As always, I’m so excited to share the work of our latest Featured Baker! She’s not only a phenomenal baker but provides a special service not many can do. I have been following the work of Nicole Larsen, of CookieMomster, in Wichita Falls, Texas, for some time and could tell there was something special going on! I knew I had to learn more about her talent, her business and share it with the world! Sure enough, once we connected, I couldn’t wait to hit “publish” to share this with you.
The Start of Something Special
It all started when Nicole had the opportunity to make some custom cookies for her brother’s birthday. She had never decorated cookies with royal icing before but gave it her all! Looking back, Nicole shared, “Oh my gosh, they are hideous!” Nicole shared photos of these beauties! Seriously, not bad for your first time!
To her surprise, three people ordered cookies from her at that event and slowly more orders rolled in. Nicole offers not only custom cookies, but cakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookie cakes and more.
Nicole has also worked at the Sheppard Air Force Base for 15 years and loves her work. A couple years ago, a mom tracked her down via Facebook and asked if she could deliver a special birthday treat to the base for her son’s birthday. See, not just anyone can deliver to military bases, but since Nicole has the security clearance, she was the right woman for the job! That mom was so appreciative, she shared with a network of other local moms, and as you can guess, the rest is history!
Special Treats Made With Love
These days, about 80% of Nicole’s business is for orders being delivered to the young adults at the base. Mostly made up of 18- and 19-year old’s, on their own for the first time, and learning their military jobs. Let me tell you, when you see the faces of these Airmen, it melts your heart, and they are so grateful that others are thinking of them. According to Nicole, she receives orders from moms, girlfriends, grandmas, wives and the occasional dad, who want to have a special treat delivered to their loved one. Nicole then coordinates with these Airmen, when they will be out of class, so she can deliver to them. She shared that she receives hugs and sometimes she has to remind the Airmen how hard it can be for the parents too!
“I love it,” Nicole shared and parents love having her available to bake and make these special deliveries! Nicole herself has two grown boys, one serving in the Navy, and wishes she had someone who could deliver a treat to him. She also receives messages from moms asking if she knows anyone who can provide this service at other bases. She has tried to find other bakers with base access but has not had any luck. If you or anyone you know is a baker and has access to a military base, such as a military wife, please connect with Nicole! She would LOVE to create a network of other bakers to be able to serve military bases all over!
Goals & Aspirations
This completely self-taught baker LOVES when she has orders that offer her creative freedom, which is where she really thrives! She hopes to create the network to serve more military across the country but is also hoping someday military members can order treats on base! Logistically, she’s still thinking that through, but I love the vision.
In the short-term, she’s anxiously awaiting her competitive roller derby team to get back up and running! Nicole has competed for about 10 years, but Covid sidelined the sport. Her team was previously ranked internationally, she’s avoided major injuries and is excited to compete again! Check out the photo in the gallery!
Thank you, Cookiemomster
During this time of year when kids and young adults everywhere are embarking on new chapters, I want to say “thank you” to Nicole for building a business around supporting the Airmen and their families. From one mom to another, I can only imagine how valuable your service is to them. Honestly, I don’t know any Airmen at your base, but I just may place an order to spread the love and appreciation for their service. I would love to see this service available to all bases, and will be cheering you on in your vision!
I hope you all enjoy this gallery of Nicole’s work! Some of these cakes are so amazing! You can also connect with Nicole or follow her journey at the Facebook link below. I also HIGHLY encourage you to visit the Cookiemomster Facebook page to see all the smiling, young faces that make up the Sheppard Air Force base!
If you haven’t subscribed to receive Your Baking Bestie’s weekly newsletter, you are missing out! Subscribe below so you never miss a Featured Baker, new technique, inspiration or recipe!