Conversations with Rilee Miller

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rilee Miller.

Hi Rilee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always had a passion for baking. It wasn’t until I became pregnant with my little girl that I really took the time to learn and work with Royal Icing. In fact, I even took a cookie decorating class that was truly valuable to teaching me the basics of the craft. It quickly became an obsession and turned into a creative outlet of mine. I would constantly bring cookies into work for my fellow co-workers, which they absolutely loved! Many of which wanted some made for their special events and/or occasions. In the beginning, they would simply just buy the ingredients and I would create them for free.

One of my co-workers in particular really encouraged me to take this passion of mine to the next level and create a cookie business. I was extremely hesitant as I had no clue how to run a business nor did I think I had what it takes. However, I decided to run with it and Royal Cookies by Rilee became to be in the Fall of 2019. And I haven’t looked back.

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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. For the last five years, I was working a full-time job in addition to running this small business. All orders and business-related matters would be done at night. Therefore, there were LOTS of sleepless nights! Being a “one man show” doing everything from baking, decorating, packaging, emails, invoicing, and social media/marketing all while trying to juggle work and family life was difficult. This often leads to burnout.. Sometimes I am too ambitious for my own good. However, throughout the years I have learned to better balance these issues much better and know my true limits.

The roots of my business began in Iowa. However, my family relocated to Albany, Georgia in 2021. It was extremely challenging in the beginning. I had to truly rebuild my business from the ground up and really make a name for myself. Especially when there are already well-established dessert businesses within the area. Although there has been many struggles along the way this has truly helped build Royal Cookies by Rilee to what it is today. I’m now excited that I get to pursue this full-time!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a full-time baker and proud owner of Royal Cookies by Rilee. I specialize in custom-decorated sugar cookies for any special event or occasion. If you can think it, I can make it. I am self-taught and most proud of my overall growth as a cookie artist and business owner. I believe what sets me apart is my attention to detail and the taste of my signature sugar cookie. Not only do they look great, they taste even better.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe the characteristic that has been most important to my success is making genuine connections. It’s not about the number of connections you make but rather the quality of each of those connections. Leaving a lasting impression on both my customers and people I may come in contact with has been integral to my success.

Pricing:

• Minis Begins at $25 Per Dozen
• Standard Begins at $55 Per Dozen
• Characters/Logos Begins at $72 Per Dozen

Contact Info:

• Website: royalcookiesbyrilee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royalcookiesbyrilee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/royalcookiesbyrilee