We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Morris and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Elizabeth, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Honesty, it truly is the best policy- from both an owner and client perspective!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a one-woman show when it comes to Mrs. Bessie Bakes. Everything from buying the groceries, designs, ordering supplies, baking, decorating, packing, delivering (sometimes), finances, social media, and cleaning are all done by me. It takes a lot of energy to make it all happen especially after a long “actual” work day at a high school working with science teachers.
How did I get here-
That is easy, my mom and her mom, my Mimi. My Mimi came to live with us when I was in 3rd grade after having a stroke. She lived on my parents property in her own little cottage and I would go visit her daily and every time I went to see her she was either watching a cooking show or whipping up something to eat. She was always willing to let me help her with what she was making and she is who taught me most of the necessary, essential baking skills. My mom, however, is who taught and gave me the cookie recipe I still use today. We would bake cookies with a simple powdered sugar glaze for all sorts of things growing up. It wasn’t until I was in college at LSU and home for one weekend that she wanted to dive into the world of royal icing frosting for cookies. Nothing like trying a new skill the night before a baby shower you’re helping host. The cookies tasted great and weren’t totally horrible to look at, but let’s just say, I have made a lot of progress since that first time.
Lessons I have learned-
1. I have to tell myself often not to over commit, even if I think I can take on an extra 2 dozen in the midst of 10 dozen, I highly advise against doing it. Be honest with myself and my clients that I have reached my maximum cookie capacity isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary for me sanity and quality to work!
2. I try and create cookie sets that make me happy. I know this one is tough, but some sets are just not my vibe or style and that’s okay. Again, being honest with my clients about what I can and will do has been huge!
3. Progress is personal. I have to constantly remind myself not to compare my work to other cookie creators in the area. My work is my own and I am proud of the business I am building.
4. Take a break every now and then! While it can be hard to take time off and to have to turn clients away, it is necessary for me to put the rolling pin down and allow myself to recharge.
I would say getting to where I am today has most definitely been a journey, full of a lot of ups and downs but mostly ups. I have found a hobby turned job that fulfills my creative outlet while allowing me the ability to connect with people. There are few other things that bring me such joy than getting to share my skill with others to help make their events just a wee bit more special.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh boy, what a loaded question!
Ok here we go:
Coffee from Boomtown (Heights location) before heading to Memorial Park or Rice University for a morning walk.
After a little walk, I would go to Central Market and grab some fresh flowers. Their selection is unmatched and they do the best job of bundling them up in such a beautiful way!
Lunch at El Tiempo (Washington location). Make sure and get the margs and try the tuna fajitas (cooked rare).
Dinner at Kata Robta. I highly recommend getting the wagu skewers, tuna nagiri, and some of their delicious rolls.
For a quick nightcap, head to Trash Panda Social Club for post dinner cocktails- their espresso martini is amazing!
If time during the afternoon allows a message at Trellis is always a nice touch to help you relax after a good-filled day. But if massages aren’t your thing, I would suggest visiting 19th street in the Heights for some shopping (Emerson Rose and Jubilee are some of my favorite stores).
If coming during spring, you MUST go to the rodeo! There is nothing more Houstonian than that. All the fried food, drinks, and western attire one could ever want.
If shopping is your thing the galleria is always an ok go-to, but I prefer and highly recommend going to independent stores like Christina Greene (jewelry and clothing), Paris Texas, Berings Hardware, Emerson Rose, and Jubilee! Perpperlou Gifts is also a go-to for home goods and a great place to buy gifts for people!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh where to begin!
I would say my mom, she is where I get my creative and baking side from. She is actually the one who got me into baking cookies.
My husband, Chase for helping me juggle my “7-3” job before my “3- until the cookies are done” job as a cookie creator.
My OG Houston clients, Laura Stein and Cody Brown without whom my Houston business would not have flourished and I would also be down a few friends!
My sister, Madison for helping me work through creative ideas, even if they are so wild.
Website: https://Www.mrsbessiebakes.com
Instagram: Mrsbessiebakes
Linkedin: Elizabeth Morris
Twitter: Ebmorris89
Image Credits
Ellen Williams Photography