Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Duffy
Hi Tara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hi, my name is Tara and I’ve always loved baking. However, once I was diagnosed with celiac disease at the end of 2018 everything changed. I knew I wanted to find a way to make my favorite cookies, sugar cookies, gluten-free. But not just gluten-free, I wanted them to taste the way that regular sugar cookies taste. After some trial and error, I now have some great recipes to create delicious sugar cookies and drop cookies. I was able to turn what felt like an ending into a new beginning, and now I’ve taken my passion and create custom artisan cookies that not only look and taste amazing, but are also gluten-free. At the end of 2020, I applied for my cottage license and began selling custom gluten-free sugar cookies in 2021. I have clients who don’t need to be gluten-free but just love my cookies, and I have clients who have gluten allergies and even celiac disease and are thrilled they can safely enjoy my cookies. It always means the world to me when I find new and delicious gluten-free options, and I hope I can bring that joy to those people who need it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Is anything ever a smooth road lol. The hardest part was honing my craft, but with each order and delving into the cookier community, I grew my skills and abilities. I got faster and better, and trusted myself more and more. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and I am always my hardest critic. However, I’ve been very lucky to have amazing people around me – my family, friends, and community have been nothing short of phenomenal. Seeing my clients’ faces light up when they see their cookies or the kind messages they send me after their events always make my day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
There are a lot of bakers out there, but I specialize in gluten-free sugar cookies decorated in royal icing. I love the little details -from the design to the colors, etc. I know what it feels like to have this specific idea of what you want your event to look like and being able to help make their cookies look just how they’d dreamed or even better, makes me so very happy. I’m a people pleaser at heart.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love working with other bakers. There’s room for all of us, and we can all succeed while cheering each other on. I have multiple bakers that I’ve collaborated with – from adding cookies to cake orders, to providing gluten-free options alongside gluten filled options – so everyone at the event has options. The possibilities are endless. As far as support goes, my people have it down pat. My clients share my contact info with their friends, my family always tells me their opinion on designs when I ask, and my friends always show up by spreading the word, becoming clients, and just cheering me on. I’ve got a great group of people around me.
Pricing:
- Simple sets – 1-3 colors, 1-3 designs, and minimal details start at $55/dozen. The price can increase depending on the level of detail requested.
- Detailed sets – 4-5 colors, 4-5 designs, writing, florals, and moderate details start at $65/dozen.
- Elaborate/Character sets – Up to 6 colors and designs, detailed layering, textures, metallics, writing, and florals start at $75/dozen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ohsugarla.com
- Instagram: @ohsugarla
- Facebook: @ohsugarla
