Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh Kolasky.
Hi Ashleigh, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Ashleigh, a mother of three who lives in Medina and runs the Blossom Bake Shoppe with my fiancé, who’s also my high school sweetheart! I manage a local salon by day and have been with that company (the VCS Salon and Spa) for 10 years.
During Christmas of 2021, my fiancé asked if there was anything I’d like for Christmas. After focusing on the kids and everything else – my personal wishlist was lacking. I told him that I’d been interested in baking – specifically decorated sugar cookies like I’d seen all over social media. He bought everything I needed to get started, and on New Year’s Day 2022, I baked and decorated my very first set.
By Valentine’s Day, my family and friends were my first customers – purchasing Valentine’ day cookies. Friends and coworkers began ordering cookies for their life events, and by the summer of 2022, I had started to build a reputation with the community and partnered with a local food boutique (Nibble), where I sold cookies in their store.
In 2023, business really picked up. I saw many new customers in addition to returning ones! I stopped working with the boutique, as custom orders took up much of my time. Aside from birthdays, holidays and celebratory showers, I have also baked for the Michael Stanley tribute band, The House of Blues, and many other companies and realtors. I offer printed logo cookies along with decorated sugar cookies.
By 2024, I began to offer cookie decorating classes, where attendees get step by step instructions to decorate sugar cookies of their own, and my reputation within the local community continues to grow. I teach classes locally and also offer private classes!
Present day, I am still working as a salon manager and cookie decorator. Though, as the cookie business continues to grow, I’m excited to see where 2025 will take the Blossom Bake Shoppe
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?
The biggest struggles along the way are juggling the family, the salon, and the cookie business. Time management is the biggest battle, and sometimes saying “no” to an extra order is not my strong suit.
There have been many late nights and many risks taken to grow the business – but I have such a strong support system within my family and friends that has gotten me this far
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Well, I suppose there’s two sides to my professional career. On one hand, I’m a salon manager, overseeing a group of 35 women. Spending 10 years in a company started by women for women laid the foundation of my confidence to venture into my own business. As a manager, I also learned the ins and outs of the business side, which helped tremendously in the start of the Blossom Bake Shoppe.
As a cookie artist, I handle everything in the bake shoppe from designing the perfect cookies to decorating them. I specialize in gourmet decorated sugar cookies with high quality ingredients and attention to detail. I believe what sets me apart most is the customer service and time I devote to each and every order. I draw up digital designs for each order and ensure that everything looks perfect for their event. Every color, detail and design is important! I also always continue to learn and improve my skill set, so that I am able to offer the best of the best sugar cookies in my area.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
So… maybe this isn’t the most fitting for the article, but I am infatuated with true crime 😂
Most nights of cookie decorating, I’m listening to true crime podcasts or audiobook!
However, I do also enjoy books and audiobooks that promote positive life changes and self-help. I also follow many other cookie decorators on TikTok and Facebook – and love learning from them!
Pricing:
- $42+ for mini decorated sugar cookies
- $50+ for printed cookies
- $66+ for decorated sugar cookies
- $65 cookie class tickets
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blossombakeshoppe.com
- Instagram: blossombakeshoppe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blossombakeshoppe/
