If you have read our first Cooking Contributor post, you have a good idea of the delicious desserts our contributor, Elisabeth Epperson, can make in the kitchen. Elisabeth is passionate about creating delicious treats and spreading joy through her craft. We asked Elisabeth a few questions, so we could learn more about what drives her passion.

We hope this Q&A session gives you a peek into the life behind the showcased creation (in this case, the desserts), the “why” behind the “what.” Our Q&A’s provide the opportunity to learn about the unique artists, makers, and designers who will contribute their expertise through the Contributor Series.

Q: When did you first start cooking/ baking?
A: Growing up, my mom always had us in the kitchen, whether it was making homemade taffy or helping her cook dinner. I took a cake decorating class with my mom at a young age, and began practicing to make cakes and cookies look and taste good. I really started officially baking when I was 13, and it slowly turned into my very favorite thing to do.

Q: Who/what first inspired you to bake?
A: My mom has always been my biggest encourager. She is the most amazing cook and has taught me just about everything I know. She would sit with me for hours when I had big cookie orders in high school and would help me when I had (many) cake fails. My sisters have also always been right by my side and have inspired me so much. My younger sister, Sarah, started a cake business and we have had so much fun encouraging each other through our baking.

Q: Did you start out selling baked goods? When did it become a business for you?
A: I started baking just for fun, making decorated sugar cookies for my family and friends. One day, a friend asked me to make some decorated cookies for her party, and that was the beginning of my small business. I look back at pictures and it’s amazing to see how far I’ve come because those first few years of cookie orders were such a learning experience. I continued baking when I went off to college at Auburn University, and that was when I really grew my business and started Elisabeth and Butter.

Q: Do you have any tips for those who are just getting started baking or may be intimidated in the kitchen?
A: My suggestion is to take it one recipe at a time and don’t overwhelm yourself with something super difficult at first. So many people are intimidated by baking and are too afraid to mess up. I have baking fails all the time and that is just part of the process. Find that recipe you’ve been wanting to make and practice, practice, practice, and you will begin feeling more comfortable in the kitchen. Baking is such an opportunity to bless others and make someone’s day a little happier because nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like a plate of cookies.