Giveaway Monday

You know you have a sweet tooth. My first edible giveaway and it's about time. Pretty excited about this one because I get to introduce you the very talented and kind Rachael Happ. She's the owner of Eventful Cookies in Mesa, AZ. Pretty much the cutest cookies ever. Can't wait to put on another party so I can order some for myself. This giveaway is for a dozen decorated cookies, perfect for celebrating fall. 6 owls & 6 pumpkins. 

Leave a comment. Any comment. And go ahead and enter yourself twice if you share this giveaway with a friend. 

Giveaway ends Tuesday night. But wait, there's more...

Since many of you have asked about being a mom and having a small business, I thought I'd ask Rachael a few questions about how she does it. Read on. 

What inspired you to start your own business? 

Years ago, I was reading the book "Cure for the Common Life" where it talks about finding your sweet spot in life. The place where the gifts God gave you are in sync with what you enjoy doing. I'll admit I only read the first chapter of that book (typical!) but it was enough for me to put together that I have a natural inclination for business/accounting, love to bake, and love interacting with people! That's when I decided I wanted to own a cookie business. 

How did you first get started? 

At first, I just pictured myself baking dozens of chocolate chip cookies and selling them. Insert my sister's wedding last November.  I offered to make cookie favors because I randomly had a wedding cake cookie cutter. I spent weeks of trial and error in cookie decorating and came up with the cookie that I now sell. An almond flavored sugar cookie with marshmallow fondant. Everyone raved about them at her wedding and I realized it was so refreshing to NOT see a million favors left on the tables after the event

How do you manage three young kids and an at-home business? 

Logistically, I work on my cookies after my kids go to bed and actually really enjoy spending hours in the kitchen decorating while listening to some good music and chatting with my husband. Emotionally, I don't allow myself to feel guilt when business pulls me away for a couple of hours. Having a dream, and enjoying the pursuit of it, is an amazing part of life and I want my children to know that. It also really helps having a supportive husband who is truly excited about what I'm doing. 

What is your long-term vision for your business? 

While long term plans are an important part of building a business, I feel it's a good idea to take things as they come and see where God leads. In my perfect world, I'd have a cute little store front or partner with an existing bakery to sell my product.

Who inspires you in life and why? 

I am inspired by a number of women (specifically mothers) who took an idea and had the confidence to run with it. It takes guts to put yourself out there and say "I believe I can be successful and that people will really love my work". My father owned his own business and my mother is an artist, so I suppose owning a cookie decorating business is a perfect product of my parental influence!

Thanks Rachael. You're a gem. By the way, did I mention that Rachael has a set of twins? Now you're really impressed. 

Update: Congratulations to Christy L.! Enjoy your cookies...