Meet Leann Nelson | Macaron Baker

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

Hi Leann, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe that taking risks is so important to getting the life and career you want. I always knew I wanted to own my own business, but I never really knew exactly what it was going to be or look like. It wasn’t until January of 2020 that I decided to start trying to bake French macarons. I experimented with multiple recipes, adjusted the temperature on my oven, and tried many different techniques for months before I finally got them right. I started posting pictures on my social media of my baking progress (even though they were far from perfect), and I had friends and family inquire about me selling them.

In the midst of the COVID-19 lock downs (April 2020), I decided to launch my business. I had been furloughed from my day job and I thought to myself, “If not now, when?”. Even though my macarons weren’t perfect, I had to start somewhere and “fail forward” (as one of my favorite mentors, Cathy Heller, said).

In August of 2020, I decided to leave my ‘day job’ and pursue my business full-time. It was the biggest risk I’ve ever had to take. I hadn’t completely replaced my income (although I came close), but I felt so strongly that I needed to take the risk and see if I could really make my dream a reality. I didn’t want to regret not giving it a try.

I think it’s so important to take risks. Even though it is so scary to go into the “unknown”, usually the payoff is bigger than you could ever imagine!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I bake French macarons. I started my business in April 2020 in the middle of Covid-19 lockdowns. It seemed like the most uncertain time to start a business, but it was also probably the best time as I was furloughed from my day job. It hasn’t been an easy process. I am a Cottage Food baker and so there are specific rules I have to follow in order to sell my baked goods from home. I’ve worked so hard to perfect these macarons and I pride myself in providing high quality and beautiful macarons to my community.

I think what sets me a part from others is that I offer weekly deliveries. I think this was my greatest asset during 2020 because so many people were working from home, it was easy for them to order a quick treat for themselves or a gift for others and have it delivered right to their front door.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I of course want to give a shoutout to my supportive husband, who has encouraged me to pursue my business from Day 1 as well as my amazing family and friends. They’ve been the best support system.

I also took a self improvement/business course with Cathy Heller. I read her book “Don’t Keep Your Day Job” and then joined her 12 week course called “Made to Do This”. These resources really gave me the courage to move forward and pursue my business.

The small business community in Colorado is amazing. I’ve met so many incredible people along the way and I greatly appreciate their advice, wisdom, and creative business ideas. I’d love to give a shoutout to Olde Owl Bread Company, Milestones + Moments, Sleepy Turtle Coffee Co., Happy Hour Donuts, and Lauren Finch Photography.

Website: Www.minniesmacarons.com

Instagram: @minniesmacaronscos

Facebook: @minniesmacaronscos

Image Credits
Lauren Finch Photography