Meet Dani Henion | Baker & Cookie Decorator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dani Henion and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dani, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started Flour Batch Kid on accident. During the early days of COVID-19, I (like nearly everyone else) took up a new creative outlet. I saw some videos of people decorating cookies, and I had to try it.

Soon, I was baking and decorating every couple of days, and I added macarons into the mix. It became clear that this wasn’t a hobby I’d lose interest in anytime soon, and I started making cookies for friends and family. Then I received requests for custom orders, and I decided to make it official by starting Flour Batch Kid.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I bake, design and decorate custom sugar cookies and macarons for birthday parties, weddings, baby showers and more. My favorite cookie sets to make are ones that have a retro or vintage feel to them.

I start every order with an inspiration board that includes the client’s color palette, event decor and details like names and flavors. I want the client’s guests to walk up to the dessert table and see baked goods that look like they’re part of the decor. But I also want them to think, “I’m trying one of those first!”

Until recently, I had never considered mysef as someone who is artistic. I would try my hand at things like watercolors or knitting and become discouraged when I wasn’t seeing progress in my skills.

But I know now that the key is passion and excitement. Cookie decorating was the first artistic hobby I tried that I felt inspired enough to push through the awkward beginner’s phase. I have so much more to learn about baking and decorating, but I’m thankful I stuck with it long enough to see real progress.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend was visiting and had never been to Atlanta before, I’d take them to The Daily in West Midtown for breakfast or Prevail Union for coffee — two cute spots with delicious food and drinks. We’d head over to Kudzu Antiques or Highland Row Antiques for some treasure hunting before walking around one of my favorite ATL neighborhoods, like Old Fourth or Little Five.

Because I live in Kennesaw, I’d have to take them to Marietta Square Market food hall for a bite to eat, since there are so many great restaurants to choose from in one place.

One of my favorite things to do lately is wake up early, take my dog to the Woofstock dog park, and walk to downtown Woodstock for a coffee or smoothie at Eden. They have a little walk-up window so you can order from outside with your pet!

There are also so many fun trails near the city, like Sweetwater Creek and Sope Creek Park.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband is my biggest fan, and he’s been a great sport about the fact that I’ve taken over our entire kitchen. I’m also thankful for the bakers I’ve met in person and online for being willing to share their tips, recipes, and encouragement. The baking community is incredibly supportive.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourbatchkid/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourbatchkid