Meet Jessica Linstra | Baker and Cookie Artist

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

Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My business started from a hobby and was not intentional at first. I left my job at a wedding company in 2020 unsure of what my next step was. As I was looking for a new job, I decided to take up cookie decorating to keep me busy. I quickly grew to love it and my family and friends told me to start sharing my work. As soon as I started posting my cookies on my Instagram, I had people reaching out asking for some.

I quickly realized I could make this my new job. It was perfect for the stage of life I was in. Starting my own business would allow me to create my own schedule and be flexible. With my son starting Kindergarten, I was able to be present throughout his first year of school and in involved in his activities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I make custom sugar cookies. Not only are they a delicious, soft and chewy cookie, but also a work of art. I use royal icing to decorate. I make them for all types of events; including weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers, baby showers, and graduations. Clients send me photo inspiration and I am able to create unique cookies for their event.

I went to school for business marketing and started as an event coordinator for a wedding company soon after graduating. I love working with my brides, but COVID changed my career plans. Deciding to start my own business instead of going back to a 9-5 was a big leap of faith. There were so many unknowns, but the support have from my family made it possible.

I have always had a creative side, and loved to bake, so cookie decorating brought these two passions together. I have had to learn to that I cannot always nitpick the little details. The flaws that I see in my work, others do not! It has also been difficult not to compare myself to other cookie artists on social media. It is important to remember that everyone has to start somewhere and my skills will increase with time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in south Jersey, my first stop for anyone visiting is always the beach. My go to beach is always Brigantine, stopping at Richmand’s for ice cream on the way home. BBQ at home with fresh clams from Maxwells. Some other dinner and drink spots throughout the week would be Sweetwater Riverdeck, Mott’s Creek, Breezes, Back Bay Ale House, and Oyster Creek. Lindy Hops would be a stop multiple times throughout the week as well. We would spend a day in the waterways on jet skis or a boat exploring, relax by the pool for a day, and another beach day never hurts.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my shoutout to my son, Jayden. He is my motivation and forces me to keep working hard. He is always giving me new business ideas and asks what he can do to help.

Instagram: jess.erin.sweets

Facebook: Jess Erin Homemade Sweets