Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Mattison
Hi Holly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always been a very creative person! Even at a young age, I knew I wanted to be some form of artist, and that I wanted to major in an artistic field in college. I graduated with my BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and quickly got a job in my field as a Graphic Designer. I have also always had a knack for baking too. If I ever needed a break from studying or homework, or just needed something to do, I always fell back to baking because I knew I was good at it and always felt it was highly rewarding when a new recipe turns out perfectly. My roommates throughout the years really enjoyed it too! Baking is an outlet for me. I had been with the same company for 5 years doing Graphic Design, but the position slowly morphed into something that didn’t serve me, and eventually would lead me away from Graphic Design altogether. As difficult as it was to leave what was once my “dream job” I knew there were bigger things out there waiting for me. Toward the end of my time at that job, I decided I wanted to obtain my Cottage Food Producer License and see where baking could take me. I started selling a handful of cookies here and there, sending samples with my fiance to bring to work, giving some to friends and family, and I slowly started getting some orders.. This is where a degree in Graphic Design comes in handy! I worked really hard on my branding and created Holls Craft Cookies. Countless renditions of different fonts, colors, icons, etc., led to a brand identity I am incredibly proud of. I did this all while I was still working my full time job. Once I realized it was time to leave my job, I knew it was time to put the pedal down with my dream. I kept telling myself over and over, “I need to do something that truly brings me joy.” It was a really, really scary step to take, but I’ll never look back. After I got comfortable with my recipes and varieties I wanted to offer, I opened up custom orders and I decided to take the leap into doing markets. My first market was this past September. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I had a vision and brought it to life! I’ve been blessed with a DIY attitude that 100% runs in my family, and I will forever be grateful for that. I had such specific visions of how my market booth would look, so I knew I had to get to work! I built my backdrop in my garage, I made a beautiful A-frame sign with my dad’s help, my mom helped me sew my custom table runner, my brother helped me source equipment, my sister-in-law created a beautiful flower arrangement for my booth, and my fiance, Shawn, kept me sane through all of it. I couldn’t have done it all without support from my family and my incredible fiance. After almost selling out that market, I caught the fever! Since then, I have done 3 additional markets, making improvements with every one, and learning something new every time. The compliments I received on my booth and branding were equally as rewarding as positive feedback on my cookies. Markets require an incredible amount of preparation. I’ve spent many 12-16 hour days in my kitchen prepping for markets, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The connections I make, and seeing the reactions as people try my treats make it all worth it. I’ve got my sights set on some big events in the next year! Between markets, I’m always accepting custom orders. Participating in markets has expanded my customer base, and has created community connections I wouldn’t have found otherwise. While there are slow times and busy times, I plan to keep pushing forward to the ultimate goal: a brick and mortar bakery!
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?
While the majority of starting Holls Craft Cookies has been SO fun and rewarding, it definitely has not come without some bumps in the road. It may be a “small” business, but it’s no small feat to start any kind of business. There have been plenty of hiccups throughout this process, but I learn something new almost daily. Sourcing ingredients is difficult, sourcing packaging is difficult, being denied for markets is difficult. All I can do is keep pushing forward. While typical business struggles are expected, comparison is difficult to keep at bay. With social media these days, it’s difficult to not compare myself to people who have been doing this for years, or people who went viral and saw overnight success. I just have to remind myself that this is my journey, not theirs, and keep myself looking ahead. I know I’ll be in their position one day, regardless of how long it takes. I’m incredibly grateful for my support system that pushes me to keep going every single day!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Holls Craft Cookies is my home bakery! I specialize in large, hand-crafted cookies and have recently expanded to offering specialty brownies as well. While I believe my cookies really set me apart as far as quality, value, and uniqueness, I am incredibly proud of my branding and presentation. My ultimate goal is to be a memorable brand.
“Typical and standard” aren’t words I want to be described as. I really strive to offer a product and experience that exceed expectations. It starts with the cookies and brownies themselves, but that’s just the beginning for me. I take extreme pride in my packaging presentation. Being a very detail-oriented person has definitely been an advantage throughout creating my brand – the tiny details make a difference! I always include a personal thank you note for first-time orders. I take extreme care in making my packaging look professional, down to the pink ribbon on every box. While packaging can be one of the biggest expenses as a small business like mine, I’ll always go the extra mile to ensure a quality product. Aside from markets, my primary business comes from custom orders that are picked up at my home. I roll out my “red carpet” for my customers (a checkered rug), and set up my sign saying “Happy pickup day!” with their name on it to make it a fun, personalized experience. It’s always rewarding when people snap a photo of it!
Currently, my minimum order is 1/2 dozen, and welcome orders of all sizes! Whether it’s a corporate party, gifts for clients, birthday parties, weddings, or just a sweet tooth craving, I’m thrilled to be a part of any occasion. Aside from individual cookies, I offer 8×8″ brownie pans, and individual brownies as well. Home pickups are the bulk of my business, but I also offer delivery around the area with larger orders as well. If you’ve got an occasion of any kind, I’d love to help sweeten it with Holls Craft Cookies!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Since I am a new business as of 2024, I am fortunate to not have dealt with the trials and tribulations of Covid-19. Working for a small business throughout the pandemic was an eye-opening experience. I already had a great appreciation of small businesses before the pandemic, but since then, starting a business of my own, I now realize how much impact even a single purchase has on a business like mine. While the pandemic was incredibly difficult to navigate for everyone, business-owner or not, it has been amazing to see how people have shifted their mindsets and now realize the positive impact small businesses have on communities. Pandemic or not, it’s so important to rally around and support small businesses whenever possible, especially around the holidays. When you choose a small business, you’re supporting a real person, a family, a student, someone with a dream-not a multi-billion dollar corporation that couldn’t care less about your purchase.
Pricing:
- Single Cookies: $4/each
- 8×8 Brownie Pans: $28
- Single Brownies (20 qty minimum): $4/each
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollscookies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560551008703
- Other: Email: hollscookies@gmail.com
