Every day, Kate Weston is up by 5 a.m. to get started on new batches of cookies.
Weston started Kate’s Cookie Co. around a month ago and has been busy with orders for sugar cookies decorated with fondant ever since.
The inspiration for the business came from wanting to contribute to the community while also making some extra money.
Before she started the business, she saw the demand online for cookies made with royal icing but felt there was a gap in the market for cookies decorated with fondant.
“I created a page on Facebook and on Instagram and started baking. And it has been amazing. Eudora’s response has been incredible,” Weston said. “And I have loved every minute of it. I’ve learned so much. Everything is basically self taught.”
She offers seasonal cookies, paint-your-own cookie kits and custom orders. Some of her favorite cookies to make are holiday-themed gnomes, Santas, and elves.
Running a small business is new for Weston, but she’s learning as much as she can.
“It’s kind of trial by error and you fail forward is kind of my belief,” she said. “So you know the first batch of cookies weren’t my best and that’s OK because everybody has to start somewhere.”
Throughout the day, she balances homeschooling two of her kids and caring for a toddler. The cookies take about 12 minutes to bake, but the preparation and decorating takes several hours.
Her friends and family have celebrated her entrepreneurship. Her grandma Lenore Kneebone shared how proud she was of her granddaughter.
“She works very hard to make them beautiful, and she’s very talented. I’m very proud of her,” Kneebone said.
Weston’s friend and customer Stephanie Ortega said she and her family loved being able to paint the cookies.
“They tasted amazing, and it was fun to be able to paint them over decorating with icing,” Ortega said.
Weston runs her business out of her home in Eudora and offers free pickup and delivery for an extra cost.
Her paint-your-own cookie kits are $15 each. For more information, email [email protected]. Orders also can be placed through her Facebook page.
Kate’s Cookie Co. will also have a booth at the Kansas City Holiday Mart on Dec. 18.
Reach reporter Anna Denison at [email protected]
