Today we’d like to introduce you to Devon Dittmer.
Devon, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all started with my obsession with my Easy Bake Oven! I loved pulling that bad boy out and baking up some treats! But I really got interested in baking after spending a day baking with my Grandpa. He was a chemist and after he retired he took up baking, or chemistry in the kitchen, as we called it. He was able to explain what the ingredients do when they were heated and would experiment with new ingredients.
For a while, I would sell cakes here and there, but decided I didn’t really have a passion for cake decorating, so I decided to focus on cookies. I would always bring cookies to friends’ events – I even made the cookies for my best friend’s wedding! People always told me how much they love them, so I decided to pursue it! I love having an outlet to express my creativity and getting paid to do it is a nice bonus!
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 definitely been some bumps in the road! I work full-time in addition to running Southern Cookie Co., so it’s been a balancing act. There have been a lot of late nights finishing orders, only to turn around and get up for my “day job”. There’s also a lot of self-doubt in this industry. It’s hard not to compare your work to another baker’s.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Southern Cookie Co. story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in custom, decorated cookies. I specialize on creating cookies to go with the theme of any event, whether it be a birthday party, wedding, baby shower or anything in between! I love being able to take a client’s idea and bring it to life.
I think what sets me apart is the flavor of my cookie. I use my Grandma’s recipe and it’s an old family favorite. The number one compliment I get, is how soft and tasty the cookies are. I hear a lot from my clients that the cookies melt in your mouth. So, thanks Grandma!
What I’m most proud of is what I’ve been able to accomplish since I started in May. I’ve had steady orders and have already been recognized once. I went to set up my booth at a vendor event and had someone say, “There’s the cookie lady!” I’m proud to be the cookie lady! It’s an amazing feeling to be recognized within my community for something that I work hard on and am passionate about.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
My mom has always said that if it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck. Ha! Being so “unlucky” has taught me the importance of perseverance and it’s given me strength. If something goes wrong, if the cookies don’t turn out just right, I don’t wallow and moan about it. I’ve learned to say “it is what it is”, pick myself up by my bootstraps, and work until I’m satisfied. There’s no crying in cookie-ing!! (Just kidding. There totally is).
Pricing:
- Pricing starts at $36 per dozen and goes up to $55 per dozen based on the design
Contact Info:
- Email: info@southerncookieco.com
- Instagram: @southerncookieco_
- Facebook: @SouthernCookieComp
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
