Today we’d like to introduce you to Mallory Cislo
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 started my career as a writing instructor at SMU, but after my third baby was born, I was looking for a change. I became a personal trainer and started my first business, Positively Fit Lake Highlands, in 2011. In 2023, I again felt the need to change things up, so I decided to make a business out of my cookie decorating hobby. I worked in both roles until April of 2024, when I officially stopped training and became a full time cookie artist at Mallory’s Cookie Jar. I believe all of my experiences have helped me launch this successful business!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest struggle for any cookie artist is the long hours needed to make a profit. Sometimes, the art is so incredibly intricate and time-consuming, but because it’s made to be eaten and not hung on a wall, the market will only sustain a certain value on the art. That makes it difficult to earn a living without working 80+ hours a week, which I often do during the busy season (September through May). As an added income stream and to get more time together, my husband, Craig, and I started teaching cookie classes, a venture which has added even more fun and variety to the business! I do the teaching, and he runs drinks, makes jokes, and helps with everything from check in, to replacing dropped cookies, to clean up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in custom cookies for events such as birthdays, baby and wedding showers, and every holiday. I’m known for my precise piping skills, delicious super-secret cookie recipe, and creative designs. I think I’m most proud that I’m able to be a part of my customers’ most precious moments. Having a customer light up after seeing my work is the best feeling I could have. What sets me apart is that I have a lifelong passion for learning and teaching, and I really put my all into everything I do. I’m getting ready to attend my second CookieCon, which is a four day event held in the US each year. I’m registered for advanced classes to learn many new techniques which I’m excited to bring to my customers!
What are your plans for the future?
As the owner of a young business, I’m still deciding how to approach the future. I have an edible ink printer and have done some corporate work. I’d love to do more of that and can do everything from basic logo cookies to creating gift boxes for clients.
In the immediate future, we are heading toward a cookie artist’s biggest season, which begins in October with Halloween, and really hardly lets up until after Easter. I am participating in a number of markets, including the Dallas Oktoberfest and the JJ Pearce High School Pacesetter Bazaar in October and the Lake Highlands Women’s League Sip n’ Shop in December, among others. Craig and I have three cookie classes coming up that will be held at Vector Brewing: one for Halloween, one for Thanksgiving, and one for Christmas. Participants get a glass of beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverage included with the price of the ticket, and they are just tons of fun at Vector! All the classes are currently open on my website.
Pricing:
- Custom Cookies start at $65/dozen
Contact Info:
- Website: https://malloryscookiejar.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malloryscookiejar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malloryscookiejar
- Other: TikTok @mallorycislo
Image Credits
Mallory Cislo
