Meet Chelsea Haggerty | Cookie Baker & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Haggerty and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsea, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Miami Shores but was raised in a small town called Southwest Ranches, about 45 minutes outside of Miami. My dad is a retired Miami Beach Firefighter and my mom is an Art Teacher. Both of my parents are creative and artistic – it runs in my genes. I found my creative outlet in decorative cookies. I’m self-taught and love to be in the kitchen, trying new designs and techniques. My parents always encouraged creative expression and freedom, so I don’t hold strong to many rules in the kitchen (except for keeping my recipe tight and secure!). My parents also put a huge emphasis on family, and now being a mom to a 10 year-old, there’s nothing I love more than having my daughter in the kitchen with me and helping her find her creative freedom, too.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Coming from a family of artists, I have always had creative visions and ideas. Since an early age I have been dabbling in different mediums. I started with lettering at an early age, then leaned into cartooning, after graduation I went to school to study photography and was a wedding photographer. After I had my daughter I wanted to be home more and found myself in the kitchen baking – and that’s when it all came together…years of different art blended into a perfect foundation to cookie art.

I am self-taught and love finding inspiration for new designs or techniques. When I started in 2019, I thought it would be all “fun”, but the science behind the perfect cookie (temperature, icing, consistency, recipe, flooding, even the weather makes a difference) really challenged me in a good way. With time and lots of trial and error, aka countless tossed cookies, I have now perfected the foundation of the cookie, allowing me to have full creative freedom with the designs and that is my favorite part of the job.

I’m still learning my brand and writing my story, but I think what I’m starting to understand is that being an artist, things will always change and there are no rules I have to stick to. I’m willing to try anything, have fun and get messy!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We have SO MUCH to do down here. In Miami, I love Wynwood and Lincoln Road – for dining experience on the water, visit Shuckers Waterfront Grill. Key Biscayne is so beautiful! A day trip to the Keys makes you feel like you’re on a tropical escape from the mainland. The Everglades is so underrated and unique in it’s own special way. There’s so many places to point people to down here, I love it!! Also, if you’re in town for a Miami Hurricanes game I can assure you that you’ll find me at a tailgate!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been so supported and loved by my family and friends throughout this journey, I’m so grateful! But the two people specifically I’d love to say thank you two are my mother and daughter. They’re my best friends!

My mom has always been supportive – it doesn’t matter what the dream or project is, she has believed in me and helped me to believe in myself. She’s been there for countless hours of help in the kitchen, encouragement in struggles, and I’m so glad her artistic expression has rubbed off on me throughout the years. She is always a phone call away and always fun to bounce ideas off of.

Secondly, my daughter Brooke. Thanks for testing my recipes and hanging out with me in the kitchen – even on my late nights (she sometimes sleeps on the couch to make sure I’m not lonely!). You’re the best junior cookier, every time you decorate you get better and better. I love seeing your visions come to life on a cookie or whatever your canvas may be! I hope you chase your dreams too and know that I’ll always be there by your side cheering you on like you do me!

Website: www.cookiesbychels.net

Instagram: @cookies_by_chels