Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridget Penders.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started Whisk & Willow in 2025, shortly after visiting my parents and taking my first cookie-decorating class with my mom, Judy. I had become instantly hooked and couldn’t wait to get started. My mom always shares my excitement, so naturally, we went home and made a batch of sugar cookies. The icing wasn’t quite right; the red icing came out brown, the yellow was too watery, and the cookies were too salty. I could sense my mom’s frustration, but all I wanted to do was get another bag of confectioner’s sugar and try again! When I returned to Cincinnati, I went right to the store. I started making practice batches and delivering them to my friends and colleagues. They were a hit, but I quickly realized how expensive it was to make them. Being only a few years out of college, I couldn’t afford to keep buying supplies and giving the cookies away. While wondering if I would succeed in selling my product, my coworker asked if I would make a batch for her son’s 21st birthday in Nashville. I was excited to have my first official order, so she gave me the details (Ohio State fans, loves elephants, and the color yellow), and I was off to the races. After seeing how excited she was when I showed her the final product, I immediately knew I could do it. I’m 3 months in, but I have already seen so much improvement in my abilities, and every order I’ve gotten has made me more and more excited to keep going!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Parts of this journey have been hard, while others have seemed like a breeze. When you take your first class, everything is pre-made and pre-packaged for you, so all you have to do is show up and have fun. When you start making them at home, you realize how much time and effort are put into every step. The first few times I made these cookies at home, it would take me 6 or 7 hours from start to finish. I started getting frustrated with myself for not getting the icing consistency right, and I couldn’t figure out the perfect cookie recipe. Spending half of your weekend making cookies that you’re not happy with can be disheartening, especially since I also work full time during the week. Finding the time to balance Whisk & Willow with work, friends, self-care, etc. can be difficult, too, but having something I’m so passionate about is definitely worth the occasional stress and under-eye bags!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
For the past two years, I have been in clinical research for a medical device company. I recently started a new role with the same company, specializing in Joint/Shoulder, Sports Medicine, and Vet Health. I was not one of the lucky ones who were born knowing what they want to do with their lives, but I am proud of all of the strides I’ve taken to grow and figure out where I best fit. In my previous role, I was considered the “jack of all trades” because if anyone had a question about a program, needed a specific document, or had a general question, I could help them. I’ve always loved helping other people, and my colleagues have always admired (and appreciated) that about me.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love that Cincinnati is a big city with a small-town feel. There are so many pockets and neighborhoods that you never run out of things to do and explore. I also love the culture of Cincinnati, especially during football and baseball season! The one thing I don’t like are the roads. I went to Xavier University and lived by campus for a few years after I graduated, so I was on Montgomery Rd every day for 6 years. There are so many potholes and bumps, it’s crazy.
Pricing:
- $40/dozen
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskandwillowcincy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whiskandwillowcincy/
