Meet Stephanie Graebner of Sunflower Cookies and Sweets

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Graebner

Hi Stephanie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Even as a little girl, I always knew that baking was my passion. My evenings and weekends were spent watching the food network, fully enamored by anything to do with baking or making sweet treats! I would learn new skills, techniques, and culinary vocabulary by watching and listening to others on the tv. Over the years I collected different baking supplies and decorating tools, gathering old family recipes as well as formulating new ones of my own. The question “what would you like to be when you grow up?” was always answered with “a pastry chef!”. Trying out new creations and decorating cakes was something I often did in my free time. I would tell all of my friends and family that one day I was going to have a bakery of my own, and here I am today!

Sunflower Cookies and Sweets was established in spring of 2021, and has been growing ever since! I started with small events in local neighborhoods and farmers markets, spreading the word of my small baking business one cookie at a time. Each year I searched for new markets and events to attend, connecting with the community and also growing via word of mouth. Over time my cottage bakery grew from just offering cookies, to offering other sweet treats as well such as cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, custom cakes, and more. I and my business have come a very long way since opening in 2021, and I look forward to where this journey will take me!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a small business always has it’s struggles, but it is also so rewarding! Baking especially comes with a lot of late nights, early mornings, time management, and organization. At times it can feel a bit overwhelming, like there aren’t enough hours in the day to finish all of your tasks. You just have to take a deep breath, trust in yourself and your vision, and persevere! Opening a small baking business has definitely come with a lot of learning experiences. But each experience has helped me grow; not just as a business, but as a person. So I welcome any challenges, seeing them more as opportunities than obstacles!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Sunflower Cookies and Sweets is a cottage bakery and we specialize in traditional cookie flavors, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, custom cakes, cookie cakes, and more. All of our baked goods are made to order from scratch! Starting with just cookies in 2021, we have slowly transitioned to custom cakes, cupcakes, and floral cupcake bouquets as well, all of which now make up the bulk of our orders. Our attention to detail, communication, included delivery, and special offerings such as vegan and gluten friendly products have set us apart from the rest. During the summer months, you can also find us at various farmers markets and events. Information for that will be located on our website during that time.

It brings me joy to be a part of other’s special days and gatherings! From weddings and birthdays, to anniversaries and holidays. It is an honor to bring smiles to the faces of those in my community!

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I was just 18 years old when I opened by business! Now 22, I manage every aspect of my business. From the website, social media, and communicating with customers, to baking, decorating, and delivering! I am also completely self taught. All of my recipes and decorating skills have been fine tuned with countless hours of practice.

Pricing:

• Cookies – $26 per dozen
• Cupcakes start at $35 per dozen
• Floral Cupcake Bouquets – $45
• Custom Cakes start at $65
• Cinnamon Rolls – $14 per 4 roll pan

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sunflowercookiesandsweets.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sunflowercookiesandsweets
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/sunflowercookiesandsweets/