Meet Michelle Freeman of Cookie Monster Baking Company in GIlbert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Freeman.

Michelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have been baking as a hobby for about eight years. Baking around the holidays has always been my favorite and I would always experiment with new cookie recipes. It has always been a stress reliever for me and it always gives me such joy to bring cookies or other treats that others enjoy. Last year, when I found out I was going to have my third surgery to remove endometriosis and I was going to stuck binge-watching everything on Hulu and Netflix for six weeks. I know I need to have something to keep me distracted from the pain, but also something that would keep me pre-occupied while sitting with a heating pad on the couch for several hours. And so began my journey into the world of cookie decorating. My friends and family have been my support system in taking my love for baking and decorating sweet treats and turning it into my side hustle. Currently, I’m accepting limited custom orders through the end of the year and will host holiday pop up shops for holiday cookie designs and treats.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’m still trying to build my business and learning a lot as I go. I’ve learned a lot on the cookier (a person who makes or decorates cookies) community for advice and they are the most gracious with they’re time. It has helped so much. The one thing I’m still trying to figure out is how to balance my full-time job, volunteer work, and my personal life with the amount of time it takes to put out a product that I am proud of.

Please tell us about your business.
Cookie Monster Baking Company is a home-based bakery specializing in custom decorated sugar cookies for the little monster in all of us. We are known for our signature melt in your mouth almond sugar cookie and seasonal cookies.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My friends, family, and boyfriend have been the best support system. They have been my biggest cheerleaders and cookie taste testers for as long as I can remember. The cookier community is also one of the most supportive ones I have been a part when it comes to starting a small business. I’ve learned so much from them. I also have my two smash face dogs, Lady and Dunkin, the real “Monster’s” behind the Cookie Monster Baking Co.

Pricing:

• Mini Cookies (approx. 1.5 inches – 2 inches) $18/dozen with a 2 dozen minimum
• Standard Cookies (approx. 3 inches – 4 inches) starting at $36/dozen, price will vary depending on design detail
• Seasonal Cookies $4-$6/cookie – price and selection will vary upon availability

Contact Info:

• Phone: 480-861-2139
• Email: cookiemonsterbakingco@gmail.com
• Instagram: cookiemonster_baking_co
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/cookiemonsterbakingco

Image Credit:
Emina Omeragic Photography
Cookie photos – Cookie Monster Baking Co/Michelle Freeman

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