Today we’d like to introduce you to Frannie McClester.
Hi Frannie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I come from a long line of home bakers. My aunt is known for various desserts. My mom made all of our birthday cakes growing up. My sister also has a baking business where she specializes in cakes. So, it’s no real surprise that I’m out here making sugar cookies. In June 2019, after countless hours of going down rabbit holes on Instagram watching decorating videos, I decided to try and make cookies for my oldest daughter’s birthday.
As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I wanted to keep learning and practicing. I made cookies for friends’ baby showers. I made cookies to send to my kids’ preschool. Many people enjoyed free cookies in that first year! After much encouragement from friends and family, especially my husband, I decided to take a leap and host a presale. It was Valentine’s 2020, and I remember being shocked that people ordered. Like, more than just immediate family and friends. Another presale followed for Easter, along with some special care packages for loved ones due to Covid restrictions. So, basically, it all started because I wanted to see if I could do something. I continue to host presales but also fill custom orders throughout the year for various occasions.
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?
Fortunately, Covid aside, it’s been a relatively smooth road. That’s not to say it has been without struggles. Baking cookies is not my full-time gig, so there is a balance that is constantly being sought after. I’ve juggled orders with teaching, being a mom of two young children, and the wife of retail worker during a pandemic. I’ve learned to pivot when someone got Covid or when we moved and my oven wasn’t calibrated. Being a baker during inflation also has its challenges. I strive to continue to provide options at various price points as ingredient costs have continued to rise. I do sometimes struggle with self-confidence in my decorating work, however, I’m always confident the cookies taste good!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Franimal Cookies is a home bakery that specializes in custom cookies for any occasion. I pride myself on delivering delicious flavor in addition to pretty cookies. I never tire of hearing how good the cookies taste. I thrive in creative freedom, but also love a good theme. Baby showers, milestone birthdays, and sets “just because” rank in my top occasions to bake for. I believe I’m known for great flavor variety (some seasonal, but a total of 10 options) and above and beyond customer service.
Cookie decorating classes and in-home events are so exciting for me as I get to combine this cookie art with my profession of teaching.
I enjoy using various methods that elevate the texture and appearance of the cookie, such as watercolors (painting on a plain white royal icing base using gel-based food colors and water).
For all the readers out there, just know, I genuinely put love into each and every order. If I do not feel that I can give your order my best, I will decline and refer you to another baker. Representation, diversity, and inclusion are extremely important to me. I will ALWAYS account for race and ethnicity in my work, i.e. changing the skin color of an inspiration design or of the presale option I have pictured for your order.
I’m always learning and trying new techniques or recipes. It’s not just plain Jane sugar cookies over here.
What are your plans for the future?
I have amazing metro Atlanta customers that have shifted to receiving their orders via mail or a “halfway” meeting point. While continuing to meet their needs, my plans for the future include growing my customer base here in Athens. I love the Classic City and all it has to offer. I partnered with Athens Cooks (a beautiful, new kitchen store) before Christmas for Gingerbread house decorating classes for both children and adults. I would love to teach more classes! I’m looking forward to looking at my portfolio and seeing year after year of cookies for the same customers and families. I truly take it to heart that I am trusted to be a part of people’s special moments.
I’m also excited to see what the future holds that I don’t have planned!
Pricing:
- Custom cookie dozens are priced on a tiered system, beginning at $32 (for mini size).
- Cookies can range in size from 2″ (mini) to 4+”.
- Year-round, I offer four different flavors.
- Six different seasonal flavors
- Shipping available within Georgia
Contact Info:
- Website: franimalcookies.weebly.com
- Instagram: franimalcookies
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franimalcookies
