Baking Up Big Dreams with Lauren Brooks

In this episode of Her Money Moves, host Staci LaToison sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur Lauren Brooks, founder and CEO of Bakery Bling. Lauren takes us on a raw and inspiring journey—one that started with financial struggles and food stamps and has grown into a multimillion-dollar cookie empire stocked in major retailers like Walmart and Target.

Through vulnerability and bold storytelling, Lauren shares how a combination of grit, creativity, and unshakable belief in herself helped her overcome domestic violence, rebuild her life, and create a brand that celebrates beauty, joy, and financial empowerment. This is a must-listen for any Money Mover ready to turn pain into purpose and passion into profit.

Key Insights & Timestamps
●[00:00]: Podcast begins
[●00:04:30] How Bakery Bling Was Born
Lauren shares how a last-minute pitch led to her building a glam cookie brand from the ground up—out of her living room.
●[00:10:12] Surviving Abuse and Rebuilding from Scratch
She opens up about the moment she fled a violent relationship with just $20 and a baby, and how she fought her way back.
●[00:18:45] From a Fold-Out Table to Walmart Shelves
Lauren discusses scaling Bakery Bling, pitching major retailers, and how she went from handmade to mass-market.
●[00:27:55] The Power of Branding and Female-First Products
She dives into the “magic” behind the brand—how feminine, fun packaging became her secret weapon in a male-dominated industry.
●[00:32:10] Advice for Women Entrepreneurs
Lauren offers her real-talk wisdom for women who feel stuck, scared, or overlooked. Spoiler: it’s time to bet on yourself.

Guest Spotlight: Lauren Brooks
Lauren Brooks is the founder and CEO of Bakery Bling, a designer dessert company known for its glittery cookie decorating kits and luxe baked goods. Her products are featured in nationwide retailers including Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club, and Neiman Marcus. A survivor of domestic violence and former single mother living on food stamps, Lauren turned adversity into one of the fastest-growing food brands in America. She’s a champion for women’s empowerment, creativity, and financial independence.

Key Takeaways
●Innovation is Non-Negotiable
“Bakery Bling wouldn’t have been successful if it wasn’t innovative.” Lauren built her business by thinking differently—bringing sparkle and style to traditional baking kits. Innovation wasn’t just a strategy; it was the foundation for disrupting a stagnant market.
●Create What You Wish Existed
“Gingerbread houses hadn’t changed in 30 years — we wanted to change that.”
By identifying overlooked opportunities, Lauren reimagined how families experience baking, transforming outdated seasonal products into interactive, stylish experiences.
●Take the Risk, Bet on Yourself
“We sold our house to save the business. That’s how much we believed in it.”
Lauren’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest leaps require personal sacrifice—and unwavering belief in your vision.
●Financial Growth Requires Strategy
“You can’t cashflow exponential growth — you need strategy.”
Rapid growth looks glamorous, but behind the scenes, Lauren had to master financial planning, navigate capital needs, and bring in seasoned leaders to scale wisely.
●Build a Team That Believes in the Vision
“If you don’t have the right team, none of the big decisions matter.”
For Lauren, success isn’t solo. Building a company culture that values creativity, resilience, and alignment has been just as important as the product itself.

Connect with Lauren Brooks
●Website: bakerybling.com
●Instagram: @bakerybling
●LinkedIn: Lauren Brooks

For More Information:
Visit youtube.com/@HerMoneyMoves for more episodes, detailed show notes, and access to additional resources.

Stay Connected:
●Connect with Staci LaToison on LinkedIn and www.stacilatoison.com
●Check out Dream Big Ventures on LinkedIn and www.dreambigventuresllc.com

Видео Baking Up Big Dreams with Lauren Brooks канала Her Money Moves