Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Luk.
Hi Laura, 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?
I like to say I “retired” early from my first career, which was in corporate HR. I had a wonderful experience working for a great company, but it was never my passion. The company I worked for was acquired and my position was eliminated in February 2020. Thankfully, I was given time to anticipate the change and my husband and I decided I would stay home and be our kids’ main caretaker. It was a decision that came easily but also left me with a fear of not having something of my own.
I gave birth to our second child in April 2020, then, like everyone worldwide, spent many months isolated at home. It was Halloween of 2020 that I was encouraged by a friend to “make those fancy iced cookies” I had made once for a Christmas cookie exchange for our upcoming “pandemic friendly” Halloween party we were having for the kids since they couldn’t trick-or-treat. Even though I was busy with a six-month-old and an almost 3-year-old, I remembered how much I had enjoyed making those Christmas cookies and felt a small spark of “that could be fun.” I made about three dozen cookies and everyone at the party went crazy over them. I thought – this could be a thing. I sold my first cookies for Thanksgiving and then Christmas. I was hooked and just hoped I could get more opportunities to make cookies – and the requests haven’t stopped since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say it’s been smooth but challenging. I’m completely self-taught. I didn’t go to culinary school, art school, or business school. I’ve done everything myself up until this point – which is certainly gratifying – but I love and thrive off working with smart, sharp people. I look forward to the day where my business can sustain hiring associates. I have my own strengths and weaknesses, but when you’re a one-woman-show, there will always be aspects of your business that are being neglected. But I’m an extremely dedicated person and remaining consistent with my work ethic has been the key to my continuous growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in custom-decorated sugar cookies (with royal icing). They are special, one-of-a-kind custom works of art – that also taste delicious. I’ve done cookies for just about every occasion at this point. I think what sets me apart is my unique point of view and creativity. I thrive working with creative freedom. Of course, I work with plenty of clients who have a very specific idea of what they’d like made, but I also love taking that control and decision-making off someone’s plate. We’re all inundated and overwhelmed with so many options because of the internet and social media, being able to have that trust between my client and I to deliver a product that they’ll be proud to have at their event, is such a gratifying experience for me, and I believe for them as well.
What’s next?
I have a lot of plans – some are “top secret” though! But in all seriousness, I do have goals I want to accomplish, but I try not to plan too much because I want to leave room to be inspired and change direction if needed. I’m still my daughters’ main caretaker and they’re very young, so I have to be careful not to burn myself out too much. I’m thankful to be able to ebb and flow my business with the ever changing needs of my family.
Pricing:
- Custom cookies range from $80-$120 per dozen
- Digital items including recipe guides available starting at $10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.butterflybakesatl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butterflybakesatl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Butterfly-Bakes-ATL-100239015333681
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@butterflybakesatl?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
