Meet Rachel McNellie | Cookie Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel McNellie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Starting a business is hard and time consuming no matter what stage you are in life. It means taking a risk and involving your time and energy in something you are passionate about. Additionally, taking that risk there is also making the necessary balance between your business and home life, and even the mixing of the two. When I started my cookie business, RaeVin Creation Cookies, I did not have children, so devoting the time and energy to grow my business was easier. After having children, especially young children, the priority shifts more to them and less to business, then there is that balance that falls into place where your time is split evenly or comfortably to each side. Thankfully, my 3 year old daughter loves to learn and decorate her own cookies, which allows us the time together and enables me to focus on decorating and completing orders.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up I have always been interested in art and creating new things, like drawing, painting, and crafts. When I first learned about decorated cookies, I watched tons of videos about techniques and how to get started. Going from working with paints and crafts is MUCH different than working with foods and icing textures but I was definitely up for the challenge. The best way that I have learned over the years is trial and error. I can ask others in the cookie community how to do different techniques or how to get a specific look, but the execution is all up to me, and that was the hardest part, but also the most exciting. The custom orders that I look forward to the most are the ones that push me out of my comfort zone and challenge me to create something unique. I love ‘out of the box’ themes and pushing myself to create something that will bring someone’s vision to life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There is one thing about living in the Charlotte area that I love, and it is that there is always something exciting to do. Charlotte and the surrounding areas have a great variety of nightlife, restaurants, shopping, concert venues and so much more. Music has always been big for me, so going to see a live band is always a must. There are also a number of delicious restaurants and breweries that we love to visit, which usually have live music too in the warmer months.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and friends have been a huge part of my success. Whether it is bouncing ideas off or helping me with extra hands to complete giant tasks, you name it, they have been there. I would not have success in my business that I do if it were not for each of them. There are a lot of great names in the cookie baking and decorating world that deserve all the accolades for mentoring and encouraging us cookie artists, no matter the skill level. I have joined many cookie groups through social media that have helped with questions, ideas, techniques, and encouragement throughout the years and I will forever be thankful for their help.

Instagram: @Raevincreationcookies

Facebook: https://facebook.com/RaeVinCreations