Garage Makeover: A Space That Transformed a Cookie Business

If you think you can never have enough cookies, just ask Mandy Edmunds. This Los Angeles-based baker and mother of two lack neither cookies nor kitchen space. She started her journey with Sugared Up Cookies in 2019, rapidly outgrowing her home's kitchen confines.

Faced with her expanding business needs, her husband, Dave Edmunds, had an innovative solution. Instead of renting an external space, he suggested converting their garage into a dedicated kitchen. 'Your success is evident, but it's time for a dedicated area,' Mandy recalls Dave advising.

The Shift from Hobby to Business

Following their 2017 wedding, Mandy transitioned to life as a full-time mother, seeking hobbies to fill her days. A friend's invitation to a cookie decorating class in 2019 proved life-changing, sparking her interest in baking.

Then came 2020, and with it, the COVID-19 pandemic. Mandy began baking to bring joy to friends and family. Encouragement from these first customers and her husband, who promoted her sweets online, transformed her pastime into a thriving enterprise quickly.

Outgrowing the Family Kitchen

Initially, Sugared Up Cookies operated from Mandy's home kitchen, a setup fraught with logistical headaches. Keeping the space contamination-free meant using it separately from family cooking needs and ensuring pets were kept at bay. 'Quality and hygiene are my top priorities,' she asserts.

The Vision of a Dedicated Baking Space

At the time, their two-car garage was a storage haven, filled with household essentials like a washer, dryer, and seasonal decor. Recognizing its transformation potential, Dave, a seasoned general contractor, began creating plans.

In May 2023, the renovation commenced. Dave balanced his primary work with evening and weekend efforts on the garage, a project reaching completion after eight transformative months.

Crafting a Custom Baking Enclave

The garage's original layout underwent significant changes. The separation delivered a split space—one half accommodating laundry and storage, the other dedicated to baking. Non-destructive modifications included integrating a tankless water heater, reconfiguring garage doors, and plumbing enhancements.

Furnishing the Space for Baking

Construction innovations included adding drywall, insulation, and a window, crucial for ventilation during bake sessions. Electric work, cabinetry, and countertop installation followed.

Financially savvy techniques saved on costs, leveraging Dave's industry connections and repurposing existing appliances. The attractive yet functional outcome incorporated features like an epoxy floor and a backsplash for easy maintenance.

A Finished Space That’s More Than a Kitchen

By January 2024, the Edmunds’ visionary space was ready. With green and floral decor, storage for baking essentials, and technological amenities, it delivers both practicality and comfort, even featuring a retractable drying line for post-sanitization drying.

Achieving New Business Heights

Mandy's customized kitchen has not merely supported her venture but accelerated it. Operating out of this bespoke space, she churns out thousands of cookies and conducts decorating classes, deepening artisanal connections with clients.

Reflecting on this transformation, Mandy feels immense gratitude toward her husband and loyal customers. 'Every entry into my custom kitchen fills me with disbelief and joy. It's allowed me to pursue my passion from home and balance family life,' she expresses.