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, she received a life-changing phone call from an aqua quilting machine manufacturing company. They offered her a position as a national educator, traveling across the US to teach people how to quilt using their machines. It was a dream come true for Meredith, who has always loved teaching and sharing her knowledge with others. But how did quilting lead to cookies, you may wonder? Well, that's where Meredith's story takes an interesting turn. Despite being in the technical world of quilting, she has always had a crafty side. She's passionate about knitting, sewing, and various other crafts that allow her to work with her hands. This love for creativity eventually led her to the world of cookie decorating. One day, feeling a bit bored and in need of something for herself, Meredith decided to explore a new venture. She started making cookies and sharing them with her neighborhood. Little did she know, her delicious treats would create such a buzz that the Homeowners Association asked her to make Christmas cookies for them. The response was overwhelming, and that's when Meredith realized she had a business opportunity on her hands. Sweet Sugar Laine was born. Meredith quickly dove into the world of cookie decorating, refining her skills, and building her business. She expanded beyond her neighborhood, receiving orders from all over, and her cookies became highly sought after. What started as a casual hobby turned into a full-fledged cookie business in no time. During our conversation, Meredith shared her love for teaching and helping others. She enjoys sharing her knowledge through Instagram videos and local classes. But she didn't stop there. She also started Sweet Sugar Laine's cookie cutter shop, where she sells adorable cookie cutters, stencils, and even offers custom silk screen stencils for fellow bakers. Her goal is to make these tools accessible and affordable for others, saving them the expense of buying expensive equipment. One of the highlights of our conversation was Meredith's appearance on the Food Network's Christmas Cookie Challenge. It was a surreal experience for her, going from being a pipeline worker to competing on national television. She shared the excitement and exposure it brought to her business, and it was truly inspiring to hear how far she has come. Throughout our conversation, one thing became clear: Meredith's journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the willingness to try new things. She encourages aspiring bakers and entrepreneurs to embrace their creativity, explore different avenues, and be open to learning and growing along the way. I hope you enjoyed this episode of "Sugar Coated Dreams" with Meredith from Sweet Sugar Laine. Her story is a reminder that dreams can turn into reality when you have the courage to chase them. Be sure to check out Sweet Sugar Laine for some delectable treats and creative baking supplies. Until next time, keep chasing your sweetest dreams! You can find Meredyth at www.instagram.com/sweetsugarlaine www.facebook.com/sweetsugarlaine www.sugarlainecutters.com Check out The Cheerful Box by visiting www.cheerfulcutters.com