Meet Monica Orzel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Orzel.

Hi Monica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been baking for as long as I can remember, and transitioned from cakes & cupcakes to royal icing sugar cookies in the last couple of years. I stumbled upon sugar cookies while scrolling through Instagram in 2018. The decorating videos captured my attention; I think anyone who has seen one will agree that they’re satisfying to watch. The way the icing settles into itself, the intricate piping of details, the meticulous painting of edible gold and silver – I was hooked on watching! I took a cookie decorating class in late 2018 and fell in love. The day following the class, I went out to buy the necessary supplies and spent the weekend baking and troubleshooting with royal icing. I continued to learn the basics and took a second class in 2019. I found out I was expecting my son in early 2020 just as COVID-19 began. After his birth in October 2020, I struggled with postpartum depression. Navigating life as a new mom (especially during a pandemic) was challenging, so I picked up cookies again for “me time” and to have a creative outlet. I started to offer cookies during each holiday, and soon enough I was getting requests for custom cookies. I work full time as a pharmacy fraud investigator and call myself a “bedtime baker”. The number one question I get asked is “How do you have time to make cookies?!” I have found a way to balance my time and become an efficient planner. Once my little one is down for bed, I spend a few hours every night working on my cookie orders. On average, I make 8-12 dozen cookies per week in my home-based cottage food bakery. I am a Zola Preferred Vendor for brides-to-be.

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?
There have certainly been some bumps along the road! Learning the Michigan Cottage Food Law and staying compliant has been a priority for me. I participated in a workshop offered by Michigan State University to learn the food safety aspect of preparing cottage foods. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes along with having a cookie business that people don’t often realize: customer service, designing, packaging, photographing, bookkeeping, graphic design, managing inventory, and social media marketing. Making space for my supplies has also presented another unique challenge. Finishing my basement and creating a dedicated cookie space/secondary kitchen is on the horizon for 2022. This past year, I have been most proud of building my own website so the ordering process is streamlined for my clients. However; purchasing a 3D printer is one of the most exciting things! I can now offer more unique designs by having the ability to print custom cookie cutters from home. I’m hoping to begin working on my own designs in the coming months.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Custom sugar cookies designed specifically for each client’s unique event are sure to wow their guests. My signature buttery vanilla bean cookies are a crowd pleaser and make excellent party favors. I am happy to match invitations and event decorations by using my projector, airbrushing, stenciling, watercoloring, adding edible metallic finishes, in addition to several other advanced techniques. I take online classes offered by professional cookie artists to ensure I’m keeping up with trends and learning new techniques. I love being able to be a small part of all my clients’ celebrations. These beautiful, edible works of art can be enjoyed for any occasion. The celebrations I make cookies for most often are baby showers and first birthday parties. I have done several bridal showers, weddings, gender reveal parties, bachelorette parties, baptisms, graduations, and housewarming parties. My most unique order, and my most popular social media post by far, was for a divorce party. I mean it when I say I make cookies for all occasions! I’m looking forward to partnering with other small businesses in 2022.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband, Ian, is my biggest supporter, cheerleader, and teammate. He constantly encourages me and offers reassurance. He has happily obliged to taste testing duties, does the never-ending dishes that come with running a cookie business, and assists with packaging orders. My family and friends are supportive of my business and have helped me grow by word of mouth and by sharing my posts on social media. I’m lucky to be surrounded by people that will mention my name in a room full of opportunity. I also love that fellow cookie creators push for a “community over competition” mindset; I have been fortunate to connect with other local cookiers that have shared referrals.

Pricing:

• $48-$60+ per dozen

Contact Info:

• Email: colorpopcookieshop@gmail.com
• Website: www.colorpopcookieshop.com
• Instagram: @colorpopcookieshop
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/colorpopcookieshop

Image Credits
Monica Orzel