk you through decorating the cookies” classes. I have offered these in different locations such as my home, client’s homes, my church (Grace Fellowship of Paradise), and different locations in Downtown Historic Bridgeport, TX. I also taught an elective class at Cookie Con Dallas that was held at the Dallas Anatole Hotel. That was a great experience and one that I will never forget.
I sometimes offer pre-sales around the holidays, but my favorite thing to do, is to set up my pink tent with my friend Becky Renfro (Becky Jo’s Bakery to Go) and sell cookies at the Paradise Main Street Festival held every September and the Chico Fest held every October.
I love that my cookies bring a little joy and happiness to people. It’s what keeps me going and one of the reasons why I continue to do it. It is a great way to meet people and show a little kindness to others. Not only do I get to give my cookies as gifts, but sometimes my clients buy them to give away as well. I’ve had several clients who have wanted to bless their doctors or nurses with them. I love being a part of such kindness!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many that I need to give credit to:
God
I have faith in God and I believe it is Him who has given me the talents and creativity that has made Amy Carol Cookies what it is today. I first give Him the credit.
Family
My husband Larry Norwood- He is my biggest supporter. He is there for me in all areas of this business (except decorating- not his thing) He is there for me when I am stressed, he helps me with the packaging and cleaning. He is the official box maker.
My mom and sisters- My mom (Sherry McAsey) always helps me when I am in a pinch. She has helped me clean and has come to several classes just to help me out including Cookie Con.
My Sisters Mandy Poe, Sarah Richey and Sunni Holton- Bless their hearts! They are my biggest cheerleaders. I can’t tell you how many pictures I’ve sent to them to analyze for me. Sisters will be truthful and tell you if a design of the cookie looks alright or if it needs to be changed. Mandy also came to Cookie Con and helped with the elective classes.
Mentors
Lydia Carter (LC Sweets) – She also lives in Wise County (Boyd) which is one of the communities near me. She is not only an inspiration to me, but has given advice when I’ve asked for it. I have attended several of her classes and have learned most of my skills from her. She also has a cookie cutter business and has went above and beyond to make custom cookie cutters for me. She has met me with a special deliveries and has just been a good “cookie” friend to me that is close and in person. I love visiting with her and her two boys. It is just nice to have someone close that knows the business.
Leisha Young (Cakes by Leisha)- Leisha is very famous for her wedding cakes, but is now retired from her brick and mortar bakery. She is a great friend and mentor to me. Not only has she given me wonderful advice, but has sent clients to me, including herself and we have spent some late nights texting about the baking business. She also, has been one of my greatest cheerleaders.
Friends & Clients
I have way too many to list here, but I do want to mention all of my co-workers at Paradise ISD. They’ve taste-tested, bought cookies and trusted in me even when I was first starting out. They are the reason my business snow-balled. I put friends and clients in the same category because most of my long-time clients are friends or they have become my friend because of being a client. I definitely couldn’t do it without their want for cookies!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bakesy.shop/b/amy-carol-cookies
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amycarolcookies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E4GrxzTq3/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
*First and second images were cookies that I made for my Son and Daughter-in-law’s wedding and soon to be grand baby that will be here in February.
*Third image is my cousin Doug Hill on his 50th birthday. He is one of the biggest Dallas Cowboy fans that I know and has been since birth.
*Fourth image is cookies that I sold at the Paradise Main Street Festival.
*Fifth image is Christmas cookies.
*Sixth image is custom made birthday cookies with a pancake and pajama theme .
