We recently had the chance to connect with Brooke Kelbaugh and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brooke, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day look pretty consistent every single day. I consider my day to start around 5am when I get to the gym. I set aside 60-90 minutes every morning for myself- to do something that fills up my cup, that brings me joy, and mentally prepares me for the day. Its the best way to start my day. It makes me feel accomplished and puts me in a positive mindset even before I head into work
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Brookie’s Cookies is a custom royal icing cookie company located in Towson right in Kenilworth Mall. I specialize in custom-decorated cookies for bridal showers, baby showers, engagements, birthday parties, and every occasion in between. I also do vendor events and pop-ups during the holiday season where I sell my cookies. Brookie’s Cookies actually started as a seasonal cookie company- I would make pies for thanksgiving and cheesecakes during Christmas. It quickly transitioned to royal icing cookies about 9 months into the business. What sets me apart from others is that I take the time to get to know my clients on a personal level. I take the time to get to know the client and build a relationship from the get go to establish trust I am totally self-taught when it comes to decorating cookies and watched a lot of videos on the internet, a LOT of trial and error, and time dedicated to constantly getting better and perfecting the craft.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I would have to say the part of me that has served it’s purpose is the “constant hustle business owner”. Brookie’s Cookies has been in business for a little over 5 years now and when you’re starting a business, its a constant hustle. I can best describe it as having a child. You have to take care of it, build it, market yourself, find clients, build a brand, all while offering a product that people want. When I first started, I would take on every order I got, sign up for all the vendor shows, hand deliver the cookies all while balancing working a full time job ontop of that. As a small business owner, wearing the badge of working 70-80 hour weeks was seen as a sign of success and prosperity. Literally working yourself past the point of exhaustion and going full scale into burn-out. I think the time’s have changed a lot and knowing what I now know, my mental and physical health is more important and should not come second to a thriving business.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say that everything is going to work out, it always does and it always will. You are held and supported by the universe and so many people in your life that want to see you happy and successful.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is not the real me, truth be told. I am an extremely extroverted introvert when it comes to the public’s perception of me. But the real me, is very introverted, quiet, and intuitive.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m in my home with my cats. I’ve curated things over years that have made my space a scared sanctuary for me. It’s the place where I can decompress, recharge, rest, and completely let go of all the days’ work. That being said, I’ve recently realized that the actual act of decorating cookies brings me peace. There is something very soothing to me about flooding cookies and being creative that lets my mind wander.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brookiescookiesmd.com
- Instagram: @brookies_cookies.co
Image Credits
Maria Linz Photography
