Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Lovrien.
Hi Katie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Before the pandemic, I would not have considered myself a baker, much less a “good” baker. But because I was spending a lot more time at home, I began exploring a variety of recipes – both cooking and baking – and became much more confident in the kitchen. Even when life started returning to normal, I spent more time cooking and baking. I made my first batch of royal icing-decorated sugar cookies in November 2021. Though they were far from perfect, I was hooked. I watched countless YouTube videos and made a few more batches, improving each attempt. When I brought cookies to work for the holidays, so many people asked me if I sold them that I started thinking about it. I officially began my business at the end of January 2022.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest challenge for me so far has just been figuring out how everything works in a successful business, from a website and social media to taxes and insurance to the behind-the-scenes processes. I am so grateful to other small business owners who have offered support, kindness, and expertise as I navigated getting my business up and running. My family has also been incredibly supportive and encouraging.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Sweet Tooth Treats Northfield is a home-based bakery offering custom-decorated sugar cookies and French macarons. As a registered cottage food producer with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, I can offer a variety of delicious baked goods, but what I am known for is my decorated sugar cookies. My cookies are made with high-quality ingredients and decorated with loving detail. I have developed and tweaked my sugar cookie and royal icing recipes to be the perfect taste and texture. My cookies are soft-baked, flavored with vanilla bean paste and pure almond extract, and topped with homemade vanilla royal icing that dries with a soft bite. They taste great, but the customized designs make these cookies special. I love working with clients to design the perfect customized sugar cookies for their celebrations or event. I am always building and expanding my skill set, and I love pushing the boundaries of what I can do with the medium of royal icing.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that people might not know about me is that I’m a middle school teacher! I love my students, their energy, and their humor; I have even done some baking and cookie decorating with them during our after-school and summer programs, which has been so much fun. I’ve also been able to combine my love of teaching and my love of cookies in my business by offering cookie decorating classes! I love meeting participants and guiding them through the process of decorating. The best part is watching their confidence grow as the class goes on!
Contact Info:
- Website: sweettoothnorthfield.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweettoothnorthfield/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweettoothnorthfield
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweettoothnorthfield
Image Credits
Katie Lovrien
