Episodes
  In this lively and engaging interview, Arlene Chua, the talented cookie decorator and owner of Chua Cookie, shares her fascinating journey from immigrating to the USA from the Philippines at a young age to becoming a senior treasury analyst on Wall Street. Arlene's infectious passion for cookie decorating emerged unexpectedly in the face of personal challenges, leading her to create stunning edible artworks. From her delightful cookie designs, including iconic wedding dresses, to her...
Published 12/22/23
Published 12/22/23
Ashlee, the founder of Sweet Dough Cookie Co., shared her inspiring journey from a self-taught baker to a successful cookie decorator on the "Sugar Coated Dreams" podcast. She started baking cakes at just 13, but it was a request to make cookies for a bachelorette party that ignited her cookie decorating passion. Despite early mistakes, Ashlee's talent flourished, and she soon found herself making cookies for college students in Washington. Eventually, she transitioned to cookies full-time...
Published 11/02/23
    In this exciting episode of Sugarcoated Dreams, we are joined by the dynamic duo, Mike and Karen Summers, the creative minds behind Cookie Con, one of the most anticipated events in the baking community. With over a decade of experience running this event, they share the story of how it all began on a plane ride to Salt Lake City, where the idea of bringing cookie enthusiasts together was born. Karen, a talented cookie decorator with a passion for the craft, started her journey in...
Published 10/26/23
Rebecca, the creative force behind The DociaMack, shares a truly inspiring journey into the world of cookie decorating. With a desire to stand out and a family legacy to draw from, she crafted the unique name The DociaMack, rooted in her great-great-grandparents' nicknames. Her talent blossomed after making Halloween cookies for the first time, and her dedication led her to win the Halloween Cookie Challenge on Food Network. Rebecca's story showcases the power of perseverance, self-discovery,...
Published 10/19/23
Join us for a sweet journey on 'Sugar Coated Dreams' as we chat with the incredible Merideth Glasco, the creative genius behind LCW Cookie Cutters. Merideth shares her inspiring story of turning her artistic passions into a thriving business in the baking world. From her musical and artistic family background to her unexpected transition from pre-med to the world of cookies, you'll be captivated by her journey. Learn how she ventured into the world of cookie cutters and what sets her...
Published 10/12/23
Exciting news, friends! We have a superstar in the baking community with us on today's episode.  I am thrilled to bring you Brian Hoffman of Hoffman Media and Bake From Scratch Magazine.   Brian has an incredible story to share, from his early baking adventures to an unexpected career shift that led him to become a renowned baker and teacher. Join us as we embark on a global baking journey, from the charming streets of Paris to the cozy kitchens of Italy, all with Brian as your guide.  Plus,...
Published 09/28/23
This week on the podcast I chat with Coach Chef Kim, the transformational life coach and former pastry chef. She shares her incredible journey from the world of high-profile celebrity desserts to a surprising twist that led her to discover her true passion. In this episode, we dive deep into the story of how Coach Chef Kim found her calling, even when faced with unexpected challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Her journey from pastries to cookies is nothing short of inspiring, and she's here...
Published 09/21/23
In this episode, we get to know Teri, the talented baker behind Tweets Cookie Connection. Teri shares her background, her passion for baking, and what inspired her to start her cookie business. Teri's journey from dreaming about starting a baking business to actually making it happen is truly remarkable. She discusses the challenges she faced along the way and the pivotal moments that helped her turn her dreams into delicious reality. For those interested in the creative side of baking, Teri...
Published 09/14/23
Get ready for this episode of Sugar Coated Dreams podcast, where we'll be introducing you to the incredibly talented Julie McAllister of @JulieMcAllisterCakes! Join us as we dive into the world of baking and artistry, where Julie's cakes aren't just going to be desserts—they'll be breathtaking masterpieces that bring celebrations to life. From jaw-dropping wedding cakes to captivating brand presentations, Julie's attention to detail and artistic vision will be truly unparalleled. Prepare to...
Published 09/07/23
In the newest episode of "Sugar Coated Dreams," I chat with Victoria Jones, the artist behind Little Penelope's Cookie Boutique. We've all been there – that moment when we're on the hunt for the perfect birthday cookies for our little ones, only to be left feeling a bit disappointed. Well, Victoria's story begins just like that, but what happens next is truly inspiring! Victoria decided to take matters into her own hands and enrolled in a cookie decorating class led by a local cookie artist....
Published 08/29/23
In this touching episode, join us as we hear the inspiring story of Caroline, the creative spirit behind Sweet Khaki's, who turned her life's challenges into a thriving pie business that spreads joy and memories one slice at a time. Caroline's journey took an unexpected turn when a personal tragedy left her feeling lost and without purpose. The weight of her grief was unyielding, and nights turned into baking marathons as she sought solace in the kitchen. Her husband woke up to a countertop...
