We recently connected with Roshel Madden and have shared our conversation below.

Roshel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

I have the most amazing friends and family who have shown incredible support to me throughout the years. What has that looked like? It is when I get a text from a friend or family member that encourages or commends my work. It is also when friends and family don’t expect a discount-they value me and my business and want to pay full price. I also love when a friend or family member subscribes to my blog, or tells me they enjoy reading my blog. Blogging can feel like a fruitless effort most of the time. Sometimes I wonder, are people even reading my blog? Haha. I am sure many bloggers and writers feel the same way at times. Having the support of my friends and family has really helped keep my engine going in times when I’ve felt discouraged about my business.

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?

Hello, my name is Roshel and I am the owner of the Merry Madden blog and the Merry Madden home bakery. I am constantly pursuing DIY crafts and projects. Nothing is more satisfying than when you have created something with your own two hands. I love baking and decorating cookies. Cookie-making is such an art. I love getting lost in the whole process, from start to finish. I have been a cottage food operator much longer than I have been a blogger. I wanted a platform to feature both passions. My blog is a lifestyle blog where I share my expertise on home and garden, hospitality, cooking, baking (of course), and much more!

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

Life and experience are some of the best teachers one could have. I first entered the home baking business officially in 2013. I was 21 at the time, and I felt that to be able to keep orders coming in, I had to keep my prices low. I wanted everyone to be able to afford my baked goods. I also justified my low pricing because I knew people could just go to Costco or their local grocery store and buy baked goods at a low price. I am a one-woman show and I do realize not everyone understands the amount of work and time that goes into homemade, customized cookies. I have learned that I need to pay myself fairly. I know the heart, effort, and hard work that goes into my baking.

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

I really strive to create beautifully designed cookies, but also cookies that taste incredible. I pay attention to the fine details to ensure my cookies are as close to perfection as possible. Presentation and quality are everything. I make sure I buy professional equipment and the finest ingredients. Additionally, showing gratitude to my customers helps build strong rapport and boosts word-of-mouth marketing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.merrymadden.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merry_madden/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXE1vd8B0qXGvkVDcvBKWiw

Image Credits
All Good Things Photography