We had the good fortune of connecting with Andi Kirkegaard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It was sort of a sink or swim situation when it came to starting my cookie business. I had been dabbling in cookie decorating and when COVID hit I truly lost everything. I could t teach cookie decorating in person or make cookies for people to order anymore. So I switched to teaching online cookie decorating classes and it completely took off!!! I had to loose so much to gain so much! It was a beautiful transformation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a unique one. I’ve always been a fine artist and have a freaky super power for photo realism. In 2017 I simply switch from canvas to cookie and I never looked back!! I can create photorealistic works of art on a cookie that leave people wondering “is that really a cookie?!” I am so proud of cultivating my over 100K following on IG and for building my business truly from the ground up. It was NOT easy. I worked day and night during the pandemic to make something out of nothing. It was a lot of trial and error and finding what would work best me for and my business. I’ve learned that when faced with unimaginable adversity, there is always a way to make something out of what you may feel is nothing. Work hard, stay focused and your talents and passion, when met with opportunity can blossom into everything you’ve ever wanted and hoped for!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a little bias but I love my home town of Castle Rock CO! There are so many amazing hiking trails, eateries and breweries for a good time!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout Amber Spiegel of “Sweet Ambs” cookies for being the inspiration behind me jumping in to cookie decorating. I saw one of her videos online and became hooked. I followed every post she made and her book “Cookie Art” gave me the courage to try my hand at cookie decorating. I also want to shout out my Husband who was so unbelievably supportive of me getting into the expensive and time consuming hobby of cookie decorating, haha!

Website: www.kirkiekookies.com

Instagram: @kirkiekookies

Facebook: Kirkiekookies

Image Credits
Kimberly Mitiska Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.