Meet Victoria Jones | Custom Decorated Sugar Cookie Artist

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

Hi Victoria, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Many things have contributed to the success of my cookie business. For instance, I am determined. Determined to see things to fruition. Determined to learn as much as I can. Determined not to give up when things seem impossible. Determined to always do the best I can with the tools I have, I am also a lover of learning. When it comes to cookie decorating, I learn something new with each set I create. Along the way, I have also learned how to run my own business, juggle family life with a home based business, and manage my time with the cookie making process. I consider myself a perfectionist. Although I am in no way perfect, I strive to make the best tasting cookies first and foremost. Making beautiful cookies that taste amazing is my end goal. If I succeed in providing a little extra joy in the form of beautiful and yummy cookies at a special celebration, then I consider my art and business a success. All of these traits factor into the success of my cookie business, but the most important factor behind my success is the continual and constant support of my husband! From the first time I ever made decorated sugar cookies, he has been behind me, cheering me on. He took some of the first cookies I ever made to share with his coworkers and show them off. From there, I started getting order requests. After multiple requests, he was nothing but encouraging as I was telling him my ideas for creating a side business making cookies out of our home. He crushed the doubts I had about it and helped me find the courage to step out of my comfort zone and take on an art I had no experience with. He is my best taste tester, always gives me feedback on my design ideas, encourages me to attend any conferences or classes that I want to, and never raises questions over the mountain of cutters, tools, and other gear that constantly find their way into our mailbox!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Prior to starting my cookie business in 2019, I was a registered nurse for 21 years; 19 of those working as a labor and delivery nurse. I grew up loving babies, and my dream job in life was to help bring babies into the world. I was always fascinated with the workings of the human body, and having a career in the medical field was what I wanted to do from the time I was 3 years old! In November of 2017, I gave birth to my third child, Penelope. After she was born, I decided to retire from nursing and stay home to enjoy all that a baby brings to this world. I wanted to watch her grow up! When her first birthday rolled around, I searched long and hard to find someone available to make decorated cookies for her birthday. Everyone that I reached out to was unavailable due to her birthday falling just after Halloween. I had all but given up on having cookies for her birthday, when at the last minute I found someone who could make them. As I was eating one, the all too familiar experience of eating a hard, dry, and flavorless beautiful cookie came to fruition. I was super disappointed. Then and there, I decided that I was going to learn how to make decorated sugar cookies that were as delicious as they were beautiful so I would never have to go through that experience again. That December, I took a beginner cookie decorating class and fell in love. Six months later, Little Penelope’s Cookie Boutique was opened. I decided to name my cookie business Little Penelope’s Cookie Boutique after my daughter, Penelope, since she was the reason I wanted to learn to make decorated cookies as well as the reason I was able to stay home and now had extra time on my hands.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is full of fun things to do! Depending on the time of year, a visit to the State Fair of Texas would be fun. There are many museums in Dallas and Fort Worth as well. I would definitely plan a day at The Perot Museum, The Dallas Arboretum, The Dallas Aquarium and the Dallas Zoo. A stop at Pecan Lodge for BBQ is a MUST! Dinner atop Reunion Tower is a sight to see as well! In Fort Worth, we would visit the stockyards, hang out in Sundance Square and eat along the boutique restaurants on Magnolia Ave, including Him BBQ! The Fort Worth Zoo is a favorite of mine as is the Fort worth Botanical Gardens, and the Kimball Art Museum.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Aside from my husband, many cookie artists have provided me with inspiration and taught me many things along the way. There are many, but the ones who really come to mind are Anne Yorks of The Flour Box Shop. I learned all the basics watching her videos. Chelan @demicookieco is a go to IG account when I am looking for ideas and inspiration. Inspiring local cookie artists that I would like to give a shout out to are Ashley @letsbakeshit, Melissa @Missypsweets, and Jessica @camberleycookies . Last, but not least, Aaron @arkonmounts has been key in helping me build my instagram presence with his daily lives and where I have also formed many friendships in the cookie / baking community.

Website: www.littlepenelopescookieboutique.com

Instagram: @littlepenelopescookieboutique

Facebook: Little Penelopes Cookie Boutique

Image Credits
Heather Zak Designs