We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Devon Tracy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Devon below.
Devon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s talk about social media – do you manage your own or do you have someone or a company that handles it for you? Why did you make the choice you did?
I manage my own socials! My previous experience with photography and working in social media for the company’s in-house channels is definitely a helpful skill set to have. I didn’t feel totally overwhelmed and knew what I needed to do to build my brand.
I decided to focus heavily on the visual side of cookie decorating so I post a lot of stills and videos of the process as that’s what most folks are interested in. I keep track of popular times to post and make a solid effort to post at least once a day. I would estimate at least 40% of my client base finds me through Instagram!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Devon and I’m the owner/baker/decorator of Sadie’s Cookie Company. After navigating a variety of industries in the corporate world during my twenties, I eventually found my happy place at my then-local bakery. It was a welcome change to my previously chaotic life of neverending emails, pointless meetings, and zero work-life balance, and allowed me to be my creative self again. Although I was pretty clueless about baking, I was able to hop around to different teams and ultimately landed in the Cookie department. I fell in love with the process and learned so much about cookies in a little over one year before my partner and I made the move to Colorado.
When we arrived in Arvada, I had no intentions of opening my own business. But if there was one thing I knew, it was that this right-brained gal was not meant for corporate life. So, after a few times of talking myself into and back out of it, I took a massive leap and started Sadie’s full-time. It has truly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself.
We offer royal iced cookies handmade and designed by me along with seasonal cookies sprinkled throughout the year. I have strategically built Sadie’s around custom orders as that is what I enjoy the most. I love guiding my clients through the creative process, being able to take our ideas and then bring them to life in cookie form. Weddings are probably my favorite events as the personalities of the couples are such a joy to create for!
I have a lot of pride in my little business because of the sheer amount of folks I get to work with. I have formed so many cool connections and friendships which has been really special for me as a girl who’s only been calling Colorado home for less than two years. I love that it’s allowed me to find a new happy place for myself while simultaneously spreading my love for cookies and art into the community.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I seriously lose my mind any time I get a request from a client and they use my own work as inspiration for their order. It is so wildly flattering and humbling at the same time. I am challenged creatively every day to mesh ideas together, make things work, try new techniques, and achieve cohesivity so when folks truly love the end product, it’s a big moment of gratitude for me and where I’m at with the business.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Being very new to Arvada, I simply tried to make myself available. I was prompt to respond to clients and offered flexible options in terms of pricing and order pickup. I also think being full-time has allowed me to grow the business very quickly as I can readjust my day fairly easily to accommodate my clients’ needs.
In addition, I offer products within most budget ranges so no one has to miss out!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sadiescookiecompany.com
- Instagram: @sadiescookiecompany
- Facebook: @sadiescookieco