Farmer’s Markets are the heart and soul of a community. They represent the makers and bakers that showcase the best local goods and produce. I truly adore my local Famer’s Market and there tucked under one canopy this summer, I discovered Honey Lane Sweets.
I’m a sucker for a good cookie but the artistry from Honey Lane Sweets is next level. Imagine the themed Pinterest cookies you pine for while knowing that this is a job best left to the professionals: bubble-free and colorful icing on pristinely cut sugar cookies. Then, there is the taste: perfection. You have to try them for yourself.
Here to spread some more icing on the subject of decorated cookies is owner of Honey Lane Sweets, Annie Cummins.
Preheat the story of Honey Lane Sweets: How did it all start?
I’ve always loved art – doodling, coloring, painting – ever since I was little. About 5 years ago, I stumbled upon cookie decorating videos. For 3 years or so, I watched them every night (on silent) to fall asleep. They were fascinating and relaxing.
In February 2022, I decided to FINALLY try to make my first batch of decorated cookies – I made Valentine designs and attempted Bengals helmets. They weren’t pretty, but I fell in love! I dove head-first into learning all I could. I joined several Facebook groups that helped me SO much.
I made cookies again for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. I posted my Easter cookies on my personal Facebook page and people actually wanted to buy them!
Within a month, I started getting custom orders for baby showers, birthdays and graduations – and it took off from there! (My husband likes to tease that I don’t do anything in moderation. He’s not wrong!)
I had finally found my passion! I got my LLC in May of 2022 and left my “real job” 7 months later. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. I remember being on the fence when my then 12-year-old daughter said, “Mom, you have to do it. If you don’t, you’ll always wonder what would have happened if you did.” Wow. That was just what I needed to hear.
Where did your love of baking ignite?
Honestly, I like the decorating much more than the baking!
The cookies are flawlessly executed in both design and taste. Where do you draw your inspiration?
I have joined several AMAZING cookier groups on Facebook and they are a tremendous help! I look everywhere for inspiration – my Facebook groups, etsy, cookie cutter shops, pinterest, craft store aisles for the latest trends, party decorations, even cocktail napkins!
For custom orders, I’ll ask for inspiration pictures if there’s something the customer has in mind – that can be anything from other cookies they’ve seen, a hobby or logo they’d like to see turned into a cookie, a favorite pet, cartoons, movies, etc. I spend quite a bit of time researching and designing a unique set that attempts to capture the elements that they’d like included.
You have a big presence at the Milford Farmers’ Market. How have responses been thus far?
The Milford Farmer’s Market at Five Points was absolutely wonderful this year! I really enjoyed being face-to-face with customers. I made new friends and met so many wonderful people! It far exceeded my expectations and I am excited for next summer!
Your bookings go out months in advance. Can you accommodate a few additional orders on occasion?
I typically book 3-4 months out (especially during the holidays), but depending on theme and/or level of detail, there are occasions where I can work in a custom order!
Custom cookies are definitely a labor of love! Depending on the design, custom orders can take 5-20 minutes per cookie to decorate, so I’m limited on how many orders I can accommodate each week.
What can sugar cookie lovers look forward to from Honey Lane Sweets?
In the coming weeks, I’ll be taking pre-orders for Thanksgiving and Christmas cookies! I’ll also be doing several flash sales throughout the holiday season. I’ll be doing driveway pop up shops as well!
Where can people learn more or order your fabulous creations?
Follow me @honeylanesweets on Facebook and Instagram for information about pre-sales, pop-ups and flash sales. I also do giveaways often!
You can always message me on Facebook and Instagram, via text 513-675-4233 or email honeylanesweets@gmail.com for information on custom orders.
Love these local business spotlights? See more from Your Neighborhood Guide, Lauren Ashley Scallon.
