Today we’d like to introduce you to Gitona Berg.
Gitona, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started decorating cookies about 4 years ago. I had been seeing pictures and videos of other people making these beautiful cookies and I thought- it can’t be that hard! Turns out, it really was that hard. But I was determined to keep trying. I had so many failed attempts, but I kept persevering and slowly learned and improved. Friends and family started inquiring about purchasing from me. They referred their friends, and it blew up. After about a year and a half in, orders were rolling in regularly. I was a single mom of 4 and found that I could run this business out of my home which allowed me the flexibility to care for my kiddos. It was the perfect fit for me. Before I knew it I was cranking out 40+ dozen cookies a month!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I definitely have had my share of ups and downs. I had a lot of hard life changes while trying to get my business up and running. During those difficult months, there were several nights I was up until 4 AM decorating, trying to fill orders while navigating big changes in my life. It was exhausting. I had some slow months with orders that were discouraging, got turned down for some large corporate orders, etc. There were so many times I considered throwing in the towel. But in the long run, these things all turned out to be good. They challenged my ability to pivot and change my business strategy. They taught me that I am capable of making it through the low times. And ultimately, they grew me both as a person and a business owner.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in decorated sugar cookies. Most of my orders are for special events- birthdays, baby showers, weddings etc. Occasionally I get the privilege of making cookies for businesses for corporate events or employee appreciation days. While the cookies taste amazing, people order mainly for the art. My customers come to me with a theme and some ideas that they want, and then I come up with designs and turn them into art on the cookies. Customers can feel like they are receiving truly customized cookies just for them, and I love that. I love getting to know my customers and make sure they get exactly what they’re looking for.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I make my own cookie cutters! I purchased a 3D printer 2 years ago and it was a huge upgrade for my business. When I get a unique order that I don’t have a cutter for, I can draw out a shape and turn it into a cookie cutter within an hour. I love this side of my business. It’s unique and it helps me give an extra-personalized feel to my orders.
Pricing:
- $42-$52 per dozen for customized sugar cookies
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookiesontherange/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078129572310
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cookiesontherange
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gitonaberg
