Meet Courtney Clifton | Owner and Operator of Court’s Cookie Co.

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

Hi Courtney, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
When you order custom cookies for an event, you are probably unaware of what it really takes for the baker to fulfill that order. There are so many steps and little things that bakers (especially home bakers) do to make your cookies perfect for you. First, a customer will submit an inquiry and we will communicate back and forth about design, detail, colors, theme, event type and pickup date. The baker usually takes the time to look up inspiration photos, design and draw out the individual cookies, and really make the order special for each customer. Once all of that has been decided on and the cookies are ordered, the baker not only bakes, and decorates the cookies (which takes hours even for the simplest designs!), but really pours her heart and soul into each one to make it absolutely perfect! When the cookies are finished, the baker photographs them to send sneak peeks to the customer, add to her social media account, and to share her artwork with others. This may seem like an easy and trivial step in the process, but its a key part of what helps a home business to grow, so it’s taken very seriously. Waiting for the right lighting, using photo editing software to get the most clear photos, and buying props and backgrounds to set the cookies up in the cutest way possible are all key steps to this part of the process. Then comes packaging, bagging, stamping, boxing and presenting all of your cookies in the best way we know how, so that you are just as excited to see your cookies as we were to make them for you! It’s a long process even for the smallest and simplest of orders, but each order gets the same amount of love, attention, and planning as the next one to ensure that all customers are thrilled to have our treats at their event.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started Court’s Cookie Co. as a creative outlet when I was a teacher. It was just a hobby that I enjoyed doing on nights a weekends when I had nothing else to do, but when I quit teaching to become a stay at home mom, it quickly grew into the business it is today. I am so proud of how far I’ve come in just a few short years. I went from having no knowledge about cookies, royal icing, or owning a small business to successfully operating my business and balancing life as a mom of 2 under 2. I am proud of the growth I’ve made as a cookier and as a person since starting my business. It hasn’t been without challenges that I’ve come so far, but I am so grateful for the journey that has brought me to this position!

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 all things food and family fun. We frequent the Dallas World Aquarium, the zoo, and are anxiously awaiting to visit some of Dallas’s children’s museums. We absolutely love Bob’s Steak and Chop house for an evening away from the kids, and if you’re having dinner with your girls, you have to check out Sixty Vines!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Court’s Cookie Co. is my true passion in life, and I would not be where I am without the help and motivation of my family and friends. If it wasn’t for the push from my friends like Ana Rodriquez and Carly Hill, I never would have started my journey as a cookier. They were two of the first people to ever order my cookies, and I am forever grateful for their belief in me and my abilities. They are both still some of my best customers, and continue to support my journey as a home baker. I also cannot count the amount of times my family has helped me during the process of building my business. From my in-laws, Mike and Lisa, letting us live with them and operating my business in their kitchen, to my parents, Natalie and Leo helping me with orders or with watching my kids so I can work, and my sister Rachel and brother-in-law Rudy constantly offering a helping hand and motivating me to keep going, I have never lacked in the assistance needed to own and operate a small business. All of these people have been instrumental in the foundation and progress of Court’s Cookie Co., and I am so thankful to all of them. Another amazing group of people who keep me motivated and constantly lift me up is the cookie community on Instagram. I expected to find a lot of competition on social media when I started my small business, but I found something completely different – a loving, inspiring community that not only helps you improve and become a better cookier, but shares your work with others and isn’t afraid to put others in the spotlight. The last person who deserves the BIGGEST shoutout in the entire universe is my husband Cody. He is the foremost reason I am able to do what I love every day. He works hard so I have the ability to stay home, take care of our two wonderful babies, and pursue my passion. He does more than I could ever ask of him and always ensures I have what I need to be successful. Whether it’s a late night sugar run, holding the babies, or bringing home dinner, he is always willing to help in any way necessary so that I can do my job. He is my biggest fan and my biggest supporter. I am so grateful for everything he does for me, my business, and our family every single day.

Website: courtscookieco.com

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

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

Image Credits
Sabel Moments Photography