Published 08/24/23
Hey there, fellow dreamers! Welcome back to another heartwarming episode of Sugar Coated Dreams! Today, we're diving deep into the creative universe with the incredibly talented Krista Ford from The Doughmestic Cookie. You're in for a treat as we journey through Krista's story – from her mom-focused apparel gig to becoming a cookie apparel queen.  Get ready to be inspired, because Krista's tale is all about embracing creativity and taking the plunge into the unknown. Picture this: Krista...
Published 08/17/23
Cynthia Raven, owner of Sugar Chat Cookie Studio, is an enthusiastic and experienced cookie decorator who also teaches cookie decorating classes. With a background in human resources and a passion for artistic pursuits, Cynthia has a diverse range of experiences. She initially ventured into the cookie world in 2016 after her daughter encouraged her to showcase her creations on Instagram. This move led her to discover the wider cookie decorating community, which she had previously been unaware...
Published 08/10/23
In today's episode, we have a delightful guest joining us – Madison, the owner of Busy Bake House in Carthage, Texas. Madison takes us on a journey through her baking adventure, starting with her passion for cookies, which she has been making for about four and a half years now. Originally selling locally, she eventually transitioned to an online presence, leveraging social media to showcase her delicious creations. Beyond cookies, Madison has a beautiful family – two precious children aged...
Published 08/03/23
In this heartwarming and insightful episode, Dr. CC Weaver, also known as Ceasy Does It, shares her journey from family and lifestyle medicine to the world of baking cookies. She reveals how baking became a source of joy and balance in her life, a part of her lifestyle medicine journey. Dr. Weaver emphasizes how cookies can be therapeutic, bringing happiness to both the baker and the recipients. As a physician, Dr. Weaver promotes lifestyle medicine modifications for her patients, encouraging...
Published 07/27/23
In this episode of "Sugar Coated Dreams," I had the pleasure of interviewing Meredith from Sweet Sugar Laine. She's an incredible baker who turned her dreams into reality, and her journey is truly inspiring. Let me take you through our conversation and share some of the highlights. Meredith started off as a quilter, spending her days working with heavy machines and driving them to put beautiful quilts together. However, she found herself yearning for something more. One day, out of the blue,...
Published 07/20/23
  In this episode of "Sugar Coated Dreams," Sam Bachman, a cookie artist based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, shares her journey into the world of cookie decorating. Sam recounts how she initially started as a cake enthusiast but found her way to cookies through a caring and sharing project called "We Deliver Love." Through this project, she discovered the cookie community and was inspired to try cookie decorating herself. Despite initial struggles and imperfect results, Sam persevered and honed...
Published 07/13/23
Renee, the owner of Sweet Cheeks by Renee, shares her journey in the podcast episode. She started her business eight years ago, initially focusing on cakes but later transitioning to cookies. Being self-taught, Renee has embraced the evolution of her business, now teaching cookie decorating. Growing up, Renee always had a creative side, constantly doodling and drawing. She pursued interior design in college as a way to utilize her artistic skills. Through trial and error, Renee found her...
Published 07/06/23
  In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Andrea, who is not only a talented cookie artist but also the proud owner of a vintage cookie camper. Andrea takes us on a journey through her creative life, starting with her passion for art as a child and her love for floral design. She shares how her artistic background and her experiences in the flower industry have influenced her unique style of cookie decorating. We learn about Andrea's love for Cookie Con, a convention where...
Published 06/29/23
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Fred- Doc Macaron, a scientist turned pastry chef. Fred shares his unique path from having a Ph.D. in cell biology and working in the pharmaceutical industry to discovering his passion for baking and pursuing a career as a pastry chef. Despite the apparent contrast between science and pastry, Fred identifies several similarities, such as the importance of processes in both fields. He views the kitchen as a laboratory, where ingredients...
Published 06/22/23
In this heartfelt podcast episode, Kirsten shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey into the world of macarons alongside her daughter Nora. As a mother, Kirstynn longed for a genuine connection with her children, something she didn't experience with her own mother. Seeking to bridge that gap, she discovered the joy of baking macarons, together with Nora. Their shared love for this delicate treat brought them closer, as they embarked on a meaningful and transformative journey. Despite...
Published 06/22/23
Welcome to the Sugar Coated Dreams podcast! We're here to take you on a delightful journey into the world of baking and entrepreneurship. Today, we have a special guest for our inaugural episode: Beth Hennington, an extraordinary individual who turned her dreams into reality and was the winner of The Food Network Christmas Cookie Challenge  Beth will share her inspiring story, leaving you motivated and inspired. We're grateful to have Beth join us on the show. In our conversation, Beth...
Published 06/22/23
Do you ever catch yourself daydreaming about running your own baking business? Brace yourself for a fun ride as I share inspiring stories of dreamers turned doers, just like you! Prepare to be whisked away into a world where sugar, passion and entrepreneurship collide in the most deliciously inspiring way.
Published 05/25/23