Rising Stars: Meet Heather Stanley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Stanley.

Hi Heather, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was a young girl, I have been in the kitchen. I began baking cupcakes for my friends around the age of eight, and every year on Earth Day, I would bring them to school or church to share. I guess you could say that’s where Blue Dot got its start.

I have very fond memories of baking brownies, cakes, and pies with the women in my family. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, in part because of the delicious desserts!

I have always been a creative person. I especially love art and music. When I came across decorated cookies, I was intrigued. It was a way to incorporate my love of baking with my love of art! Being able to share that edible art with others has been such a gift!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t always been easy. I started in 2018 with 2 tweens and a baby. I was ready to do something, but I didn’t know what. I just knew that I needed something for myself. I started with $200, which I spent on cookie sheets and gel colors, then spent hours on youtube researching recipes, techniques, etc. I started sharing photos on social media, and soon I had my first paying customers! We have participated in local craft fairs, made hundreds of custom orders, and introduced new items like classic cookies and hot cocoa bombs! Starting your own business is hard work, but it is also so empowering.

Less than 2 years into my new venture, Covid hit. A nationwide shutdown really puts a damper on sales in an industry that caters to weddings, showers, and parties. I am thankful that I get to work at home every day, so Blue Dot Bake Shoppe, while it slowed down, did not shut its doors.

Things are going well again now. I am looking forward to the Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas celebrations!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in custom cookies. It is 90% of what I do. I often start with my signature butter vanilla cookie and top it with vanilla bean royal icing. I love requests that allow me to be extra creative! Some of my favorite designs have been extra large pet portraits, spooky Halloween designs, and decade-themed sets. I also enjoy making classic cookies and hot cocoa bombs during the cooler months.

I believe that owning a small business has allowed me to be a bigger part of the community. After the March 2020 tornadoes, I was part of a group called the Nashville Cookie Collab. Together we raised nearly $50,000 for the Community Foundation of Middle TN. More recently, we raised money to build an inclusive merry-go-round at a local elementary school in honor of a teacher who passed away due to Covid.

I am so grateful that my small business has allowed me to give back in a big way, and I am blessed to have customers who make it all possible.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Some of my best mentors have been my peers. You may not love classic networking events, and that’s okay! I always say that the people in your industry will be some of your greatest assets! Find people who value community over competition. No one will understand what you’re going through like someone in your industry—Thats where you can be an active participant in the conversations and give and receive valuable feedback.

Pricing:

• Custom cookies, starting at $42/dozen
• classic chocolate chip / oatmeal raisin cookies, $15/dozen
• hot cocoa bombs, seasonal, $6 each

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: facebook.com/bluedotbakeshoppe
• Instagram: @bluedotbakeshoppe
• Facebook: @bluedotbakeshoppe
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@bluedotbakeshoppe

Image Credits
Brittany Kay Photography