Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristy Crawford.
Hi Cristy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story starts with courage to believe in myself and of course encouragement from my family. My first set up was at a high-school parking lot, I only had 1 table, cookies and business cards. I was completely nervous wondering and hoping to sell at least a cookie. I offered samples to people walking past my table some people looked at me like I was a joke not professional enough to even give me a chance. Then 1 woman tried a sample and completely raved over my cookies. My first customer finally more people stopped to try samples and the response was absolutely amazing! So I went home feeling very encouraged to try again and that’s when God made a huge door open for me. My son is very involved in the motorcycle community and he asked a very well known female rider by the name @Ms.Peachiii how does my mom get into an event? She asked him my name and started to follow me on Instagram and invited me to be a vendor at 1 of her events. I was so excited it was being held at the California Harley Davidson dealership in harbor city. I attended the event and with the wonderful surprise of selling out. The event manager @ Jodi Gilbert was so pleased with my baked goods she decided to have a baking contest . You see I wasn’t the first baker to ever vend at there dealership. The invitations went out all over Instagram calling all bakers to join the contest. Let me tell you I was intimidated lots of other great bakers, but I did it, I won the contest! I was The California Harley Davidson cookie Queen, winning the crown, people’s choice award and Santa’s favorite. I entered the contest again the following year and retained my title with also winning some new awards. With that came new opportunities to vendor other events and private parties and orders. My confidence was growing as well, with hard work and perseverance I kept learning how to become a better baker. I entered the greatest baker competition with Buddy Valastro as the host. I didn’t get 1st place however I’m pleased to say that I did come in 8th place in the nation! God has opened doors for me that I could never imagine like being asked to be at The taste of Huntington beach and CFF the cystic fibrosis foundation. Its a huge honor to be apart of these events because it helps raise money for people I will never meet. One thing I forgot to mention is that I’m a self taught baker no fancy schools but hard work and tears. Its God’s gift to me!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No smooth roads lots of times I felt like giving up. Times no orders no events wondering what I did wrong? Soon I started to realize that I didn’t do anything wrong but it happens in God’s timing. Some of my struggles were moving alot and with every move meant a new business license, permits, labels, etc. With all new costs, but I would have to say my bigger struggle would be moving my business to a 25ft trailer with a oven that only fit a baking sheet no larger than a 9×13 or a 12inch cake pan. Also dealing with a cancer diagnosis. God’s grace is the only explanation I have how I overcame those challenges.
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 love to bake everything! So it’s hard for me to say I specialize in just 1 specific item, but I’m most know for my cookies! I’m most proud of my family. I believe what sets me apart from others is listening to every little detail of my customers request and creating the perfect personalized flavors for them.
How do you define success?
Success to me, isn’t about having the most fanciest vehicle or the designer labels on my clothes, but putting God first. Having peace with myself knowing that I try my best everyday and showing my family, friends and customers how much I care about them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://instagram.com/cristysdelightfuldesserts
- Instagram: @Cristy’s Delightful Desserts
- Facebook: Cristy’s Delightful Desserts
