Sugar Coated Dreams podcast

Sugar Coated Dreams

Lauren Jacobs

Do you ever catch yourself daydreaming about running your own custom cookie or cake decorating business? Brace yourself for a fun ride as Lauren, The Cheerful Baker shares inspiring stories of dreamers turned doers, just like you! Prepare to be whisked away into a world where sugar, passion and entrepreneurship collide in the most deliciously inspiring way.

27 Episodes

Lauren's Journey From Room Mom to Successful Cookie Business Owner
1/30/2025
34:15
Do you dream of starting your own cookie decorating business? Then you're in the right place. I'm Lauren, your host at the Sugar Coated Dreams podcast, and today I'm sharing my own inspiring journey from a small-town kitchen to a successful cookie business. Join me as I recount my story of blending artistic passion with entrepreneurship, overcoming challenges, and building the cookie business of my dreams. From learning the basics of cookie decoration to teaching classes and starting a subscription box, my path hasn't always been smooth, but it's always been sweet. If you've ever wanted to turn your cookie decorating hobby into a thriving business, this episode is filled with insights, personal stories, and encouragement to take that leap of faith. Remember, if a mom in a small Kentucky town can achieve her dreams, so can you! Listen in for more inspiring tales from our baking community every Thursday. Cheerful Box https://cheerfulbaker.com/products/cookie-subscription-box
Meet Velma Perez: Entrepreneur, cookie artist and cookie decorating instructor
1/23/2025
36:56
Join Lauren on an inspiring episode of the Sugar Coated Dreams podcast as she welcomes Velma Perez, a former Food Network Christmas Cookie Challenge contestant. Discover Velma's incredible journey from financial hardships to building Cookie Graham, her successful self-taught cookie decorating business. With reflections on community, mentorship, and unexpected opportunities, Velma shares how her creative passion and entrepreneurial spirit led to newfound success and joy. Tune in to hear about balancing art and business, her ventures at the Jewish Community Center, and the importance of taking chances in the cookie decorating world. Do you want to improve your cookie skills this year? Check out the Cheerful Box Cookie Decorating Subscription at Cookie Subscription Box - Cheerful Baker Visit Velma at Velma L Perez (@cookiegramtx) • Instagram photos and videos
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From Recipe Fails to Baking Wins: Let's talk baking basics
1/16/2025
20:01
Welcome to the latest episode of Sugar Coated Dreams, where host Lauren shares her journey from a decorating enthusiast to a cookie recipe expert. Dive into the science of baking with Lauren as she emphasizes the importance of precision and the right ingredients to achieve that perfect cookie taste. Discover why weighing your flour is crucial, how to ensure your eggs and butter are at the right temperature, and the secrets behind effective leavening agents. Lauren recounts her participation in the Food Network Christmas Cookie Challenge, highlighting her exploration of baking chemistry and recipe development. Learn how choosing quality ingredients, like real butter and genuine extracts, can elevate your cookie creations. Whether you're a newbie or an experienced baker, Lauren provides invaluable tips and encourages you to share your own baking insights. Enjoy this blend of entrepreneurship and creativity, and be inspired to turn your cookie decorating passion into a thriving business. www.cheerfulbaker.com
"Goal-Setting Secrets for Aspiring Cookiepreneurs"
1/7/2025
11:23
Welcome to the Sugar Coated Dreams podcast, hosted by Lauren, your guide in combining sugar, entrepreneurship, and creativity. In this episode, Lauren returns from a hiatus to share her journey from being a part-time art teacher to a successful business owner, showcasing her experience on the Food Network's Christmas Cookie Challenge and running a thriving cookie cutter subscription box. Lauren dives into the importance of goal setting and reflects on how a specific financial goal transformed her love for cookie decorating into a full-time business, allowing her to quit her teaching job. She shares her insights on crafting achievable goals and adjusting them to suit one's passion, whether it's pop-ups, decorating classes, or any other sweet ambition. Join Lauren as she inspires you to write down your goals, seek support from others, and remain focused on achieving your dreams in the cookie business. Embrace your creativity and start building the cookie empire you've always dreamed of. Tune in every week for more tips and stories in the delightful world of baking and entrepreneurship. To check out Lauren's Subscription Box- The Cheerful Box- Visit https://cheerfulbaker.com/pages/cookie-cutter-subscription-box
From Wall Street to The Food Network: Meet Arlene of Chua Cookies
12/22/2023
39:14
In this lively and engaging interview, Arlene Chua, the talented cookie decorator and owner of Chua Cookie, shares her fascinating journey from immigrating to the USA from the Philippines at a young age to becoming a senior treasury analyst on Wall Street. Arlene's infectious passion for cookie decorating emerged unexpectedly in the face of personal challenges, leading her to create stunning edible artworks. From her delightful cookie designs, including iconic wedding dresses, to her successful business ventures, Arlene exemplifies resilience and creativity. The conversation delves into her experiences on Food Network's Christmas Cookie Challenge and Gingerbread Showdown, offering insights into the world of competitive baking. Throughout the interview, Arlene's down-to-earth personality and genuine love for her craft shine, making for an inspiring and delightful chat. You can find Arlene on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ and her website is www.chuacookie.com To check out the Cheerful Box Cookie Decorating Kit visit www.cheerfulbaker.com
Ashlee of Sweet Dough Cookie Co’s Journey From Dreams to Dough
11/2/2023
40:08
