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Meet Tara Powell, the inspiring force behind Ra Ra's Cookie Jar. Tara's journey into the world of cookie decorating is a testament to resilience and self-determination. What started as a means to fill her days and express her creativity blossomed into a thriving business that has exceeded her wildest expectations. Through her passion for cookies, Tara has not only cultivated friendships within the industry but has also discovered a sense of purpose and fulfilment in her daily work. Her dedication has opened doors to travel opportunities, allowing her to connect with fellow cookie enthusiasts worldwide. And, her cookies are stunning!

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

So I went through a pretty serious string of health issues and needed a way to be creative and also just fill in my days. So with zero experience I started practicing decorating cookies with royal icing. I pretty quickly got hooked and soon friends and other people in my community wanted to order from me. All of a sudden I had a little business overnight which has grown and grown to where I am now.

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?

I think the pandemic was definitely hard but I was able to develop other ways to still make and sell cookies, along with also taking time to develop my recipes and practice my decorating skills.

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

Ra Ra’s Cookie Jar has given me so much, more than I ever thought I would get. I have made amazing friends in the industry, some of whom I now consider to be my best most closest friends. I also have purpose everyday, I wake up knowing I have work to do which is so important.

It has also given me the opportunity to travel both here in Australia as well as overseas for conventions and competitions where I get to meet other people just as passionate as I am about cookies!

Lastly it has made me even stronger and just more determined to continue to strive to be better and better at my job. I find this confidence has overflowed to other aspects of my life where I might not have put myself out there as much.

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

Edible images always add that super personal flair to a set. Be it as Polaroid cookies in a cute vintage set to coming up with a funky album cover for a record cookie. It really makes a set pop with real photos or art featured.

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

I’m always inspired when my customers say “I trust you, just be creative and do what you think will look amazing”. This type of freedom always allows me to make the most beautiful cookie sets.

I also really love particular themes such as baby showers, 1st birthdays, and some classic character themes like Peter Rabbit or Winnie The Pooh.

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

I have definitely seen a lot of the flash paper trend which can definitely be also applied to royal icing cookies which would definitely be cool to try at some point.

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

As I also sell my edible images to local cake makers I often get lots of funny requests, but I think the funniest images I did were of the birthday girl the cookie set was for. I edited a picture to make it look like she was on a record cover playing piano. It still cracks me up every time I see that set.

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

One is definitely allow your sheet to dry fully after printing. Sometimes I will even sit the printed sheet on a tray in my dehydrator just to make sure the image is totally dry. This is especially important on humid or rainy days.

Secondly, a clean running printer is key. I will always do a print head clean and check before starting to print anything so you can iron out any issues before you waste a pack of edible paper.

9. Self-care is crucial! How do you ensure that you're taking care of yourself while also running your business?

This has been hard but over the past two years I have definitely found more balance. I always make time for my friends, be it in person or via FaceTime calls. My friends and family are always top priority so I try not to allow myself to get so busy I don’t have time for them.

Another thing I do is book time for personal care things like having my hair done or my eyelashes and eyebrows done.

10. What career achievement are you most proud of and why does it hold a special place in your heart?

Definitely this far, my biggest accomplishment was coming second place for my cookie decorating in the USA last year at the world renowned cookie conference CookieCon. It was amazing to go to the other side of the world for my job, where cookies are a very serious industry and be judged as one of the best.

I am returning this year with a goal to take 1st place this time around.

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

So, I have the entire EIS printing system from the printer to the cartridges and refills. One other product I love that is available only through EIS is Dilution Solution. Developed by a US company, Sweet Color Lab, this solution allows me to create custom airbrush colours just using my regular food gel colours.