Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Castleberry.
Hi Jennifer, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Cookies are the most random thing I’ve ever done. I am a performer/vocalist. I have a BFA in Musical Theatre. One day, I randomly decided to decorate some cookies for fun – and I was accidentally pretty good at it. I posted a picture on social media because I was proud of my masterpiece and the rest is history! I immediately had people asking me to make cookies for them, so I started taking orders on the side when my performance schedule would allow. I am 100% self-taught baker/decorator with no formal training.
It wasn’t until 2020, when COVID-19 struck our country, that my cookie biz really grew. I was a vocalist with The Voices of Liberty at Disney’s Epcot and was furloughed, then eventually & unfortunately fell victim to the mass entertainment layoffs later in the year. Someone had the idea to start an AMAZING Facebook group called Ear for Each Other with the intent to help/support Disney cast member’s during their time of struggle. I feel like I owe these people more gratitude than I can even express in words. Because of this group, my business has received an incredible outpouring of love and support and has turned into a full-time job. It is truly amazing that a simple idea with the intent to help people has blossomed into a community of support for countless small businesses allowing each business to not only survive but thrive.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I definitely wouldn’t say that the past year has been a smooth road for me. After I lost my job singing at Disney and watched the entertainment industry completely fall part, I was heartbroken. I’ve been performing since I could talk and watching your entire industry crumble is just… mentally and emotionally draining. In July 2020, I unexpectedly lost an uncle who I was very close to. The circumstances surrounding his death were just a complete nightmare. Several months later, while still grieving the loss of him, we lost my Grandma. My grandma was my best friend and biggest fan. In a way, my cookies have been almost therapeutic for me this year. It has served as a creative outlet (which I so desperately needed), but also as a light in the darkness. The growth of my business gave me faith that I would be okay – that I would be able to overcome the struggles surrounding COVID-19.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Doodlebug Cookie Co. specializes in custom cookies decorated for all occasions! I am 100% self-taught with no training whatsoever (aside from the training I received as a child in my mother & grandmother’s kitchen, of course). I take a lot of pride in the fact that I have been able to build a stable business based around a skillset that I learned on my own solely through trial and error. I think the passion and love that goes into each cookie I make is what sets me apart from others. I have so many reasons to be grateful for each and every order I complete. I owe everything to my amazing customers who are the most loyal and supportive people!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
“Doodlebug” comes from my lifelong nickname. I have been called “Doodlebug” by my entire family for as long as I have been alive. When I decided my cookie biz needed a name, I had no clue what I wanted it to be. In a conversation one night with my grandparents, my grandma said, “I can’t wait to have some doodlebug cookies!” I knew then that Doodlebug Cookie Co. was my answer. Having recently lost my grandmother, the name is even more special to me now, knowing she helped pick it out. She was unbelievably proud of my cookies and did everything she could to support my dream. So having her touch stamped on the name of my business is a constant reminder of her love.
Contact Info:
- Email: doodlebugcookieco@gmail.com
- Website: www.doodlebugcookieco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doodlebugcookieco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doodlebugcookieco
Image Credits
Jennifer Castleberry, Kenzie Rae Photography, Emma Anne Photo
