We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sara Siegele a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sara , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic as the owner of Fountain City Sweets is deeply rooted in a combination of my family’s values and my personal experiences. Growing up in a family that not only values hard work but also embraces creativity has had a profound impact on shaping my approach to my small business. I grew up with a love for hands-on creativity and a willingness to dive into new projects with enthusiasm. Being a self-taught baker, I’ve come to embrace the ‘learning by doing’ philosophy. I’ve learned that starting with modest expectations allows me to approach new endeavors without the fear of failure. This mindset not only helps me overcome the initial hurdles of learning something new but also fuels my desire to excel. The feeling of empowerment and confidence that comes from conquering these challenges feeds my hunger to continue learning.
Just a few weeks ago. I stumbled upon embossing folders used to create textured parchment which can be used to create really cool designs on decorated cookies. I figured these embossing folders could be 3D printed at home. Intrigued by the possibility of creating my own designs, I decided to give it a go! The catch was that I had never ventured into the world of CAD (computer-assisted design) before, and I had limited experience with 3D printing, mostly confined to basic cookie cutter designs.
Surprisingly, I found an absence of tutorials or guidance on creating 3D-printable embossing folders. Rather than getting discouraged, this fueled my determination to figure it out. I’m excited to be able to share the digital files with other cookiers and am working on putting together a tutorial for anyone else wanting to venture into creating their own designs.
I believe my work ethic is the culmination of the ‘can do’ attitude instilled by my family, the resilience gained from self-teaching, and the passion I have for bringing joy to others through my edible creations. It’s this unique blend of experiences that drives me to continuously evolve, learn, and innovate.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a custom decorated cookie creator, I truly get so much joy from turning simple ingredients into delicious works of art, and the satisfaction that my creations bring to my local community in Kansas City, keeps me dedicated to perfecting my craft. Unlike a big box store, I offer a personalized experience to each of my customers. I take the time to understand the nuances of each individual’s event, from their style preferences to the significance of the occasion. This attention to detail allows me to
design custom cookie sets that capture the essence of the event and resonate with the recipients on a deeper level. From bold and vibrant to soft and delicate, I embrace a range of aesthetics to ensure each cookie set is a distinctive work of art.
Beyond creating cookies, I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and skills with others. Through teaching decorating classes, sharing tips on social media, and now offering 3D-printed decorating tools, I aim to empower fellow cookiers to embark on their own creative journeys.
In short, Fountain City Sweets is all about infusing personal stories into edible art, fostering creativity in others, and embracing continuous learning. And on that note, I have some really exciting news to share this winter, so be sure to follow our socials so you don’t miss it!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
After my first child was born, I decided to leave my career as an occupational therapist to stay home full time. It was quite by accident that I fell into cookie decorating, but looking back, it makes a lot of sense why it felt so natural to me. Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that have impacted my success as a cookie artist are creativity, using a client-centered approach, and diligent planning. These qualities, which were integral to my previous career, seamlessly transitioned into the realm of cookie decorating and played a significant role in my success.
Occupational therapists by nature are creatives, looking at challenges in a unique way to help increase a client’s ability to participate in meaningful activities. Decorating cookies is just a different medium to display that creativity. And just as I used to create meaningful care plans for my patients, I now apply that understanding to crafting personalized cookie designs. Being attuned to my clients’ vision and preferences has made each order a reflection of their story. Lastly, diligent planning has been instrumental. Occupational therapists are skilled in breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps. This skill has translated into my cookie decorating process, where every design is well thought out to ensure its execution aligns with my clients’ expectations. This foresight prevents hiccups and helps deliver consistently excellent results.
For those on their own journey in the cookie world, my advice is to recognize the skills you already possess and find ways to bridge them into this creative realm. You unique background and expertise are assets that can set you apart. Develop you recipe to make it distinctively yours and find niches in the cookie design market that need your unique touch.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
In my journey as the sole owner and employee of Fountain City Sweets, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have incredible support and encouragement from my husband. As I navigate the multifaceted responsibilities that come with running a business, his presence has been invaluable in helping me overcome challenges and build the essential skills and knowledge needed for success. Being a solo entrepreneur can sometimes lead to becoming engrossed in the day-to-day operations, making it easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. My husband knows me better than anyone and has been great at reminding me of my bigger goals when I get sidetracked. As my confidant and sounding board, he has lent an empathetic ear during moments of uncertainty and shared valuable insights that have often led to creative solutions and have given me the confidence to push past my comfort zone. More recently, as I’ve ventured into tech-driven business ideas, He has proven to be an invaluable asset. His understanding of technology and reliable resources has enabled me to turn my 3D printable ideas into tangible realities. Having a partner who approaches challenges differently yet complements my own strengths has been a game-changer. I’m profoundly grateful to have him by my side, making the pursuit of my passion and the growth of Fountain City Sweets an exciting and fulfilling experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fountaincitysweets.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/fountaincitysweets
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/fountaincitysweets
Image Credits
Two headshots were taken my Untamed Wild Photography, formerly known as Chic Charlie’s Photography
