A Career in Cookies!

-- LJays Bakery: From Dream to Reality --

Why Choose a Career in Cookies?

I want to take a break from focusing on specific projects I have been working on over the past few weeks. While I personally enjoy breaking down each cookie order and sharing little things I have learned throughout the decorating process, I also realize that those kinds of posts aren't for everyone. Because of this, I have decided to share a bit more about me and how LJays Bakery came to be my own! Trust me, I never thought I would be where I am today, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Let's further explore my sweet journey together!

Little Libbey was on to Something!

Growing up, I loved helping my mom with all things baking. Attempting to crack the egg, pouring in semi-sweet chocolate chips, taste-testing the batter, and sitting on the floor attentively watching the dough rise through the oven door. Every step seemed like the most important task, no matter how small. It is these small, but beautiful moments that bring me joy to think back on. They demonstrate how far I have come in my craft. 

Enjoy this picture of mini-me in the kitchen whipping up some chocolate chip cookies!

At the time, I just saw baking as a fun activity. An activity that yielded the sweetest of treats. I see baking now as so much more. 

Baking to me is...

• A creative outlet
• An opportunity to spend quality time with my mom
• My greatest accomplishment
• A chance to connect with people in my community in a unique way
• MY PASSION

Hobby to Small Business

I honestly didn't really know about the world of cookie decorating until I fully immersed myself in it. Terms like "cookier", "flooding", and "cratering" were completely new to me. I think that because I knew so little about the technical side of cookie decorating, it pushed me to research every aspect of it even more. Hours and hours were spent reading "decorating guides" and attempting to produce picture-perfect products. The thrill of mastering a new design or technique felt like the best thing in the world. 

I loved trying out different requests for friends and family. Free orders turned into paid orders.  It wasn't until I started to really progress in my skill that I finally began to think about what my hobby could transform into. My mom helped me research applying for a business license and the rest is history! LJays Bakery became my own small business and has truly flourished in an incredible way! It is something I am SO SO proud of and will forever be grateful for. 

LJays Bakery? Where Did That Name Come From?

This question is one I actually get a lot! When I was in elementary school, I was very upset because I didn't have a "girly" middle name. My middle name starts with "J" so my second-grade teacher started calling me LJay to help me embrace the name given to me. After that, the nickname stuck! I have really come to like my middle name (Thank you Mom and Dad!), but I still always think this is a fun story to share about the origin of my brand name! 

Thank you to Reagan for my Beautiful Branding Design!

*BONUS POINTS if you are the first person to write my "real" middle name in the comment section*

Teaching or Bakery Owner?

Another question I often get is, "Why are you pursuing a career in teaching when you could pursue cookies full-time?". Why can't I do both?! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE baking and the small business I have worked so hard to make a reality. That being said, I also genuinely enjoy being around kids and helping them reach their full potential. Maybe it is because I grew up in a family of educators, but teaching is something that I feel truly passionate about.

I am always a little saddened to think about the future of my bakery business when I finally finish college and attain my teaching degree. Realistically, I know orders will have to be reduced and maybe even stop altogether in the future as I would be entering into a different full-time job. Trying to swing two full-time jobs is simply unrealistic and frankly unsustainable. This is not to say that baking is never going to be a big part of my life again! Trust me when I say, LJays Bakery is something I am not giving up on! 

Here are a few glimpses into the teaching side of my life! 

(Click on Photos for Clear Images)

Have Any Questions You Want to be Answered?

I thoroughly enjoyed sharing a little bit more about my small business and how it came about! If there are any other questions you want to be answered or have been curious about, leave them down below in the comments! I love sharing about my career in cookies! If you or anyone you know is thinking about taking the next step in the cookie world, do not hesitate to reach out to me!

As always, I am grateful to each and every one of you! LJays bakery is running today because of all the gracious support you have sent my way. Don't be afraid to pursue your dreams even if they seem unattainable at the moment! Speaking from experience, I don't have a single regret when it comes to making my bakery dream a reality. You've got this and I believe in you!!