Celebrating Kent Mums in Business: For The Love of Cookie Dough

Oh my goodness, it feels like ages since I shared an amazing Kent Mum in Business with you all….

I did wonder if a June feature might be a stretch (because, with the Mum in Business event, I was spinning an extra plate already!)

.…and this beautiful Mummy has been patiently waiting in the wings for her moment in the spotlight (which I am very grateful for).

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So, without further ado....

This is the absolutely lovely Francesca Johnson, Kent-based Mum-of-two and the proud owner of For The Love of Cookie Dough – the most delicious cookies I have ever tasted (and as a self-proclaimed chocoholic, that’s a BIG statement!!)

I recently spent a beautiful morning with Francesca (and one of her very lovely – and cheeky - children)

We caught up over a cuppa, and as she fulfilled an order, we chatted all about her beautiful business, being a Mum and lots in between!

Tell us about your business and what services you offer? 

I bake cookies of all shapes and sizes, from mini bitesize cookies, to fully loaded NYC-style cookies and giant 12” cookies - there really is a cookie for every occasion! 

I bake fresh to order and offer a variety of flavours for people to pick and choose from. 

I generally bake for local customers, from in and around Edenbridge, but I’ve recently started offering postal boxes that can be shipped anywhere within the UK, which has been an exciting little addition to the business.  

I also cater for weddings as lots of people are now opting for a ‘treats table’ of baked goods (yum!) rather than a sit down dessert for their Big Day.

I create wedding and party favours too and it’s always fun to incorporate the Bride and Groom’s favourite chocolates into a bespoke His and Hers cookie!

What do you offer to your clients that no-one else does? 

I think I offer a bespoke, customer-led experience with a focus on the finer details.

All customers chat directly with me throughout the ordering process and I like to make sure they are able to choose and design all aspects of their order, whether that’s added personalisations, colour schemes, or bespoke flavour and topping requests.

Everyone’s tastes are so different and every reason for an order is different, so I like to make sure it’s tailor-made for each individual recipient or event.

I add personalised icing toppers and messages to cookies or hand-made personalised gift tags for that extra special touch too. 

I know it sounds really cheesy but I really do bake with love and want to make every single order as perfect as it can be.  

Where does your inspiration come from? 

My wonderful mum! My mum’s maiden name was Baker and it couldn’t be more appropriate!

She’s the most incredible baker and is well known by family and friends for her cakes and brownies.

I have such wonderful memories of family gatherings and celebrations throughout my childhood as she always made them extra special with her baking. 

She bakes the triple chocolate brownies for my business and I promise you they really are the best you’ll ever taste!

She’s retiring from her full time job later on this year so I’m really looking forward to getting to spend more time baking together and growing the business with her.

What is your favourite part of your job?

The best part without a doubt is the fact that I am able to work alongside being a full-time mummy to my two beautiful children.

I will forever be grateful for the support I’ve received for this little business as it has meant I have been able to spend as much time as possible with my babies.

These first few years go heartbreakingly fast, as all parents know, and being able to have the flexibility to run the business around precious time spent with them is the best gift I could ever be given. 

Another thing I love is being there for the big, important moments in other people’s lives.

It’s an honour to be asked to bake for birthdays, baby showers, house moves, new jobs, anniversaries and weddings, knowing you were a small part in making those moments special.

I’m really lucky to have a wonderful local customer base and it’s such a privilege to be asked to bake for their families’ special occasions each year. 

If you are looking for a beautiful gift idea for someone you love or are in need of a cookie-fix in future (who isn’t!) head over to Francesca's social media and give her a follow and your support.

Instagram

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Claire x