Meet Kaitlin Lankford | Owner of Kate’s Cookie Co.

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

Hi Kaitlin, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
The thing about balance, is that if you are trying to balance, it is never achieved for more than a moment. If you are balancing on a beam, it takes constant readjustment every time you make a move or take a step. My work/life balance changes constantly because of all of the factors in my next steps. I am a mom to three boys and the wife to an incredibly supportive husband. There is a difference between “important” and “urgent”. I may have an urgent order due, but if one of my boys needs me, the “important” overtakes the “urgent”. I have to remind myself of this distinction all the time. I have to reevaluate what that looks like each time I take a step, and sometimes I get it wrong. During my busiest times of the year, the laundry gets behind, the boys watch a little bit more TV, and I drink more coffee than I should, but I try to limit those times because I want to bring things back into a better balance for what works for me and my family. After a holiday season where I’m making upwards of 50 dozen cookies in a few weeks, then I take some time off and slowly trickle orders back into my schedule so I can focus on time with my family, get housework caught up, and enjoy the blessings that season has given me. Just like balancing on a beam, a wobble doesn’t mean you fall. It means you readjust before you lose your balance. Balance has some grace built in, and for that, I am thankful!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own a home-based custom cookie business in Colorado Springs called Kate’s Cookie Co. I like to tell people that I started this business on accident, because that’s essentially what happened! In 2020, I was feeling the Covid blues just like most people. I was a stay at home mom to three boys, and a lot had changed in my husband’s and my world recently. I was struggling to find some sort of an outlet past my life as a mom, and I stumbled across cookie decorating videos, thanks to Pinterest’s algorithm and my love of baking. After months of looking at pictures and videos of this incredible, edible art, I tried my first batch of royal icing decorated cookies in October 2020 and posted a picture of them to Facebook with the caption, “I found a new hobby!” A friend saw the post and asked me to make some cookies for her grandson’s birthday, and all of a sudden, a business was born! Starting out, I had everything to learn about this business. I took online classes, watched hours and hours of tutorials, practiced, tried new techniques, and said “yes” to every order inquiry I received. When people would ask if I could do a certain design, my response would be, “I don’t know, but I will try!” I could not be more grateful to those people who gave me opportunities to try new and different things!

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 love showing people around my hometown! I was born and raised in Colorado Springs, and I can never get enough of Garden of the Gods. It’s a beauty that is so unique and there’s something for everyone- a beautiful drive, picnic spots, easy walks, longer and more challenging hikes, and best of all.. it’s free! A unique place to walk around is Manitou Springs. You have to check out the Penny Arcade while you’re there– I love taking my whole family there for an afternoon of entertainment. For dinner, I recommend The Rabbit Hole in downtown Colorado Springs. It has such a fun vibe and it’s a perfect place for a date night or a girls’ night out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and friends have been incredible supports to me in this hobby-turned-business! They have taste tested, placed orders, paid full price, given me great feedback, helped with my boys, referred me to their friends, shared my work on social media, and encouraged me every step of the way. I wouldn’t be here without them!

Instagram: @kates.cookie.co

Facebook: @kates.cookie.co

Image Credits
Maureen Taylor, Clark Miller Photo