Sometimes it is just amazing how and where creativity will show up.   With this next creative cool woman in my inner circle, Judy Brooks, I watched it appear and grow through our long and close friendship.    Now, I can’t tell you how long we’ve known each other because then you would guess our ages but suffice it to say we both have experienced several “evolutions of womanhood” since we first met in our workplace and were young single Moms.

Creativity comes natural to Judy. She does fabulous event planning for her personal parties, beautiful floral arrangements and her home is transformed to everything Christmas during the holidays with her elaborate village displays with pieces she has collected over the years.     Today, I want to showcase her creativity with food – in particular cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.    Judy can take an idea and create an edible, custom decorating theme.    Here are her words about her creativity:

Describe your creative art form.

I enjoy creating decorative baked goods, i.e., cakes, cupcakes and cookies.  My preference is the decorative cookies with cupcakes a close second.

 How/when did you decide to embrace your artistic gift?

I left full-time employment over 10 years ago.   I had worked since I was 18 years old, so the thought of not having a daily routine or schedule was a bit scary.  I have always loved design and decorating, and I became interested in the baking side of it.  So, the next natural step was to begin baking and decorating classes before I left my job.  In fact, my first test subjects were the lab staff that I managed.

Once I took the first class I was hooked.  Before long I had advanced to creating flowers, using fondant, creating tiered cakes, and perfecting the baked good itself.  It was fun, and at the time thought it would be a fun way to generate income.

 Positive/negative unexpected experiences encountered as a result of pursuing an artistic life.

There is an upside to cake or bakery art as well as a downside.  I have learned that in running your own business you will work much longer and harder than you will work for an employer.  The payoff is the satisfaction of doing what you are passionate about.  Output and marketing are key in the bakery business.

I might say that the downside of this same business is that it will consume your entire life, especially in the beginning.  What once took several days to do, now can be done in a matter of hours with proper planning.  Weekends are peak time for weddings, parties, etc. and deliveries will almost always include setup as well.    This is not necessarily a bad thing; it just depends on what success looks like from your perspective. 

For me, success is not in the income generated,  but in producing what my clientele want, while remaining flexible enough to pursue other interests.  Sharing the art of cookie decorating, baking a themed cake for a party or sending a cookie bouquet is a great way to go.  I love creating and sharing my art with others, especially children.  We sometimes host kids parties here at the ranch and love to incorporate a horse-themed cookie decorating component.  The kids can take their finished product with them to remember the event.  Cookie projects are very popular and a lot of fun for kids parties.  It is a great way to combine this art form with my love of horses.

  Favorite thing about the artistic life.

Decorating baked goods is an ever evolving art form.  You are only limited by your imagination.  From the cookie bouquet to the cupcake tree or the tiered cake, I am always excited about the finished product.  The icing on the cake is that the client is even more excited about it.

Here are some pictures of Judy’s creative delectable delights: