Meet Wendy Alba | Home Bakery Owner

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

Hi Wendy, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I like to remember there’s a time and season for everything. When my kids were small, I spent most of my time raising them as best I could. I did side jobs here and there, but as they got older and went to school, I started dreaming of having my own business that would give me the freedom, the creativity, and the flexibility I yearned for. When I was down to one toddler at home, I knew it was time to give it a go! As a new home bakery owner, my work life balance was pretty lopsided. There are a million hats you’re trying to wear to get things off the ground and half of them don’t fit! With the support of my family and some gentle reminders about what was really important, I shifted my home bakery business model to include teaching classes and creating content for social media. This decision supported my main goal of creating and having more time for my family.
Talking with your support system is so important. There are going to be weeks and months that your business will demand more of your time, and by communicating what you need help with, you can stay connected and share the success with your loved ones. I learned this the hard way, and know what it’s like not to ask for help, so take it from me, it’s better to evaluate your to-do list and calendar, and do your best to plan for success by asking for help. It could be as simple as getting take-out for dinner or setting up a carpool for after-school activities.
When we’re honest about our time and our priorities, life tends to work itself out.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a cookie artist and business owner! I create edible art customized for my clients. I also teach classes, so that others can join in the fun too! I love to encourage others to get creative and trust the process. My cookie creations range from painted landscapes to chic wedding cookies to printed logo cookies. I’m most proud of winning Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge in 2022 (Season 6, Episode 8, Behind the Scenes). I competed against 4 other incredibly talented bakers and had the best time.
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial streak. In college, I got my degree in Business Management and love studying how to improve myself and business practices. Before I started my bakery business, I tried other avenues from teaching dance classes to financial services and found that decorating cookies hit the spot.
As I’ve grown into my business, I’ve had to weather quite a few bumpy roads like moving to another state or business goals that never came through. I’ve learned that I need to take note of what went well and what didn’t. I have to decide if there was something I could have done better or if I need to change my offers. Both instances have been true.
I’ve learned that being creative isn’t just about cookies and designing, it applies to how I run my business. I enjoy finding solutions that are not cookie cutter ideas. Trying something new, whether it works or not, gives me valuable information that I can use for the next time.
The creative process is what I’m all about. Knowing that I can take a concept from a thought to paper to cookie is thrilling and rewarding. I love gathering ideas and putting my own life experiences into my creative work. That personal connection is what brings us together and creates joy!

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?
I love to go the Fox Theatre! I would definitely find a Broadway show or concert and spend the evening in Atlanta. I also love sporting events and would catch a football or soccer game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Watching others live their dreams on the stage or on the field is one of my favorite things to do! It’s so inspiring. I also enjoy going to Ponce City Market. I’m not super fancy, so this spot does the trick because I can have a little something to eat from one place and a little something from somewhere else.
The High Museum of Art is amazing! I could definitely spend some time with friends there enjoying the art exhibits.
I know this might seem like something to do with the kids, but we really enjoy the Atlanta Zoo.
We also love going to Stone Mountain and visiting the park. We like to take a picnic and enjoy the fresh air. At night, we watch the laser show.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m so grateful for Cookie Better. Shelly Nunnally, Sam Opdenbosch, Erin Dougal and I formed a partnership to help cookiers feel empowered to start their own business, and we named it Cookie Better. We organize online workshops that teach the business side of cookies, and we have the best time hosting it! These ladies have been there for me through the thick and the thin. They are each successful in their cookie businesses and have shown so much love and encouragement to me. We had Laura Luk as an instructor in our past workshop, and we thoroughly enjoyed working with her and so many other talented artists and entrepreneurs.

Website: www.wendyscookiestudio.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/wendyscookiestudio

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wendyscookiestudio

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wendyscookiestudio

Image Credits
Robin Liljenquist