Ashlee, the founder of Sweet Dough Cookie Co., shared her inspiring journey from a self-taught baker to a successful cookie decorator on the "Sugar Coated Dreams" podcast. She started baking cakes at just 13, but it was a request to make cookies for a bachelorette party that ignited her cookie decorating passion. Despite early mistakes, Ashlee's talent flourished, and she soon found herself making cookies for college students in Washington. Eventually, she transitioned to cookies full-time and opened her own brick-and-mortar shop. Her story resonates with the idea that passion can strike at any age, and her journey from a tiny apartment kitchen to a thriving business is a testament to her determination. Ashlee also discusses her experience on the Food Network's Christmas Cookie Challenge, where she won not once but twice, showcasing her competitive spirit and creative cookie decorating style. She also shares her love for teaching cookie decorating classes, emphasizing that you don't need to be a "perfect" decorator to teach – just a good understanding of the basics. Her philosophy is that classes are about having fun, learning a new skill, and enjoying quality time with friends or loved ones. Ashlee's story is a testament to following your passion, taking risks, and never giving up on your dreams. You can find Ashlee at https://sweetdoughcookieco.com or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sweetdough.cookieco/ To check out the Cheerful Box Cookie Decorating Kit visit www.cheerfulbaker.com
Meet Mike and Karen Summers - The creative duo behind Cookie Con
10/26/2023
41:13
In this exciting episode of Sugarcoated Dreams, we are joined by the dynamic duo, Mike and Karen Summers, the creative minds behind Cookie Con, one of the most anticipated events in the baking community. With over a decade of experience running this event, they share the story of how it all began on a plane ride to Salt Lake City, where the idea of bringing cookie enthusiasts together was born. Karen, a talented cookie decorator with a passion for the craft, started her journey in the culinary world, inspired by her love for baking and artistic flair. Mike, always her biggest supporter, transitioned from web development to helping her build an online store for cookie decorating supplies. As they reflect on their humble beginnings, from running the business out of a small room in their house to moving into a warehouse, it's clear that their dedication and hard work laid the foundation for Cookie Con's success. The episode also delves into the challenges they faced as their event grew, highlighting the complexities of maintaining the unique and intimate experience that defines Cookie Con while accommodating a larger audience. Their story is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and community in the baking world, leaving listeners inspired and eager to learn more about the exciting world of cookies. Don't miss this fascinating glimpse into the origins of Cookie Con and the sweet journey of the Summers duo! Learn more about Cookie Con by visiting www.cookiecon.com To check out the Cheerful Box Cookie Decorating Kit visit www.cheerfulbaker.com
Meet Rebecca of The DociaMack: From Singing Princess to Halloween Cookie Queen
10/19/2023
39:53
Rebecca, the creative force behind The DociaMack, shares a truly inspiring journey into the world of cookie decorating. With a desire to stand out and a family legacy to draw from, she crafted the unique name The DociaMack, rooted in her great-great-grandparents' nicknames. Her talent blossomed after making Halloween cookies for the first time, and her dedication led her to win the Halloween Cookie Challenge on Food Network. Rebecca's story showcases the power of perseverance, self-discovery, and the ability to turn a passion into a fulfilling career. Her advice to newcomers in the field is simple yet invaluable: take your time, be kind to yourself, and avoid the trap of comparison. Rebecca's story is a testament to how creative journeys can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. To check out the Cheerful Box Cookie Decorating Kit visit www.cheerfulbaker.com
From Pre-Med to Cookie Cutters: The Sweet Journey of Merideth of LCW Cookie Cutters
10/12/2023
45:12
Join us for a sweet journey on 'Sugar Coated Dreams' as we chat with the incredible Merideth Glasco, the creative genius behind LCW Cookie Cutters. Merideth shares her inspiring story of turning her artistic passions into a thriving business in the baking world. From her musical and artistic family background to her unexpected transition from pre-med to the world of cookies, you'll be captivated by her journey. Learn how she ventured into the world of cookie cutters and what sets her high-quality cutters apart. Plus, discover her tips for content creation and the power of showing your face on Instagram. It's an episode filled with creativity and entrepreneurship that you won't want to miss! You can find Meredith on IG at www.instagram.com/lcwcookiecutters To check out the Cheerful Box Cookie Decorating Kit visit www.cheerfulbaker.com
Baking Across Borders: with Brian Hart Hoffman of Bake From Scratch Magazine
9/28/2023
43:46
Exciting news, friends! We have a superstar in the baking community with us on today's episode. I am thrilled to bring you Brian Hoffman of Hoffman Media and Bake From Scratch Magazine. Brian has an incredible story to share, from his early baking adventures to an unexpected career shift that led him to become a renowned baker and teacher. Join us as we embark on a global baking journey, from the charming streets of Paris to the cozy kitchens of Italy, all with Brian as your guide. Plus, stay tuned for the inside scoop on the Monday Night Baking School with Williams Sonoma, a virtual baking class series that'll inspire your inner baker. You can find more about Brian here: https://www.instagram.com/brianharthoffman/ Bake From Scratch Magazine https://bakefromscratch.com William Sonoma Cooking School https://williams-sonoma.squadup.com Bake From Scratch IG https://www.instagram.com/thebakefeed/ To check out the Cheerful Box Cookie Decorating Kit visit www.cheerfulbaker.com

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