Rising Stars: Meet Linda Holloway

Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Holloway.  

Hi Linda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I couldn’t have planned my cookie decorating journey if I tried! A friend gifted us with a cookie decorating kit for Christmas 2017, and I fell in love. I found decorating so soothing and relaxing, and I wanted to do it more and more. I found that I was pretty good at it! I found joy. At the same time, I was experiencing profound burnout in my nearly 3-decade corporate and legal career. I found myself at a crossroads. A path to a different way of contributing to my family had appeared, but it meant huge risks and changing everything. My husband and I talked and prayed about it, and in June 2018, I resigned from my job and Linny Loo’s Cookies became my full-time gig! The change has been perfect for our family. It has allowed us the freedom to embark on the journey of homeschooling our children, a privilege we hold dear. It has given us a much simpler life, and I get to spend my efforts creating edible works of art that bring delight and joy. Custom cookies are a luxury item that, if we’re being honest, nobody actually “needs,” I’m incredibly grateful to my customers for valuing my work and supporting my business! 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business from scratch is a daunting task! There are endless decisions to make. (What will my logo look like? What packaging will I offer? How best will I source my ingredients? Should I try to hire staff?? And on and on). 

Some of the decisions I’ve made ended up being positive, and some ended up being flops. As challenging and uncomfortable as that’s been (and still is), I count it all as forwarding momentum and gained knowledge. Sure, I’d like to get it right every time, but I’m not afraid to make mistakes that will help me learn and grow. I think ultimately, a great deal of faith is required to launch and run a small business. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve always been a creative person. I’ve always been fairly good at whatever medium I’ve worked with, and I’ve enjoyed the creative process. But I’ve never truly felt like an artist until I found cookie decorating. My mind still gets blown on a regular basis that I can take flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and a handful of other ingredients and transform it all into edible works of art. 

I adore the moment when all my prep is done and I get to sit down with my blank cookie canvases in front of me. I always feel a little apprehensive, but mostly I’m just filled with joy. When I start a set, I may have a vague idea of what I want to do, but it just sort of flows into whatever it’s meant to be. It’s a joy to watch it unfold before me. I think allowing myself that freedom while creating results in cohesive sets with interesting colors, backgrounds, and textures. I’m known for my intricate details, and I love the challenge of pushing myself that way. 

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I love my life! Living as authentically as possible is key. Recognizing how incredibly blessed, I am to be surrounded by my precious family and friends. Being present in my life, accepting all of the ups and downs as they come. Living with a philosophy of how can I be a blessing to others? Being kind and gentle with myself and others. The work of being human is tough and messy. I’m thankful for my perspective, gratitude, and faith. 

Contact Info:

• Website: Linnylooscookies.com
• Instagram: @linnylooscookies
• Facebook: @linnylooscookies