Ready to start a cookie business? We will dive into what it takes to get started!
So, you’re passionate about cookie decorating with royal icing and thinking about turning your hobby into a business. It’s very exciting, but before you dive in, several important considerations can make or break your venture. In this post, we’ll explore seven essential questions to ask yourself before starting your cookie decorating business.
This post is all about what to consider when starting a cookie decorating business.
1. Do You Have the Necessary Skills and Knowledge?
Cookie decorating is a great skill that allows you to be creative. The more you practice, the better your skills and techniques will be at decorating.
Before you decide to sell your cookies, I suggest you step back and ask yourself, would I buy these cookies? Let me be honest: I definitely wouldn’t pay for my first few sets! And that’s okay if the answer is no. It simply means you need to grow your decorating skills! And possibly baking skills if your cookies are pretty but don’t taste good. Consider taking courses or workshops to improve your decorating abilities.
2. What Sets Your Cookies Apart?
There are so many fantastic cookie artists. And that’s not a bad thing! Please know what makes your cookies unique. I will tell you the first thing: it’s you! Don’t try to make your sugar cookies look like anyone else’s. Being authentic will show more than you know.
Over time you will develop signature designs, particular details you add with royal icing, or special themes that you like to do well like real looking food cookies, detailed wedding cookies, or characters! Understanding what makes you different will help you brand and market your business.
Check out this post if you need help with royal icing consistency!
3. Who Is Your Target Audience?
You need to know who your target audience is, so you better go ahead and identify that now. Knowing who you will sell to will help you develop different marketing strategies to reach the right people. Are you catering to corporate events, event planners, weddings, parties, or local pop ups?
Knowing the target audience for your business will help you create cookie designs your customers will be interested in. It will also help you grow on social media by providing your customers with solutions to problems they may need to be aware of.
4. What’s Your Business Plan?
A clear business plan is a roadmap for your cookie decorating business. This is the opportunity for you to make goals, create a budget, create a marketing plan, and plan pricing.
A business plan will help you see where you plan to go with your business. It will help you answer questions like will I be operating from home or in a commercial kitchen? Once you create this plan, it will help you anticipate challenges and be ready to tackle them.
5. Are You Familiar with Food Safety Regulations?
When making food products from home and deciding to sell them, it is essential to check your state’s cottage food law. Many states have rules like the type of food items that can be made and sold from home. If you are using a home kitchen, remember to keep your area clean, like having no pets.
Your state may also have rules on labeling your products. It is a good idea to put if your product contains any allergens like nuts, so customers are aware. A nutrition label may only be needed if you sell your cookies commercially.
To sell your cookies commercially, you must find a commercial kitchen and complete the necessary food safety certificates. Some cities have food incubators. Food incubators are programs that provide a commercial kitchen for a fee and also have business services to help guide new start-up businesses. And remember, having insurance for your business may also be something you want to acquire.
6. How Will You Manage Production and Time?
Time is a precious thing! Cookie decorating is time consuming. Remember the time it will take to fulfill orders, and don’t feel pressured to accept an order. Please remember your personal life and responsibilities, so make a doable, organized schedule. This will help prevent stress and cookie burnout.
7. Do You Have a Marketing and Sales Strategy?
Marketing and sales are vital to a successful business. Creating a business plan and finding your target audience will help you understand where you plan to sell your royal icing cookies. Then, you will be able to develop a selling strategy.
Social media platforms like Instagram, Tik Tok and Facebook are great places to showcase your talent so people can discover you. You don’t need a fancy camera to make content. Use your phone to make short videos showing your decorating process.
Also, consider building a website customers can visit to see your work. Social media platforms are rented space, you want somewhere that is your own if something were to happen to those social platforms.
In summary, starting a cookie decorating business can be fulfilling. But it requires careful planning. Assess your skills, identify your niche, define your target audience, create a solid business plan, prioritize food safety, manage production effectively, and develop a robust marketing and sales strategy. You’ll be well-prepared to embark on your journey as a cookie decorator and entrepreneur by answering these seven questions.
As you embark on this delicious journey, remember that passion, persistence, and continuous learning will be the pillars of building a thriving cookie decorating business. So, roll up your sleeves, pick up that icing bag, and get ready to turn your love for cookies into a delightful and successful business venture!
