Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Bradford.
Hi Alison, We’re thrilled to have a chance to hear your story today. Before we get into specifics, could you briefly describe how you got to where you are today?
I have always enjoyed baking as a hobby and learning from both of my Grandmothers as I grew up. Shortly after my first daughter was born, I stopped teaching Special Education to stay home with her. I began watching sugar cookie decorating videos and decided to try it. After several failed attempts, I began to get the hang of it! Friends and family began asking me to make cookies for special events in their lives, and I began to suspect that this may be an excellent way to make a little extra income. After working out all of the logistics of running a home-based bakery, I began Faith Family & Frosting. The name started as a mantra to help me keep this business in perspective. My faith and my family will always come first, but when I have the time and ability, I love blessing another family with a sweet treat to help celebrate the birth of a child, a wedding, or any particular moment in their lives! It has been 4 years since I officially began my business. I have expanded to include baking macarons, which have been a joy to learn! I also teach both Sugar Cookie Decorating and Macaron Baking classes at a beautiful local studio called The Collaboration Station. I have greatly enjoyed teaching again and meeting many members of this endearing community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road? If not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a challenging road. While working at local farmers’ markets and various local events, I have learned a lot, specifically about the importance of tent weights! Running this small business out of my home is a constant balancing act. I wear many hats, including mom, wife, and Homeschool Teacher. Trying to wear these well and keep room in my schedule for my customers can be difficult at times, but I wouldn’t trade places with anyone!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in custom-decorated sugar cookies. I enjoy taking inspiration from my clients for an event and turning them into a special treat to elevate their day! While I pour my best into every order, the sets I am the most proud of are the ones where I am given creative freedom to design a cookie set to complement an event. I love seeing the client’s inspiration and my ideas merge into a confection that complements their event and helps guests feel honored. I mix, bake, decorate, and package each set of cookies in my home kitchen. This allows me to ensure each cookie meets the highest standards for taste and appearance.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My commitment to my faith and my family has led to the success of my business. I do occasionally have to direct clients to other local bakers because of commitments to my family. However, I have been blessed with a tremendous community who respect these decisions and have caused my business to excel. By keeping these priorities in line, I am able to give each order I accept the time and care it deserves.
Pricing:
- Custom Cookies range in price depending on the details of the design
- Logo Cookies for Businesses begin at $4 per cookie
- Detailed Custom Sets begin at $4.50 per cookie
- Macarons $22 per dozen
Contact Info:
- Website: www.FaithFamilyandFrosting.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/faithfamilyfrosting
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/faithfamilyandfrosting
Image Credits
Images by Alison Bradford
