Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynn Wilmoth.
Hi Lynn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you! I am Lynn. I grew up in Atlanta, went to college in Virginia and returned back home to raise my family. I am a mother of two boys and a Spanish teacher. Since I can remember though, I have always had an interest in art, whether it is drawing, painting or creating. Then I took my first job out of college as a cupcake decorator for a new cupcake bakery in town, and you might say the rest is history. I didn’t work too long as a cupcake decorator before pursuing a teaching career, but my passion for creating art through baking never ceased.
Around 2016, my cousin introduced me to royal icing and cookie decorating. Suddenly, I was staying up till midnight repeatedly reading blogs about the art, practicing with consistencies and dough recipes, and decorating. I have always been that person who could never stay up past 10PM, but now I have been known to stay up decorating until the early morning.
This hobby is more than just a creative outlet for me, it is therapy. When I’m in the zone decorating, I am so focused on the art that anything that was previously weighing heavily on my mind fizzles away. I have had two kids since beginning this business; we have one on the way, and I still work full time as a teacher, yet I cannot give up cookie decorating.
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?
While this business first began back in 2016, it has not been continuous the whole time. We’ve had two kids since then plus my husband had a pretty serious health scare back in 2018. All this is to say that there have been various moments when the business has taken a backseat. Having a hobby that doubles as a business has been a lot of fun, but it is busy no doubt. When life is moving along, everything seems to be in balance. However, I’ve also learned that when there are big bumps in the road, both good and bad, you have to be willing to put some things to the side. I’m lucky to have so many understanding clients who have always been excited to come back even after breaks.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Razzle Dazzle Cookies, LLC?
My business name, Razzle Dazzle Cookies is a play off of my maiden name, Bazzel. I make custom cookies for all kinds of events, including baby showers, birthdays, weddings, and holiday parties. I am the baker, decorator, accountant, supply manager, and marketing director. There are quite a few businesses in my area that are very similar, and we all call ourselves “cookiers.” While many of us are doing the same work, I believe my dough and icing recipes set me apart. I’ve tweaked and tweaked my recipe over the years and played with baking time as well. I’m always trying to improve. It’s important to me that the cookies don’t only look good, but that they are tasty as well. Cookies are without a doubt my favorite dessert, and my cookie sets are meant to be eaten up rather than to serve just as a pretty platter on a table.
I am most proud that this business is something that I have created all by myself, out of my own love for art and desire to pursue a hobby that is just for me. It’s important to me that as a working mother of two young children that I have an outlet that is mine. I can’t believe I have been able to turn this hobby into the business that it is. I get asked all of the time if I will make it a full time gig. The answer remains to be seen. However, I do know that I want it to always be something that I love to do.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Balance and organization. This business can be busy! I have to plan ahead and be very organized at the start of each week with my orders and my sequence of prep to complete said orders. This business started out of following a passion for art and creating. It brings me joy to sit down at my table and create art on a cookie. I love being able to make a set that compliments a birthday theme or adds that perfect touch of personalization to a party. However, the decorating step is the final step in the process. The communication with clients and the weekly grocery store runs combined with dough and icing preparation are a large part of it. I have to stay organized and on top of my schedule each week so as to not overwhelm myself and be sure that I have enough time to spend on the decorating, as that is my favorite part after all.
Pricing:
- Sets start at $70/ dozen
Contact Info:
- Email: razzledazzlecookies@gmail.com
- Website: www.razzledazzlecookies.com
- Instagram: @razzledazzlecookies
Image Credits:
Lawren WIlliams (@lawren_williams_photography)
