We recently connected with Elizabeth French and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

When it comes to asking friends and family to support my business, I believe it’s a delicate balance between leveraging their support and respecting our personal relationships.

I believe in being transparent about my business endeavors. This means clearly communicating what kind of support I’m seeking and why their support matters to me. Open communication helps set clear expectations and avoids any potential misunderstandings.

I always aim to ensure that any support I ask for is a two-way street. I want my people to feel that they are gaining something valuable from supporting my business, whether it’s through enjoying the latest thing I created or learning how to decorate cookies by sharing with their networks.

While I appreciate the support, everyone has their own priorities and interests, and it’s important to respect their boundaries and decisions. Hey, cookies aren’t for everyone!

I treat any support with the same level of professionalism as I would from any other customer. This means providing quality products or services, providing excellent customer service, and maintaining integrity in all business dealings.

In essence, while I deeply appreciate the support of friends and family in my business endeavors, I strive to approach it with sensitivity, professionalism, and respect for boundaries.

Elizabeth, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Let me introduce myself!

My name is Liz French, and I’m the owner and creative mind behind Frosted by Frenchy, a home bakery specializing in custom-designed cookies. You might not expect a Senior Account & Business Development Manager by day to be a cookie artist by sunrise, but that’s the magic of finding your passion!

Like many during the pandemic, I found myself yearning for a creative outlet. When my in-person cookie decorating class got canceled, I took a leap and enrolled in an online course. It wasn’t something I’d always dreamed of doing, but it sparked a joy I couldn’t ignore.

I handcraft beautiful and delicious cookies for all occasions. What sets me apart is my unique approach: I combine classic royal icing techniques with the incorporation of edible image printing. This allows me to create incredibly detailed and personalized designs that wouldn’t be possible with traditional icing alone.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect party favors, corporate branding cookies, or a show-stopping centerpiece for a special event, I can create something truly special. Every recipe and design is meticulously tested and refined. The cookie you see today is the product of dozens of taste tests and countless hours of practice!

I’m a firm believer in continuous learning. I’m constantly exploring new techniques, tools, and even ways to leverage technology to enhance my craft. For someone who didn’t start out with a lifelong passion for baking, I’m incredibly proud of the dedication and skill I’ve developed.

Here’s the heart of it all: I absolutely love what I do. The early mornings, the long hours – it’s all worth it when I see the smiles on people’s faces when they see my creations. Frosted by Frenchy (the name is a play on my last name, French) is more than just a bakery; it’s a labor of love.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

In the world of sales and marketing, it’s all about connections. For the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in various sales roles, from radio and TV to professional sports and now at a digital marketing agency. Throughout this journey, I’ve built strong relationships with countless business owners and marketing directors. Many of these connections have become loyal customers of Frosted by Frenchy!

In sales, building trust is key. For years, I’ve been a trusted resource for these individuals, helping them market their businesses successfully. Now, they have someone they can turn to for delicious, custom-designed cookies, whether it’s for an event, a holiday, or just a sweet treat.

I’m not shy about sharing my passion for Frosted by Frenchy. I understand the challenges of running a business because I’ve been on that side of the table. Being able to relate to what my clients are going through, both as a business owner and a customer myself, fosters a deeper connection.

So, in essence, my reputation within the market has been built on the foundation of strong, long-standing relationships, open communication, and a shared understanding of the entrepreneurial spirit.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

From Scrolling to Self-Assured: Unlearning Comparison

Early on in my Frosted by Frenchy journey, I fell into the social media comparison trap. Scrolling through feeds filled with seemingly flawless cookies from established bakers left me feeling discouraged. Their intricate designs and picture-perfect presentations made my own attempts feel inadequate.

The reality dawned on me – social media is a highlight reel. These bakers were showcasing their best work, often the product of years of experience and honed skills. Some might even have formal training that I didn’t.

The baking community thrives on diversity. Instead of chasing someone else’s style, I realized the beauty lies in embracing our individual strengths. I might not have years of experience under my belt, but I have a unique perspective and a passion to create.

Unlearning comparison was a game-changer. Now, I use social media for inspiration and to connect with fellow baking enthusiasts. Most importantly, I focus on what makes Frosted by Frenchy special: combining classic techniques with modern touches to create one-of-a-kind cookies that are both beautiful and delicious.

It was a tough lesson to unlearn, but ultimately, it allowed me to find my own voice and create cookies that I’m truly proud of.

Contact Info:

• Website: mycustombakes.com/frostedbyfrenchy
• Instagram: instagram.com/frostedbyfrenchy
• Facebook: facebook.com/frostedbyfrenchy