Sugar Coated Dreams

From Trauma to Triumph: Kirstynn, of Nora’s Macarons, Journey of Healing

In this heartfelt podcast episode, Kirsten shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey into the world of macarons alongside her daughter Nora. As a mother, Kirstynn longed for a genuine connection with her children, something she didn't experience with her own mother. Seeking to bridge that gap, she discovered the joy of baking macarons, together with Nora. Their shared love for this delicate treat brought them closer, as they embarked on a meaningful and transformative journey.
Despite their initial excitement, Kirsten and Nora quickly realized that making macarons was no easy feat. These delicate cookies proved to be a daunting challenge, with many proclaiming them as the hardest to master. However, their determination and the desire to connect with each other fueled their efforts. What began as a simple idea to recreate the expensive Disneyland macarons they adored turned into a years-long mother-daughter bonding experience.
As Nora's dedication to ballet intensified, she made the difficult decision to prioritize her dance career over their macaron business. Kirsten, recognizing the value of their skills and the demand for their delicious creations, decided to carry on the business herself. She saw an opportunity not only to offer a unique and sought-after product but also to be inspired by Nora's journey, despite them pursuing separate paths.
Throughout their macaron adventure, Kirsten embarked on her own personal healing journey. Having experienced childhood sexual abuse, she found solace and empowerment in sharing her story and connecting with others who had similar experiences. The Saprea Foundation played a pivotal role in her healing process, providing valuable tools and support. Kirstynn's ability to find strength through vulnerability is a testament to her resilience and the transformative power of sharing one's story.
Kirsten also discovered that baking macarons, particularly during challenging times, provided a refuge and a way to bring joy to others. She realized the positive impact she could make through her passion. This realization ignited her entrepreneurial spirit, motivating her to not only create delightful treats but also to teach and share her knowledge with others.
Balancing her personal life and business endeavors has been an ongoing challenge for Kirsten. With her children growing older, she understands the importance of being present for them while managing the demands of a thriving business. Through time blocking, Kirsten has found a way to dedicate focused periods to work, family, and personal pursuits. She acknowledges the ever-elusive nature of perfect balance but continues to strive for a rhythm that honors both her family and her entrepreneurial aspirations.
Looking to the future, Kirsten reflects on the incredible journey Nora's Macrons has taken over the past six years. With gratitude in her heart, she considers the next steps, teasing the possibility of a podcast project and eagerly anticipating new ventures. Kirsten's story is a testament to the power of pursuing one's passions, finding healing through vulnerability, and embracing the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
 
For more information on Saprea visit www.saprea.org
You can find Kirstynn at
www.norasmacarons.com
www.facebook.com/norasmacarons
www.instagram.com/norasmacarons
www.youtube.com/@Norasmacarons
www.tiktok.com/@norasmacarons
Do you want to learn more about decorating sugar cookies?  Check out my Cheerful Box at Learn to decorate using our cookie decorating kit and cookie cutters - Cheerful Cookie Cutters (cheerfulcutters.com)
 

Unveiling the Sweet Success: A Fun Chat with Beth Hennington, The Vanillian

Welcome to the Sugar Coated Dreams podcast! We're here to take you on a delightful journey into the world of baking and entrepreneurship. Today, we have a special guest for our inaugural episode: Beth Hennington, an extraordinary individual who turned her dreams into reality and was the winner of The Food Network Christmas Cookie Challenge  Beth will share her inspiring story, leaving you motivated and inspired. We're grateful to have Beth join us on the show.
In our conversation, Beth reveals the intriguing origin of "The Vanillan," her brainchild. Inspired by her love for Disney and villains seeking redemption, Beth's daughter Jessica suggested the name. Over time, Beth grew fond of it, especially when Jessica designed a captivating logo featuring the Evil Queen from Snow White. It perfectly captured her vision.
Next, we delve into Beth's entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind starting her own business. It was her daughter Jessica's venture into cookie cutters that sparked Beth's own passion. Seeing Jessica's fervor and creativity, Beth was driven to follow her baking passion and turn it into a thriving enterprise. Cookies became Beth's artistic canvas, allowing her to express her creativity.
Beth's remarkable painting technique sets her cookie decorating style apart. With a lifelong passion for painting, Beth combines her artistic prowess with baking. 
Beyond baking, Beth's business has a positive impact on others. She actively participates in organizations like the Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society and the Salvation Army. Beth's desire to make a difference in her community is evident. One memorable instance was when she curated a VIP table for a young girl battling a brain tumor during one of her classes. Witnessing the joy in the girl's eyes reaffirmed Beth's love for her craft and its power to touch lives.
Beth's journey exemplifies the transformative power of pursuing one's passion. Her story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing creativity, perseverance, and compassion. Join us as we explore the extraordinary world of baking through Beth's experiences.
You can find Beth on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thevanillan
Her website is https://www.thevanillan.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thevanillan
Want to learn more about cookie decorating?  Check out The Cheerful Box Cookie Decorating Kit by visiting https://cheerfulcutters.com/pages/the-cheerful-box
 
 
 

The Sugar Coated Dreams Podcast Trailor

Do you ever catch yourself daydreaming about running your own baking business? Brace yourself for a fun ride as I share inspiring stories of dreamers turned doers, just like you! Prepare to be whisked away into a world where sugar, passion and entrepreneurship collide in the most deliciously inspiring way.