Sometimes, my life evolves in such a way that I flat out cannot believe that I’m so lucky. One of those recent evolutions was having a box of 
baked goods appear magically at my house via postal service, and then getting to eat them and discuss their merits. Discussing the merits of baked goods is actually a hobby of mine.
Example: You guys like cake? Yeaaaaah. Me too, baby. Meeeee tooooo.
The wily temptress who sent me these baked goods is Susannah Perry of Bad Kitty Bakery, and she’s my newest frosting-related hero. She’s built a business out of doing what she absolutely loves, and that is the sweetest thing of all.
A cookie sandwich. Whoever decided that two cookies could be stuck together with frosting should send me their info so I can write them into my will. These cookies were exceptionally good, though. Not because they were particularly beautiful, or because they were absolutely symmetrical like a factory cookie. No, it was all about the flavor. There was an intense hit of vanilla on the front end of the bite, which seamlessly transitioned into a seductive, subtle almond/marzipan flavor. Then, lest those flavors become cloying, there were small, crunchy pieces of salt mixed throughout. Salt makes everything better, and that applies about triple to chocolate of any kind.
Next out of the hatch was a package of cute, perfectly round cookies with a yellow hue and crystalline coating of fine sugar over the top. A bite of the cookie surprised me by being simultaneously sweet and savory. Lemon rosemary shortbread, it turns out. And wow. The rosemary wouldn’t seem like a traditional bedfellow with a dessert item, but this cookie was assertively dessert. The traditional buttery texture of shortbread did not disappoint, and it didn’t crumble like some shortbread does. A creamy, melt-in-your mouth treat with a fabulous crunch of sugar on the top of each bite. And lemon? Genius. Nothing balances butter like acid.
Finally, I pulled out something that clearly had cheese on it. I sniffed it suspiciously, and it smelled heavenly. Onion, gruyere, and thyme scones! There was a part of me that got really sad that I’d snarfed down all the dessert items first, but can you go wrong with caramelized onions, melty cheese, and earthy thyme? No, you cannot. Paired with red wine, this is basically all of the flavors of french onion soup in one disk and no dribbling down your chin.
Sold, I can enthusiastically recommend Bad Kitty, and can enthusiastically applaud for yet another amazing woman owned business.
So aside from sending me desserts, I wanted to sit down with Susannah Perry and pick her mind about just what it takes for a woman to launch a business, follow her passions, and rock it out in the culinary world!
On advice for newbies to the online craft-selling world:
Do your research. Especially when it comes to packaging and shipping. Presentation is important, don’t get me wrong. One of my favorite things about buying from Etsy is opening that package and seeing the time and attention to detail that has been put into presenting whatever it is that I’ve bought… usually earrings if I’m being honest.
But with baked goods, you also have to consider how they will survive the trip because you want what’s INSIDE the box to be as appealing as what is outside.
Along the lines of shipping and research I would also encourage someone to find some guinea pigs. Mail some out of town friends and family samples. Try a few things out before you decide on the best way to package things. You’ll gather some good information and you will have some very happy people thanking you.
On working with Etsy:
I love being able to reach so many people with my goodies. But it’s hard to stand out on Etsy because there are some really talented bakers and crafters and artists there. Plus quite often, you don’t hear anything back.
On what’s in the works for her shop:
I have a whole list of scone varieties that I want to add and photograph but there are only so many hours in the day, right? I need to wait until football season so I can dispose of the test batches at the weekly tailgate party.
On what she loves to make and eat:
There is something so festive and beautiful about a towering cake with thick swirls of frosting. I remember reading somewhere that nobody should expect a fuss made about their birthday after the age of about 10 and I kid you not, I almost cried. Birthdays are huge and should always be celebrated with a cake. I love making a birthday cake for someone and, in some small manner, being a part of their special day, you know?
Now to eat? I’m a chocolate chip cookie girl through and through. Well, that and chocolate brownies. It’s hard to beat a rich, gooey brownie with that delicious crackly crust.
Thanks Susannah! I’ll be your baking guinea pig, anytime! Check out Bad Kitty Bakery for even more tasty treats shipped right to your doorstep!
Do you start your business from scratch, have tips and knowledge to share, let us know and we could feature you on Curvy Girl Guide!
image courtesy Bad Kitty Bakery
THANK YOU!! I’m so glad you enjoyed everything! I also meant to tell you that any CGG readers that order between now and November 15th can use the coupon code CGG20 for 20% off their online order!!
I had no idea that Etsy had food available. So thank you for 2 recommendations. Heading over now
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