Conversations with Katie Lubeck

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Lubeck.

Hi Katie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My first try at decorating sugar cookies was disastrous. I had seen some great pictures on Pinterest, read a few blogs and tutorials and thought, how hard could it be? Really hard, as it turns out. After that initial attempt, I wrote it off as something I just wouldn’t ever be good at.

Fast forward three years, and I happened to come across another local baker who was starting to put on in-home cookie decorating classes. I signed up, talked a few friends and family members into doing it with me, and learned the basic skills that would become the foundation for Cookie Art KC. After that class, I made cookies for my daughters’ birthdays and neighbors and posted them on social media. A sweet friend saw them and asked if I would make them for her sister’s bridal shower- which turned into other friends and acquaintances reaching out for cookies for their own events. Once I took the plunge into social media accounts, things really got going!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As with any craft, it takes time to perfect. One of the things that took the longest to get right was mastering icing consistency- it really is the key when it comes to turning cookies into art. Another thing that I’ve struggled with is self-doubt: doubting that what I made was good enough, doubting that people would pay what I charge, insecurity when comparing my work to the many talented decorators out there, Social media is a blessing and a curse, and comparison is one of those pesky curses that pops up more frequently than you want it to.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I bake and decorate royal icing sugar cookies from scratch. I’m most proud of the care I take and attention to detail I put in when creating custom sets for some of people’s most exciting and precious life moments. I’m also pretty proud that I have been able to grow this little business while balancing being a full-time mom to two little girls!

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think the demand for artfully decorated cookies and other food is on the rise and will continue to trend that way. With so much inspiration readily available when people are planning events, the pull for extra special touches (like beautiful cookies) is strong. Weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, graduations, bridal showers- they’re never going to stop happening, and people appreciate having special elements being included in their celebrations.

Pricing:

• Level 1- starts at $38/dozen
• Level 2- starts at $45/dozen
• Level 3- starts at $50/dozen
• Level 4- starts at $60/dozen

Contact Info:

• Email: lubeckk@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookieartkc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cookieartkc
• Other: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGv_Ny-WEo2pkWi7pf5g7DxZuNLpUKN5YNqKxwwvzTRVsJoQ/viewform