Meet Terri Spinney | Baker and Sole Proprietor

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

Hi Terri, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Before launching Terrific Treats FL in July of 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, I knew I wanted to do something different for myself working wise. I had lost my job as a line cook that March after 4+ years working my way up in the food industry, so I knew I loved food (both preparing it for others and for myself), and knew I wanted to stay in that industry. But I wanted a change of pace from the path I was paving for myself, something that allowed me more freedom and creative liberty, as well as the opportunity to interact with the community I was serving–not just preparing food behind the scenes.

So that June, I began writing down some ideas for a home baking business! I had an old, empty spiral notebook from High School that over time became home to my business plan. From countless recipe pages covered in scribbles and edits, to notes from dozens of online courses and web seminars, I worked almost nonstop towards this newfound dream of mine, and by July first I was ready to launch. Despite the fear of the unknown, embarking into an entirely new world of self-employment and independence, I was so unbelievably excited to see where this new path would take me. One and a half years later, I couldn’t be happier with myself for taking that first step. I now work directly with the community, selling at Pop-Up Markets and Conventions as they come along, as well as working directly with Flynn’s Arcade & More to sell my cookies every weekend.

I wholeheartedly encourage anyone in a similar position to mine to do the same–to step out of your comfort zone and embark into something new. To quote Seth Godin from his book “The Purple Cow”; “If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.”

What should our readers know about your business?
To share a little bit about my business, we should start with our goals. Terrific Treats FL was created with not one, but three main goals in mind; Serve awesome, unique sweet treats of the highest quality, become heavily involved in our community and use our success to give back to it, and become a staple at anime/comic conventions! With these three objectives in mind, we entered a community that we are proud to serve, cooking up unique, gourmet goods, as well as cookies that take inspiration from geek / pop culture references. To name a few, “Darth Maul” cookies inspired by the Star Wars character of the same name, “Blue Monsters” inspired by the Sesame Street Icon, and our “All Might” cookies, based on the most iconic hero in My Hero Academia. To branch into this niche community comes with challenges beyond seeing what’s popular and slapping it onto a cookie. Part of you has to be molded and/or raised by it, which I can safely say I was! You have to consider the flavors you’re incorporating, and be ready to take some risks, spend a few extra dollars, experiment with ingredients, and put your own ‘terrific twists’ on what you’re serving. Seeing those in the community you cater to light up with excitement at the care and time you put into your creation is incomparable; and I aim to bring that reaction with every Terrific Treat I produce.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in South Florida, specifically Broward County, there are a TON of fun places to go and hang out! One of the first being my favorite restaurant Flanigan’s, where I will gladly treat you to a towering pile of nachos and a pitcher of your favorite soft drink! I’d then take you to Flynn’s Arcade & More for an evening of nonstop gaming at $15 for all day play! Being Florida, it would only be customary to take you to the beach as well, and perhaps walk along down Ft. Lauderdale Beach BLVD to see the beautiful towering hotels and lit-up storefronts. Sistrunk Marketplace and Brewery is also nearby, featuring a cafeteria-style eatery with 8+ different restaurants to order from straight from your phone, to be brought to your table. Or if you prefer a more traditional sit down eatery, Funky Buddha Brewery is not too far!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to Shout Out Flynn’s Arcade & More in Margate, FL. Without the help of the owners Eddie aka “The Bearded One” and Will, I wouldn’t not be where I am today. By working with Flynn’s, I developed heaps of self confidence in both myself and my work, as well as some of the ins and outs of owning a business. I owe so much of my gratitude to them, more than I could even imagine to write down.

Instagram: @terrifictreats_fl

Twitter: terrific_treats

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

Yelp: https://bit.ly/3ssEwAM

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS6BXYvMbKtrrLBqh7GKckA

Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TerrificTreatsFL