Emilee follows ‘dream’
The enticing smells of baking float through the air and draw interest of visitors at the home of Emilee Atkins.
Emilee, daughter of Darrell and Tami Atkins of Polk County, has launched a business based on her talent for baking.
The idea of a business began during November 2015 when this enterprising young woman baked chocolate chip cookies for her family’s Thanksgiving meal.
Since all her baking is completed in her kitchen, Emilee felt it would be great to do more than provide a few cookies for family meals.
Therefore, the decision was made. In December 2015, she began baking cookies for sale.
Everything is made from scratch and she offers a wide variety: chocolate chip, red velvet, German chocolate, Andes mint, macadamia nut, lemon, peanut butter bars and brownies.
Inspiration for these favorites came from her mother Tami and her maternal grandmoth- er, the late Margaret Broadway.
“She always let me help her bake when I was a youngster,” Emilee said. “I can remember the taste and smell of her tea cakes, which were very good.”
She believes her new business will provide a step in her quest to get a business degree. She sees her new venture as a way to get name recognition.
“I hope – one day – to open my own bakery and continue to offer cookies baked fresh for people who have a passion for something different,” she said.
Most of the recipes she follows are from family and friends. However, many are uniquely her creation.
The response to her business since it was launched has been wonderful, according to Emilee.
“I have received positive feedback from everyone who has placed an order,” she said.
The reward of being a youthful entrepreneur is that you get to meet new people while doing something you love, she said.
“Don’t let doubts keep you from trying to make your dreams come true,” she said. “You will never know if it is a good idea or not until you try. Believe in yourself and your product.”
Emilee admits she has a passion for her baking and puts love into every batch of cookies she bakes.