Growing up my grandmother did a lot of crafts and hobbies with my sister and me. I don’t know where she got all of her ideas since this was long before Pinterest, but she was never short of creative and fun activities to fill our days. Those times with her are my most joyful childhood memories.
One of the things we did together a lot was bake – cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and cobbler to name a few. She made all of her grandkids birthday cakes and even ran a small business for a few years making birthday and wedding cakes until her arthritis got too bad to make the intricate decorations. She still makes the best brownies for all of our family gatherings. I get my love of baking, and especially baking for and with others, from her.
When I was in sixth grade I made my first batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies solo and brought them to school for a show and tell. When I said I baked them from scratch by myself my teacher called me a liar. I guess they were just too good to believe. *shrugs*
Senior year of high school I got into the habit of baking and bringing cookies to school regularly. Still my classic favorite, the chocolate chip. In college I took a speech class and one of the presentations I gave was the history of… you guessed it, the chocolate chip cookie. And of course I brought cookies for the entire class. I made so many batches that for many years after I could make them completely from memory. Eventually I branched out and started baking other things, but I still love a good classic chocolate chip cookie.
At my first accounting job we worked Saturdays during tax season. My coworkers and I would bring donuts or other snacks to share those mornings. I started getting into making Bundt cakes and would bring them for breakfast. My first bunt cake was, of course, a chocolate chip cookie batter. After that I started asking what everyone would like to try. That way I got to try new recipes and treat someone to their favorite cake. When I did this a few years ago for my accounting staff, I made my first ever carrot cake and discovered that I absolutely LOVE carrot cake. I’d never bothered to try it before because carrots just did not sound like a good ingredient for a cake. Just another example of never say never.
Over the years I have saved hundreds of dessert pins on Pinterest and have several baking cookbooks with pages flagged that I have tried or want to try. When COVID hit and we went on lockdown, I started baking almost every weekend. All the recipes made more sweets than my boyfriend and I could (should) eat alone in a weekend, so I shared with my neighbors (socially distanced drop offs) and in some instances found out how well certain things froze and defrosted to be enjoyed later.
When I found out about how much bodybuilders love their post show snacks, I decided to make a homemade version of my boyfriend’s favorite cookie for his show. Because of COVID, I hadn’t met or spent much time with many of his friends before attending his show last June. I brought enough cookies to share with everyone and that weekend I became known as “that girl that makes The Oreos.” They were a huge hit and in the year since I’ve had many requests for the cookies. We worked our way through the ones I’d frozen (learning that they freeze and defrost well) and I made more for another friend’s show.
After my June show I made several batches for friends that have shows this summer and for my own show weekend this month. Some that I gave as a gift this month were shared and I got a request via Facebook for an order from another bodybuilder.
A year or so ago I encouraged a friend who had a passion for baking to sell her cookies online. I, along with many people I know, order sweets from small home bakers via Instagram and Facebook, and yet I’ve hesitated each time the idea or suggestion came up for me. I was kind of sitting with the idea again when I was contacted for an order. I feel like the Universe was saying “How many signs do you need? Can I make it any more obvious?”
Baking brings me joy and eating baked goods brings people joy. I’m venturing into the world of being self-employed and could use the extra income while I work on my certification and build my coaching business. All things considered, it seems silly not to do it. So, here we are – the Universe has spoken and I’m not going to delay anymore.
After my show this month I will be setting up a home baked goods business under Louisiana Cottage Law. Thanks goes to the aforementioned friend who started her home baking business for the insight. We’re both by-the-bookers, so I reached out to her regarding rules and regulations to see what it would take to be legit.
I’ll be starting with cookies, but we shall see where the journey takes us.
Follow me on Instagram for updates. Check out some past bakes below.
Believe Grow Glow 