Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Stewart.
Hi Julie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My family and I moved to central Florida from New Orleans, LA. In 2018. In New Orleans, I had friends who were part of a local ministry which helped women who worked on Bourbon Street. One Christmas, a friend in this ministry, asked if I could make a festive dessert to go along with a special holiday meal and gifts that were going to these women. After pondering and looking on Pinterest, I decided to make decorated cookies. Word was returned that the smiles in the women’s faces said it all! The cookies weren’t perfect… but this project sparked a great interest for me!
Seven years later, this interest became my passion. Once moving to Florida, I began making cookies for friends and neighbors just to spread some joy. The interest began to grow, and orders started coming in. Needing an outlet to showcase my work, I became a vendor at the WinderFarmers Market. I was just beginning to build my business here when Covid hit in March 2020. When the shutdown began, my business came to a halt. People began to cancel orders for parties and events, and as with many, the future looked dim. In June 2020, the markets slowly began to reopen. From that point forward, my business has exploded. Many made it a priority to support small businesses and could never express my thankfulness in words.
Last fall, I began to acquire corporate accounts, which raised my business to a new level. Repeat customers, word of mouth, corporate accounts, non-profits, and ministries have all been a vital part in making Sweet Life Cookies a success. Because we love what we do and enjoy putting smiles on faces, we donate hundreds of cookies a year to non-profits, schools, and ministries each year.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Covid was a setback for me mentally. The uncertainty in the future with a small business was hard to imagine. But, covid actually became a means to grow my business. We had to change how we packaged cookies. The extra steps we have put in place, I believe, have helped our clients have confidence in our product.
I have a hard time providing for our clients due to being a cottage business. I feel this holds me back. One oven, one person, not enough space. This struggle pushes me to imagine what Sweet Life Cookies can become in the next level. We are currently looking for a commercial kitchen to rent.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Sweet Life Cookies is a cottage-based custom cookie bakery. We specialize in decorated sugar cookies. If you bring us an image, we can come pretty close to recreating your image/logo in an edible way!! Whether it be a company logo, birthday or wedding invitation, we can match your theme. Our cookies can be made in flavors, gluten-free and vegan.
Our one-of-a-kind designs and that people say “they not only look great but they taste great.” I am most proud of the product we produce. We go the extra mile on the design and time we put into a client’s order. Whether it’s throwing a few extra cookies that we think would make it complete to delivering miles away. I’m proud that our mindset is excellence in our product and excellence in customer service. I believe this sets us apart from others.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Listening to our clients. What is in their head is not always what is in our head. Listening and asking questions to secure the thoughts of designs they are looking for. Communication: clients book months and weeks in advance. (Because we stay booked out for months) staying in contact with them on when their order begins, is completed, and will be delivered is a priority.
Pricing:
- 35.00 per dozen regular sugar cookie
- 45.00 per dozen gluten free and vegan sugar cookie
Contact Info:
- Email: Swetlifecookiesbyjulie@gmail.com
- Instagram: Sweet_life_cookies
- Facebook: @sweetlifecookie
