We were featured in the November 2, 2010 Women magazine! You could find our article on page 27. If you missed the article, you are in luck because we have the full article typed up below!

Sue Leonard
Owner of Leonard's Designs, Hortonville

After 30 years in corporate America and being downsized for the third time, Sue Leonard said, "This is enough."

She saw a presentation by Amy Piesch on the E-Seed program, and knew that business ownership would be the next step in her career. The course wasn't easy, but after 12 tough weeks Leonard had a viable business plan and the connections she needed to help her get started.

"The big word is networking," she says. "What the Venture Center has helped me with is getting to know people and getting people to know me."

"You become totally aware of the other businesses and organizations that are out there."

Leonard, 63, started her business in 2005. Her initial product was going to be custom-made tote bags. She needed something to put in the totes, and turned to her mother's cookie recipes.

"I had this vision that my totes would take off," she says. "Cookies were a byproduct, something to put in the totes. The cookies took off and totes never did."

The cookies made by Leonard's Designs are used by businesses ranging from the Community Blood Center to Consolidated Construction and as fund-raisers by area schools. Customized packaging from Sunset Hill Stonewear sets her brand apart.

"Ninety percent of my business is from businesses," she says. "People like that we customize the packaging with their logo on it."

Her next idea is to move into a larger facility she shares with other businesses, such as a candy maker or gourmet bread maker.

She continues to attend seminars through the Venture Center and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she got her bachelor's degree in liberal studies when she was in her mid-40s.

"There's so much that's out there. You have to turn around and look," she says. "Everybody is out there trying to help you. We have some difficult times now, but this is where you're going to reinvent yourself."

This newsletter is going to be a little different than the rest.   Previous newsletters have told how to show appreciation to your customers, different ways of holiday gifting, how to use cookies to leave an impression with perspective clients and ways to say thank you.  This is a little information about Susan Leonard the owner of Leonard’s Designs.

Sue at Leonard’s Designs is busy creating delicious new cookies.  Every month she has something new.  Her cookie inspirations come in many forms:  old family recipes, visiting children, a request from a customer, family and friends.

As many of you are aware, Leonard’s Designs supplies delicious gourmet cookies in unique packaging.  These cookies may be for personal enjoyment, appreciation gifts or business activities.

What many of you may not know is the different things that Sue does beyond the baking.  She shares her story with other entrepreneurs as a speaker at events.  She talks to adults at ESEED classes and young adults at career expos.  Many children have visited the shop on field trips with schools and scouting functions.  She is looked at with awe and reverently referred to as the “cookie lady”.

For those who visit the shop, be prepared to spend some time looking at all the keepsakes and chatting.  If Sue is busy she has even been known to put people to work.

As Sue is fond of saying, “Leonard’s Designs is not your typical cookie shop or bakery.”  Those who know Sue will say she is not your typical baker.

Sue and those of us who help at the shop greatly appreciate your business and look forward to supplying you with future delicious products.

March is the month when we think about lions and lambs, what will the weather be like?  It is also the month of the Irish, St Patrick’s Day is March 17.  Easter is in the beginning of April, so now is a good time to place cut out cookie orders.  We at Leonard’s Designs also think March and every month are good times to show appreciation to those around us.

Leonard’s Designs would like to help you show your appreciation to clients, employees, coworkers or other special people in your lives.  We can create many edible ways for you to acknowledge them.  A dozen gourmet cookies, a platter of gourmet cookies, jellies, coffee or a variety nestled in a wooden crate or in hand tossed stoneware items.  With the exception of the coffee all items are made in the fine state of Wisconsin.  We are very fortunate to have such talented local suppliers.

Stop in and try the cookie of the month or place an order, we are happy to deliver.  We can ship anywhere in the continental US and abroad.   This month’s cookie will have you thinking of leprechauns: Irish Chocolate Mint created with crushed Andes mints and chocolate dough.

Sue
Leonard’s Designs, LLC