Daily Inspiration: Meet Erin Barclay

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Barclay

Hi Erin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When my kids were young, baking and decorating cakes became my creative outlet. I loved turning simple cakes into edible works of art, just as my mom had done for us when we were kids. As my children grew older, however, life became busier, and my time in the kitchen grew less frequent. Baking became something I squeezed in during holidays or special occasions, but I always missed the process of creating.
In 2020, with my kids now grown and the world slowing down, I found myself with more time than ever before. It felt like the perfect opportunity to reconnect with my creativity. I decided to dive into cookie decorating, something I had always been curious about but never fully explored. As I started experimenting with designs and techniques, I quickly realized how much I had missed the joy of creating something beautiful from scratch.
While I was exploring this new hobby, I came across an ad for an online cookie decorating class. It seemed like the perfect way to take my skills to the next level, so I reached out to my childhood best friend, who lives across the country. I suggested we take the class together, even though we were miles apart. To my delight, she was just as excited, and we signed up right away.
The class turned into more than just a learning experience—it was a way for us to reconnect, reminisce, and share our progress as we worked on our designs. We spent hours texting each other updates and tips, turning what could’ve been a solo endeavor into a fun, shared experience. This renewed sense of creativity made me realize that this passion for decorating could be something bigger—a business I could pursue.
As I honed my cookie decorating skills, friends and family began asking for custom cookies for birthdays and special events. What started as a fun hobby soon became a growing business. I decided to take the leap, researching pricing, packaging, and marketing to turn my passion into something sustainable.
I created a website and social media accounts to showcase my designs, and with each new order, my confidence grew. The transition from hobby to business wasn’t always easy, but the excitement of pursuing my passion kept me going, and I quickly realized this was just the beginning.
As my business grew, I began to focus on what made my cookies unique: custom designs that reflected my personal style. I loved experimenting with different themes, from elegant and simple to fun and whimsical. Customers appreciated the personal touch I brought to each order, and word of mouth spread. What started as small orders turned into larger requests, and I found that my niche was in creating one-of-a-kind cookies for special occasions.
Running my home bakery required balancing my passion with the practicalities of business, along with a full-time career. It wasn’t always easy to juggle everything, but I thrived on the challenge. As I built my brand, I realized I wanted to share my love for cookie decorating with others. I began inviting friends into my kitchen to decorate with me, and what started as small get-togethers quickly grew into offering cookie workshops in my home. The more I taught, the more I realized how much I enjoyed seeing others light up as they created their own cookie art. The workshops became so popular that a friend referred me to the local library, where I began offering classes. I also started hosting workshops at local restaurants and other venues, further expanding my reach.
From there, the opportunities continued to grow. Clients began hosting cookie decorating as a group activity in their own homes, turning ordinary gatherings into fun, hands-on experiences. The business was evolving in ways I hadn’t anticipated, and I was thrilled to see new doors opening.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue expanding my business—whether it’s offering more workshops, hosting events, or exploring other creative opportunities. This journey has taught me that following your passion, even when it pushes you outside your comfort zone, can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths.

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?
It has definitely not always been a smooth road, especially since I was trying to build this new business alongside my full-time job. I had started this as a fun hobby for myself, and I was doing everything I could to make it not feel like a job. There were times when I just wanted to bake and decorate cookies for the sheer joy of it, without the pressure of orders or deadlines. But as the business grew, I had to find time to learn and expand my skills to keep up with the increasing requests.

One of the biggest challenges came when I needed carpal tunnel surgery from years of typing at work, followed by the added physical strain of rolling dough and piping icing for cookies. It became clear that my hands needed some rest. My family stepped in in a big way to help keep things running while I was recovering. They not only supported me emotionally but also pitched in with the business, ensuring that orders were fulfilled and I didn’t fall behind. Balancing everything was a challenge, and there were moments when I felt stretched thin. However, their help made all the difference. Despite the tough times, I really found myself enjoying this new creative outlet. The joy of creating and seeing my business grow kept me motivated, and that passion made it all worth it, even when things got tough.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in creating custom decorated sugar cookies, offering a unique, edible art experience for every customer. What started as a fun, creative outlet has evolved into a full-fledged business where I craft cookies for special occasions like birthdays, retirement parties, graduations, showers, holidays, team or school events, and more. I love turning a simple cookie into a canvas for custom designs, using vibrant icing and detailed techniques to make each one feel special.

My favorite offerings are my mini cookie sets designed specifically around each holiday, perfect for gifting to friends and family as stocking stuffers, Valentine’s Day gifts, teacher gifts, and more. I especially love to hear reactions shared by parents who have included them in their college students’ care packages! These little sets bring joy to both the giver and receiver, adding a personal touch to celebrations throughout the year.

What I’m most proud of is the way my business has grown and how I’ve been able to connect with my community. It’s not just about the cookies; it’s about creating memorable experiences for people. Whether it’s a birthday party, a graduation, a holiday gathering, or a team/school event, I love knowing my cookies are part of someone’s special day. I’m also proud of the workshops I offer, where I get to share my passion for cookie decorating with others. Seeing people light up as they create their own cookies is incredibly rewarding.

I strive to change the perception that decorated cookies are “too pretty to eat.” I pride myself on making cookies that are not only visually beautiful but also delicious. My cookies are made to be enjoyed, and I want people to feel just as excited to eat them as they are to look at them. The perfect balance of creativity and flavor is what I strive for with every batch.

What sets me apart is the personal touch I bring to every order. I take the time to listen to each client’s vision and customize the cookies to fit their event perfectly. My focus is on quality, creativity, and making sure every cookie is as delicious as it is beautiful. And I truly care about providing a positive experience from start to finish—from the first consultation to the final delivery.

The blend of creativity, passion, and attention to detail (and of course a delicious bite!!) is what truly defines my work and what I hope people remember when they think of my cookies.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me is that I’m actually an introvert at heart. While I love creating and sharing my work, I never envisioned myself teaching or leading workshops. The idea of putting myself out there and engaging with groups seemed daunting at first. But as my business grew, I discovered a passion for connecting with others and sharing my love of cookie decorating. I’m constantly amazed at how much I enjoy teaching and seeing the joy on people’s faces when they realize they can create something beautiful too. It’s been a rewarding surprise to see how I’ve been able to step outside of my comfort zone in ways I never expected!

Pricing:

• Holiday-specific mini cookie sets – $10 each
• Custom-decorated cookies – start at $50/dozen
• Cookie Decorating Workshops – start at $40/person depending on venue
• Holiday cookie platters – start at $25

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.barclaysbakery.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barclaysbakery

Image Credits
Sabrina Harrison Photography
Lisa Craig Photography