Doughrk Diaries: Meet the OG Doughrk

Hey there, my fellow cookie enthusiasts and sugar-loving friends! Welcome to the very first post of the Doughrk Diaries! I am BEYOND excited to finally sit down and share the story behind the sprinkles with you. If you’ve ever wondered who the "OG Doughrk" is or how I ended up covered in royal icing and powdered sugar most days of the week, you’re in the right place. Grab a glass of milk (or a coffee, I don’t judge!), and let’s get into the "dough-tails"!

How It All Began: The Class That Changed Everything

Believe it or not, I didn't set out to become a "cookie artist." In fact, back in March 2020, I was just looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon with some friends. We signed up for a cookie decorating class, totally just for fun, totally just to hang out. But the second I picked up that piping bag, something just... clicked.

I realized I actually had a knack for this! It wasn't just about making things look pretty; it was the precision, the creativity, and the sheer joy of seeing a plain sugar cookie transform into a tiny piece of art. After that class, I was hooked. I fell deep, and I mean deep, down the rabbit hole of cookie decorating content on social media. My "For You" page was nothing but floods, swirls, and intricate floral piping. I was officially obsessed! #SorryNotSorry

From "Attempts" to My First Paying Customer

Naturally, I started practicing at home. I’d post photos of my "cookie attempts" on my personal social media pages, mostly just to show my friends what I was working on. Then, the BEST DAY EVER happened. My friend Marie saw one of my posts and asked if I would make cookies for her son’s 2nd birthday party.

Marie became my very first paying customer! I remember the mix of absolute terror and pure adrenaline. I dove in head first, spending hours making sure every single detail was perfect for that little guy’s big day. Seeing the look on her face when she picked them up was all the confirmation I needed. I haven't looked back since!

Where It All Began

What’s in a Name? Embracing the "Doughrk"

People always ask me, "Selena, where did the name 'Cookie Doughrk' come from?" Well, I’ve always been a bit of a dork. Seriously! I was a total #bandgeek growing up (shoutout to all my woodwind and brass friends!), and I’ve always embraced being a little quirky and obsessive about the things I love.

When I was trying to think of a name for my business, I wanted something that was a pun (because who doesn't love a good pun?) and "Doughrk" was the perfect fit. It’s a nod to my inner nerd and my absolute love for all things cookie dough. Now, I get to be a professional dork every single day, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

A Legacy of Love: My "Why"

While I love the puns and the sprinkles, there’s a deeper "why" behind what I do. This journey is also a tribute to my dad, Chuck. Losing him to pancreatic cancer was one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through, but it also gave me a perspective on how precious life’s milestones really are.

That’s why I’m so passionate about supporting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). They do incredible work in research and advocacy, and it’s a cause that’s incredibly close to my heart. Every time I bake for a birthday, a new baby, or a "Welcome Home" surprise, I’m reminded that we are celebrating life. I want to "bake people happy" because I know exactly how much those moments of joy matter.

High-Quality Goodness (No Shortcuts Here!)

When you order from me, you’re not just getting a cookie; you’re getting a labor of love made with the absolute best ingredients I can find. I’m a bit of a stickler for quality. I use premium butter and the finest vanilla because you can truly taste the difference. I want my cookies to be just as delicious as they are beautiful.

Whether you’re choosing my Traditional Vanilla Sugar Cookie or my Signature Lemon Sugar Cookie, you’re getting that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes you want to reach for "just one more." (Don't worry, I do it too!)

Local Love: My San Tan Valley Roots

I am so proud to be a part of the San Tan Valley and Queen Creek community! This area has so much heart, and I love seeing our local businesses thrive. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, you have to check out the Queen Creek Olive Mill. It’s such a gem for farm-to-table goodness and those amazing Olive Oil 101 tours. And of course, Schnepf Farms is a local legend: their events and festivals are the heart of our community.

Being a local solopreneur means I get to be a part of your celebrations right here in the East Valley. Whether it’s a housewarming gift for a new neighbor or cookies for a corporate event in Queen Creek, I love that my art gets to be a part of your story.

The Life of a Mom-Preneur

I won't sugarcoat it (pun intended!): balancing a home bakery with being a mom of three is wild. There are days where my kitchen is a sea of flour, my coffee has been reheated four times, and I’m pretty sure I have royal icing in my hair. But honestly? It’s the best kind of crazy. My kids get to see me building something from the ground up, and they definitely don't mind being my "quality control" taste testers!

Let's Celebrate Together!

Whether you’ve been following my journey since my very first post or you’re just finding me now, I am so grateful you’re here. My goal is to make every interaction: from the moment you browse my Welcome Home Gift Boxes to the moment you take that first bite: an act of love and celebration.

Are you planning a big event? Or maybe you just want to surprise a friend with a little "thank you" sweetness? I would love to help you make it unforgettable!

Thank you for supporting this "doughrk" and letting me be a tiny part of your biggest moments. Stay sweet, stay dorky, and I’ll see you in the next post!

Want to stay in the loop? Follow me on social media for behind-the-scenes looks at my latest creations, or head over to my homepage to see what's baking!

Keep on rollin', Selena (The OG Doughrk) 🍪✨