Conversations with Allison Halterman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Halterman

Hi Allison, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, I was captivated by the art and science of baking. There was something magical about combining simple ingredients and transforming them into delicious, beautiful creations. I was the kid who couldn’t resist toggling the light on our 1980s oven, curious to see the magic unfold—though I quickly learned to never open the oven mid-bake, a rule I still follow religiously today! My obsession with my Easy-Bake Oven only fueled my passion, making it clear that baking was an intuitive part of who I was.

Fast forward to 2020, and I became what many call a “Covid startup.” Baking had always been a constant in my life—I loved bringing treats to gatherings and my corporate office, where they were always a hit. When the pandemic hit, my work hours were cut, and like so many others, I found myself stuck at home. But I’m not one to sit idle, so I turned to what I loved most: baking. That’s when Allie Oop Bakery was born!

I spent countless evenings and weekends learning everything I could—attending webinars, studying the competition, and experimenting with recipes. I officially launched my Etsy shop in 2021, and it was met with incredible success, earning five-star reviews right out of the gate. Encouraged by the positive feedback, I kept refining my craft through trial and error.

Now, I’m gearing up for an exciting new chapter. In 2025, I’m stepping away from Etsy to take full ownership of my brand. With a freshly designed website and revamped branding, I’m thrilled to launch this next phase of Allie Oop Bakery. I’m eager to take the brand beyond the kitchen and into the community through pop-ups, craft fairs, and, hopefully one day, my own retail kitchen. Teaching is another passion of mine, and I’m looking forward to incorporating baking classes into my offerings, sharing the joy and creativity of baking with others.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the most difficult challenges I faced was the unexpected loss of my brother in March 2024. He was not only my brother but also one of my closest friends. I had been working toward turning Allie Oop into a family business—growing sales, revamping marketing, and building my own website—so his loss left me feeling untethered. Grieving forced me to pause and put major decisions on hold as I worked through the heartache. Over time, I realized he was my greatest supporter and would want me to keep pushing forward and pursuing my dreams.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a baker specializing in cookies, dessert bars, cupcakes, cakes, and macarons. While I love creating a variety of sweet treats, my Carmelita bars have truly become my signature item. They’re my top seller, earning all 5-star reviews on Etsy, and I’ve made them so often they’ve become second nature—like baking them in my sleep!

I’m most proud of my macaron skills because they require precision and patience, and there’s no room for cutting corners. I’m also incredibly proud that I’ve pursued what I love and taught myself much of what I know. Baking has been a journey of trial and error, and “practice makes perfect” is my personal mantra.

Quality and intention set me apart. I never skimp on ingredients—my customers deserve only the best. Whether it’s real butter, European chocolate, or fresh fruits, every ingredient is chosen with care. People often ask if I “bake with love,” but I think that’s a little corny. Instead, I bake with intention. My goal is for every customer to feel excited when they receive an Allie Oop box of goodies, not just because of the delicious flavors but also the aesthetic and care that goes into every detail.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memories revolve around dancing. After school, I spent my time in ballet and tap classes, perfecting routines and eventually performing solos. I loved everything about it—the costumes, the makeup, the backstage chaos, and the thrill of performing in front of an audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://allieoopbakery.shop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allie_oop_bakery/