Behind the Apron with The Cookie Lady Searie Monge
“Hey Siri, can you bake me some cookies?” Siri may not be advanced enough to bake cookies (yet), but The Cookie Lady, Searie certainly can!
In the charming city of Lakeland, there's a baking sensation who's captured the hearts (and taste buds) of locals with her delectable creations. Meet Searie Monge, affectionately known as The Cookie Lady. Her journey into the world of baking is as humble as it is sweet, and it all started in a place you might not expect – Outback Steakhouse.
Searie began her baking adventure by sharing the love of homemade cookies with her co-workers. Picture this: a tray of warm, gooey cookies being passed around at the end of a long shift. The reaction? Pure excitement. People couldn't get enough, and Searie couldn't help but notice the joy her treats brought to others. It was there, among the hustle and bustle of a restaurant kitchen, that "The Cookie Lady" was born. A nickname given by one of her co-workers, it perfectly captured what she had become known for – the purveyor of delightful, mouthwatering cookies.
But Searie's passion for baking didn't simply appear out of thin air. It was nurtured by a rich family tradition of skilled bakers. On her mom's side, there was her great aunt Lucille, a renowned local baker in Cattaraugus, NY, who crafted intricate cakes that could make anyone's mouth water. Searie fondly remembers being mesmerized by the artistry of Lucille's creations. Then, on her step-dad's side, her family also had a deep affection for baking. Little Searie would eagerly lend a hand whenever she could, soaking in the love and knowledge that was passed down through the generations.
In this blog, we'll dive into Searie's delectable world of cookies, exploring her journey from the Outback Steakhouse kitchen to becoming "The Cookie Lady" of Lakeland. Get ready to discover the sweet stories, mouthwatering recipes, and the irresistible charm of a true baking enthusiast.
Could you share some of the challenges you faced when you first started selling your treats?
The biggest challenge I think I dealt with was getting my name out. I posted on Facebook and Instagram. But for a long time, I only would get orders from those who knew me personally.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact your baking business?
Believe it or not, COVID-19 helped my business take off. When the pandemic hit, I was just learning how to make French Macarons. When everything shut down, I started offering delivery of the cookies and macarons to my customers and offered “no-contact” delivery to their doors. Everyone loved the idea and shared with their friends. Within several months I was making more baking than I was when I was working at the restaurant.
Balancing a full-time job and being a mom can be challenging. How do you manage your time effectively to run your business as well? How has your journey as "The Cookie Lady" impacted your family and personal life?
I am an expert at multi-tasking. I also love to plan ahead, which helps immensely when I have a busy baking week. Knowing what I need to buy, bake, and deliver helps me to plan ahead. Baking has impacted my personal and family life by helping to provide additional income and freedom to spend time with my family.
What are some of the most popular cookie and French Macaron flavors among your customers? Do you have a favorite cookie or French Macaron flavor that you enjoy making or eating the most?
I would say that the most popular cookie flavor is the Peanut Butter Blossoms. The most popular French Macaron flavor is either the Cake Batter or Toasted Marshmallow. I personally love Peanut Butter Cookies. They are easy to make and very yummy with a cold glass of milk.
How do you stay creative and continue to innovate in your baking, considering you're self-taught?
I’m always looking for inspiration. I scroll through Pinterest a lot, but I also will reach out to my followers for their thoughts. See what they want to try. I added French Meringues to my menu because I had a customer/friend ask me to try them. I found that they were fun to make and the flavor possibilities were endless.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable experience or customer feedback that stands out to you?
I always love to hear about a customer’s experience. I have so many wonderful customers that have so many wonderful things. I don’t think I could choose just one. I love seeing photos from events, decorated cookies from the cookie kits, and promises to order again and tell friends.
Are there any local or community events you participate in, or charities you support through your baking business?
I love to participate in the Great American Teach-In. The kids get so excited when they see the tools and equipment I use. And, of course, they love the cookies too.
As we wrap up our delightful journey into the world of "The Cookie Lady" of Lakeland, Searie Monge, we leave you with some invaluable insights straight from the heart of this talented baker.
For all the aspiring bakers out there, dreaming of turning their passion into a successful venture, Searie offers some sage advice: "Don't be too hard on yourself if it doesn't work the first time. Success in baking, like many things in life, is a blend of endurance, patience, practice, and timing. Don't give up if it doesn't work right away. Keep refining your skills, experimenting with flavors, and most importantly, keep baking from the heart."
Now, looking ahead to the future of The Cookie Lady Lakeland, Searie envisions a warm and welcoming storefront shop, where customers can drop in for a daily dose of sweet indulgence or order custom treats for their special events. The journey is far from over, with plans to expand her flavor menu and explore exciting new treats, ensuring there's always something fresh and delightful in store for her loyal customers.
Before we bid adieu, Searie leaves us with a handy baking tip that every baker should take to heart: "Find a good spatula, one that you love, and get LOTS of them. A good spatula will make your life so much easier. I found one at the Dollar Tree, and I have about 10 of them. Also, plan ahead as much as you can; it's the secret to a smoother, more enjoyable baking experience."
With these words of wisdom and a heart full of passion, Searie Monge, "The Cookie Lady," continues to spread joy, one delectable cookie at a time. Thank you for joining us on this sweet adventure, and may your own baking endeavors be as delightful as Searie's.
