We were lucky to catch up with Annie McDaniel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Annie, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
You know, when people ask me about my work ethic, I always think back to my parents. They’re the real MVPs in shaping how I approach everything in life, especially when it comes to putting in the effort to achieve success.
My mom, Louise, she’s a nurse, and let me tell you, she’s a superhero in my book. Not only did she work tirelessly to provide for our family, but she also managed to instill in me values like patience, caring, and empathy. Growing up, I learned from her that it’s not just about getting ahead—it’s about lifting others up along the way. That’s something I carry with me every day.
And then there’s my dad, Chet. Talk about determination! He started off studying to be a pharmacist, but soon realized it wasn’t his calling. So, what did he do? He enrolled in law school, all while juggling the responsibilities of being a newlywed. That’s the kind of grit and resilience he’s always shown me—that nothing worth having comes easy.
I remember seeing my dad burning the midnight oil, waking up at the crack of dawn to get a head start on his day. He taught me that success isn’t handed to you on a silver platter—you’ve got to roll up your sleeves and put in the work. And if I ever stumbled along the way, he was there with words of encouragement, pushing me to reflect on what I could do better or urging me to seek out help when needed.
Both of my parents made countless sacrifices to give my siblings and me the best possible start in life. Their dedication and hard work laid the foundation for everything I’ve achieved, and I’ll forever be grateful for the lessons they’ve taught me.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
So, let me tell you about AnneMade Sweets—it’s my baby, my passion project that kicked off back in 2020. We’re all about whipping up some seriously drool-worthy pastries and macarons right here in Columbus. But you know what sets us apart? It’s all about that personal touch.
See, I’m all about making your sweet dreams come true. Whether you’re after some cute flower-shaped macarons for a bridal shower or craving the taste of your favorite childhood treat transformed into a French macaron, I’ve got you covered.
Lately, I’ve been diving headfirst into creating these stunning macaron towers for weddings and special events. It’s such a blast because I get to really tailor each tower to match the vibe and theme of the occasion. Plus, can we talk about how these towers double up as décor? They bring some serious sparkle and pizzazz to any event, let me tell you.
Now, I may not have a fancy storefront just yet (who knows, maybe someday!), but that doesn’t stop me from whipping up all sorts of deliciousness for you. I’m all about those custom orders and whipping up special treats throughout the year. Your best bet to stay in the loop? Give us a follow on Instagram! That way, you’ll be the first to know about all the mouthwatering creations we’ve got cooking up. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In this crazy journey of mine, I’ve picked up three skills that have been total game-changers:
First up, we’ve got listening. It’s all about tuning in to what your customers and friends are saying, soaking up that feedback like a sponge. Take my neighbor, Kenna, for example. She straight-up told me my lavender macarons tasted like soap before I put them out there for sale. Ouch, right? But you know what? I’m grateful for her honesty because it helped me whip up a batch that left her—and all my customers—smiling from ear to ear.
Next on the list is organization. Let me tell you, with all the plates I’ve got spinning, staying organized is an absolute must. I’m talking keeping track of upcoming orders, making sure I’ve got enough supplies on hand, and even finding time to snap some pics for Instagram. It’s crucial to staying on top of my game.
And then there’s grace. Now, I’ll admit it—I’m a bit of a perfectionist. It’s a blessing and a curse, let me tell you. I’ve been known to scrap perfectly good batches of macarons just because they weren’t *quite* perfect. But over time, I’ve learned to cut myself some slack, to take a breath and realize that I can’t do it all. It’s all about finding that balance, you know?
And you know what’s been a real lifesaver? This incredible community of bakers who are always ready to lend a hand. Shoutout to Michelle’s Macarons for being a treasure trove of resources, from selling tips to pricing advice. It’s like having a whole squad cheering you on every step of the way.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
You know, the biggest hurdle I’m tackling right now is finding that sweet spot between all the different hats I wear. I mean, I’m head over heels for my macaron biz—it’s my baby—but I’ve also got my hands full with my kiddos, hubby, and a full-time gig.
I’m playing it smart with how I grow. I’m all about taking on what I know I can handle like a boss, soaking up every nugget of wisdom along the way. Who knows, maybe down the road, I’ll even open up my own shop. But for now, it’s all about keeping that balance in check.
Sure, it’s tough having to say no to those last-minute orders, but it allows me to continue to focus on the individuality of my product. which takes time and effort.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annemadesweets.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annemadesweets
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniemcdaniel/
Image Credits
Photo of Annie – credit Juliet Carey Photography All other photos of the macarons are taken by me so credit AnneMade Sweets
