We are thankful to partner with Brenda, owner of Brenda’s Iced Cookies, for Mom Boss Monday. We love to support women in business, especially mothers in our community.
MAKING LIFE CHANGES
In 1982, I realized I needed to make changes in my life. Life was going in a circle, and I knew that I was destined to do more than work retail. So, I followed my father’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Air Force. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made!
Each assignment was special in its own way, and I look back with so many wonderful memories! After 23 years, I was fortunate to receive an assignment that brought me home to Keesler AFB. In 2007 I retired from the Air Force and resettled with my 10-year-old daughter on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
MORE LIFE CHANGES
My life changed again in 2015 when my daughter left for college. I’ll never forget when she asked if I could provide something for her sorority tailgating tent. I’m not sure why, as I’d never done this, but I decided to decorate sugar cookies with royal icing.
The girls loved them and for the next 3 years I was greeted by excited girls as I delivered their home-game cookies. By the end of 2018, I was thrilled to see how many people were commenting on how delicious my cookies were and couldn’t wait to place an order of their own.
MAKING THINGS OFFICIAL
In 2019 I obtained my LLC, tax ID, state permit and following the Mississippi Cottage Laws, I officially opened my home-based business Brenda’s Iced Cookies.
What originally started as a seasonal event quickly gained momentum. In 2020 I decided it was time to make another change to my life; it was time to quit working outside the home and focus on what I enjoyed the most—decorating cookies.
My cookies make me a smile… I thank God for providing me with a talent that brings me peace and enables me to create a schedule that allows me to travel and enjoy the life I was intended to have. I am grateful to have been able to follow my dreams and to be in charge of “my time” and ultimately my life. I’ve never been happier and know my life has been a success. What better joy is there when you feel that, through baking and decorating cookies, you can bring joy to others. You feel valuable!
MY COVID PLAN
It was difficult during the COVID “shutdown” and I had to think outside the box to come up with ways to continue my dream. I made kits where families could decorate their own cookies! I was told by many that it was so fun decorating cookies together as a family; those memories will last a lifetime.
MY ADVICE FOR OTHERS
Sometimes we need to make changes in our lives. Change is scary, but if you can follow your dreams and do what you love, it helps you move past the scary part. Today, I look forward to seeing the variety of ideas and opportunities that my customers come up with for their events. It is guaranteed that I’m never going to get bored and by God’s grace, my abilities will continue to improve.
Read more about other local Mom Bosses!
