Conversations with the Inspiring Kirbi McGinness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirbi McGinness.

Kirbi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My day job is as a 4th-grade teacher and I absolutely love it! A few years ago, I began watching the videos of people decorating cookies and it was so therapeutic. As someone who has anxiety, these videos gave me such a sense of calm. I thought to myself, “I could do that!” I gave it a try around Christmas time of 2017. I researched recipes and tips until I had picked about five different designs to try. It ended up going horribly as I tried too many different things and had these huge expectations as a perfectionist. I completely gave up on cookies and did not try them for a year. However, I continued watching cookie decorating videos and found myself loving the calming effect they had on me. The next Thanksgiving, I found myself with some extra time over Thanksgiving break. I wanted to give cookies another try but I had to tell myself that obviously, I would not be perfect as I was a beginner. I stuck to one design and ended up absolutely loving it! It was therapeutic and I was hooked.

I began making cookies for all of my students in order to get honest feedback. After trying a few recipes, I found one I really liked. I would send in leftover cookies with my family members to their work. Word got out and a few people started placing orders. This was huge as they were taking a huge leap of faith with me! I decided to take another leap and put my cookies on Instagram and Facebook. At first, it was mostly friends who were supporting me (which was awesome!). Then, people from across Colorado started reaching out to me. I have been officially open for business for a little over a year now. I currently only take about one order a week and am booked a month in advance. Many people ask if I will ever go full time with cookies, but right now, I love teaching too much to give that up. Cookies are just the icing on top!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road! I struggle with anxiety and perfectionism, quite the combination when it comes to making cookies! There were many times where I felt as if I could not keep up with teaching full time and also making cookies on the side. I am my toughest critic which can be a blessing but also a curse. It has made it so that I always put my best cookie forward but it has also driven me to the point of breakdowns because of minor mistakes. I have had to realize that I am a human being and not a robot. Of course there are going to be minor mistakes! This has also forced me to not try and compare myself to other cookiers. Most of the amazing cookiers I follow on Instagram have been doing this for years! For the first few months, comparison was my biggest enemy. I have learned that I can only do my best and I have to be proud of that! My advice to other young women starting out is to not compare yourself to others and to surround yourself with positive role models. Even if they aren’t in the same business as you, find other young women who inspire you and stick with them!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Buffalo Lane Bakery story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in custom decorated sugar cookies. I have done cookies for all sorts of occasions, including but not limited to birthdays, wedding showers, bridesmaid cookies, holidays, business events, graduations, baby showers and many others! I am most proud of being able to take a customer’s idea and turn it into an edible creation. I pride myself on listening to the customer and taking their advice as they are ultimately their cookies, not mine! I put so much love into each cookie set and it is so fun to see my cookies out in the world!

Pricing:

• Cookies start at $4 each

Contact Info:

• Email: buffalolanebakery@gmail.com
• Instagram: @buffalolanebakery
• Facebook: @buffalolanebakery

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