We were lucky to catch up with Ann Van Brocklin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ann, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I have never been one to take risks. However, I was approaching 50, moving into the empty nesting stage and fearful of this next season of life. Prior to this, we were moving towards the end of COVID. I was a teacher, and like most ,had the uncertainty if we were going to be going back to the classroom or teaching online.

In January of 2022, yet again, we had gotten word that our school was going to be going online for 2 weeks. I looked at my husband with tears in my eyes and said I can’t do this again. At the time my parents were in a warmer climate. He purchased an airline ticket for me and I taught in the warmth for two weeks. While I was there, I had time at night to be with my parents but it wasn’t a vacation, I would have to lesson plan after a long day of teaching in front of a screen. With this type of teaching it is hard to anticipate what students will learn and what you will need to revisit the next day.

After I planned the next day’s lessons it was as if I was needing more. While I was staying with my parents, I began watching videos on how to decorate cookies. It was an outlet for me. I signed up for an online cookie decorating class and started to “create.” My first attempts were a bit rough. However, I enjoyed the creative outlet that it allowed me, so I kept up with it. I have always enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen with baking and cooking, “playing with my food,” ao to speak.

After awhile I started to share some of my food creations with family and friends. I remember two pinnacle moments that gave me the push to do what I am doing. The first, I was eating out with some friends. It was close to Valentines Day (2023) and I brought some of my cookies as a little gift. My friend texted me later that night and told me that I needed to sell these at farmers markets. I dabbled with the idea but pushed it away. Later in the week I surprised my family with Valentine care packages. My brother called me up and said, “You have a problem with these cookies.” My heart sank. He goes onto say, “Not only are these beautiful, but they are delicious..”

That March, I thought to myself, “Go for it …See what happens.” So I did. I did a St. Paddy’s Day presale. I began posting on my personal Facebook Account. After that, my daughter helped me create a logo, website, and worked on other social media platforms. This is how it began…

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Ann Van Brocklin. By day, I am an elementary school teacher. By night, I am the founder, owner, designer and cookier of Annie K’s Cookies. I got started in this because I always wanted to be a caterer but was too afraid to take the leap. I have always enjoyed baking. It was through the encouragement of a couple of friends and my brother, along with the support of my husband and three kids that I got involved. I come from a long line of hardworkers and people who show passion in their jobs. My dad was an entrepreneur, starting his company in our basement when I was five. I also have high regard for my grandmothers and their work ethic. One time my grandmother told me, “Ann, I don’t do anything half a$$.” Keep in mind, I have never heard my grandma use that type of language. It sill makes me smile. When I get tired I think of those two women.

Though it may sound silly, often times I feel that what I do is more than just a cookie. It comforts people in moments of sadness, extreme happiness, a bit of goofiness and joy. What makes this unique is that I can create something that can be thoughtful and personal. I have had moments when customers have picked up their orders and they were brought to tears by the details and thought that I put into their order. I have had customers pick up and show sheer joy because I have been able to understand the feelings that they have.

As for. my brand and logo, I have my family to thank for that. Though I go by Ann to most, my dad’s side of the family all called me Annie growing up. The K also comes form that side, which is my maiden name and in honor of the legacy in which my family’s strong work ethic has instilled in me. As for three hearts, those stand for my 3 children. My middle daughter, Laura, is the one that created my logo. My oldest, Grace and my youngest. Sam are my taste testers, alonf with my husband.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

There are many rewarding aspects of being able to do what I do.
It gives me an outlet to create; it’s edible art. It can be a centerpiece or thoughtful gift. Every cookie can tell a story.

It allows me to connect with the community. I thoroughly enjoy creating and building relationships with my customers. I am able to support causes likes Sophie’s Squad, helping female athletes that suffer from mental health concerns or Elevate Hope House that seeks housing and education for homeless mothers. It allows me to be, on an extremely small level, philanthropic. Since I have started this I have met some amazing people that have allowed us to network.

I get to see the fruits of my labor. From baking to packaging, every step takes effort, but when a batch comes out perfect, or a pre-sale sells out, it’s a huge sense of accomplishment. Seeing a small business grow from scratch is incredibly rewarding.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source for new clients has really been just by word of mouth. Also, the way you treat people. With something as personal as an order, I want to capture the thoughtfulness that the customer wants to convey.

In addition, I offer popup events in my driveway, I post on Instagram and Facebook. I also schedule pre-sales around different holidays.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anniekscookies.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniekscookiesllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieKsCookies
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anniekscookies
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/annie-ks-cookies-bloomington
• Other: Email: anniekscookies@gmail.com