Sweet Success: Capturing the Heart of McKeithan Cookie Creations

I recently had the absolute pleasure of working with Rachel McKeithan of McKeithan Cookie Creations for a branding session, and let me tell you, her passion for baking and decorating is as sweet as her cookies! We spent the afternoon capturing the essence of her business, and I got to hear all about her journey. It's a story that's both inspiring and delicious!

Rachel's journey started with a simple desire to create something special for her daughter's first birthday. "I got into cookie decorating when planning for my daughter’s first birthday party," she shared. "I have always been a creative person and thought I should give it a try and see how it goes." Little did she know, this experiment would blossom into a thriving business. What truly captivated her? "The ability to combine my creativity with my sweet tooth!" she exclaimed. And honestly, who can blame her?

But as anyone who's ever tried their hand at decorating cookies knows, it's not just about slapping some icing on a biscuit. Rachel gave me a peek into the intricate process: "The decorative cookie process is something I severely underestimated before trying it myself! It is an extremely time-consuming process. Before I can decorate, I have to bake, I mostly hand-cut the shapes or characters, make and dye the icing, and create multiple consistencies with the icing (for the base layer, writing, florals, and other details). Then I bag the icing and begin decorating in layers. Royal icing takes time to dry, and most layers require drying time in between. The cookies then dry for 12 plus hours before being bagged, heat-sealed, and packaged. Just the color/consistency preparation and decorating alone take anywhere from 10-15 hours for a 2-3 dozen order." That's dedication! It's clear that Rachel pours her heart and soul into every single cookie.

Hearing about her first client experience was truly heartwarming. "Most of my first clients were family and friends as I was really just practicing for the birthday cookies. My first order was for custom Christmas cookies, and honestly, I impressed myself with those. Of course, positive feedback from family and friends was motivating, but compliments from others definitely boost my confidence! My favorite compliments are probably those regarding how they not only look great but taste great too- because what’s the point in a cookie if it’s not delicious?"

And speaking of heart and soul, Rachel's business has become more than just a creative outlet; it's a vital part of her life as a mom. "Cookie decorating has given me a new identity outside of being a wife and mom. This hobby allows me to express my creativity and find fulfillment in creating something for others. It’s been a great personal outlet that helps me balance motherhood while also doing something I truly love!"

It was such a joy to capture Rachel's passion and the beautiful artistry of McKeithan Cookie Creations. Her dedication, creativity, and love for her craft shine through in every cookie she makes. If you're looking for custom, delicious, and absolutely stunning cookies, look no further than McKeithan Cookie Creations. You won't be disappointed!