Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlotte Brantley.
Hi Charlotte, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In February of 2010 my son was turning one. I began planning his birthday party and I wanted everything to be cute and match. I ordered all types of decor and while looking online I found the idea of cute cookies. I ended up making them for his party and they were such a hit! From there I had friends and family start reaching out asking me to make cookies for their events and parties. It just grew from there! It was about a year in when I realized there is a true market for this and I could really turn it into a business, which would also allow me to stay home and raise my son. My mother, who was the most talented and artistic person I have ever known began baking cakes. We would do weddings, birthdays, bridal shows, markets and all sorts of events together. We really began forming a large local clientele. Fast forward and 15 years have gone by in a blink. My mother passed away 2 months ago and I wasn’t sure if I could continue doing this without her, but she was my number one fan and my absolute cheerleader. I continue looking to her and finding creativity through everything she taught me. I know this is the talent she left for me so I am pushing forward knowing that she is cheering me on from above.
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?
There have been lots of ups and downs and learning curves. There have been times the business has run me and I’ve had to regroup to run it more efficiently. The biggest struggle is finding the balance in running a business, raising children and keeping a household going. Finding time for everyone in my family, my customers and myself can be a struggle at times.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in a vanilla sugar cookie and use a glaze icing for decorating. When I began, I made all sorts of desserts, flavors and even dog treats, But as time went on I realized there was a niche for my vanilla sugar cookie recipe and it was the most popular. Being that I run everything solely by myself I made the decision to stick with one flavor and perfect it.
Any big plans?
As of now I don’t have any big plans to make any changes. In 2020 I built a commercial kitchen on my property, which has been a game changer. It allowed me to up my production and work more efficiently.
Pricing:
- $42 per Dozen
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cookiesbycharlotte
- Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/cookiesbycharlotte
