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Meet Amy Sclater, the creative baker behind the fast-growing Sclater Sugar Biscuits. What began as a quest to recreate party favours for her daughter’s first birthday quickly turned into a thriving business built from scratch - all while juggling motherhood, lack of daycare, and night-fill shifts. Now, with the inclusion of edible images and 3D-printed cutters, she’s doing what she loves, staying home with her daughters, and spreading joy one personalised cookie at a time.

1. Can you tell us about when you first realised you wanted to start your own cookie business?

I really wanted sugar biscuits in our eldest daughters first birthday party bags (after attending another 1st birthday party & inhaling all 3 we were given - Sorry Luke!) when I found out the lady who’d made them for my friend wasn’t making them any longer I began the process of learning how to make them myself. A daycare shortage (up to a 3-year waitlist!) also meant I was unable to return to my day job, so it made sense for me to stay at home during the day with our daughter.

2. Starting and running a business can be a wild ride! What challenges have you faced while building your business, and how have you overcome them?

There have been a few hurdles over the years, especially financially. Early days, I was working two jobs (Nightfill Manager at Woolies), plus being at home during the day with our then 6-month-old, Darcy, meant my entire payslip was going toward cookie cutters. I now have a steady income coming through, with how busy/booked up I am. I resigned from my nightfill position earlier this year, as I can confidently say I earn more through the small business than working nightfill. We also invested in a 3d printer to help with cutting costs, and just upgraded to a top-of-the-range BambuLab, which I’d highly recommend! 

3. What has starting and running your own business meant for you?

Staying at home with our daughters, Darcy (4) and Winnie (18months) and having the privilege of watching them grow/being there for their firsts, which is something not many Mummas get to do.

4. Can you explain the advantages of incorporating edible images into your cookies?

Edible images are easy to design, print, cut out and apply - which saves time. It also means I can now cater to any theme, which I was never able to do previously. My customers also adore the personalised aspect, whether it be a photo they have sent through or a business Logo. There’s something to suit everyone! 

5. We're curious: what design/cookie gets your creative juices flowing, and why is it your favourite to work on?

I love any designs I receive, however, my absolute favourite themes would have to be anything I grew up with (Cartoons/Shows from the 90’s) and anything our daughters are into. For example, I’m currently doing a Minecraft order and Darcy, our eldest, has been obsessed with Minecraft since Woolies released Cubeez (you bet we sing ‘Steve’s Lava Chicken’ through the day). 

6. What are some of the latest and greatest trends in the world of edible images you're seeing?

I love seeing edible images placed around the front of cakes. I am sure it’s been around for a while, but I think it really personalises a cake, especially for littlies. I supply edible images to a local jack-of-all-trades small business owner, Yasmine, at ‘Just The Sweet Spot’. She absolutely perfects using them on her cakes/cupcakes & biscuits. 

7. Have you received any wild or wacky image requests that still make you smile? Do tell!

I was asked to put ‘topless’ images on a biscuit earlier this year, safe to say the customer hit the nail on the head for her twin sister's birthday order (gluten-free too!). 

8. Can you share some of your pro tips for printing and applying edible images effectively? 

I always prep my images the day before to ensure the ink has dried and to avoid smudging/ink transfer from the base of the round cutting tool. I also used to apply my images onto the fondant with a (very) fine layer of water, now I place the image directly onto the fondant and use my fondant rolling pin to roll it onto the fondant! No more waiting for images to dry before heat sealing, it’s great! 

9. Do you have a favourite cookie/cake flavour?

I am definitely a vanilla girlie through and through.

10. Self-care is crucial! How do you take care of yourself while running your business?

I am fortunate enough to have a very supportive partner, Luke. He will help watch our daughters if I’ve had a rough day/need to get a little more done before dinner. Besides that, I will make time for Pilates at our local studio, Salt, and catch-ups with friends.

11. What business-related achievement are you most proud of and why does it hold a special place in your heart?

To be completely honest, being asked to be a part of this blog at Edible Image Supplies is something I am very very proud of. And supplying over 600+ branded images for Keep The Sheep (all designed, printed and cut out in-house). 

 12. Are there any other EIS products that you love using in your work?

Where do I start?! Our office has EIS products in every corner! I work with all of the cutting tools daily, the food-safe A4 zip lock bags are a necessity & I always have 5 boxes of edible image sheets available. I find purchasing the A4 sheets that aren’t pre-cut to be handy for my business.