Today’s I am a Twin Cities Mom feature is all about Amanda Luecke!
“I’m a mom of two beautiful and silly girls. I am the owner of Minnie’s Cookies, a custom decorated sugar cookie business done in my home as a Cottage Food Producer. Outside of cookies, I enjoy baking in general, photography, traveling, spending time with family and friends and being outdoors. I spent some time living and teaching abroad in South Korea and Thailand and just loved being able to travel and experience other cultures!”
What do you love about calling the Twin Cities home?
What do you love about calling the Twin Cities home?I was adopted from South Korea as a baby but was raised here. I spent some years living abroad and traveling around but once I got married, we knew that we wanted to raise our family in Minnesota. We love the people and communities and having 3 seasons (winter doesn’t count for me lol).
If we peeked in your purse right now, what would we find?
Squished nutrition bars, fruit by the foot, half eaten fruit snacks, probably a rouge baby sock or three. A handful of receipts, various masks, my wallet, and my keys (which I was supposed to put back up on the hook so I can find them next time).
How do you prioritize friendships and connections with other women?
For me, my girl time is very important for my mental health. My body craves that time with my girlfriends. I have different kinds of friendships with different women. Some I talk to on a daily basis, others I video chat with or talk to on the phone, and a few I don’t get to talk to as much because life just gets in the way, but when we do get a chance to talk, it’s as if we’ve been talking everyday. My girls have gotten me through so many things and have been there for the good and the bad, so even if I’m in the midst of an extremely busy week, we will still make time for each other, even if it means an impromptu play date.
When it comes to my business, having a strong woman cookie community here in Minnesota has been absolutely incredible. We are all supportive of each other and help each other out. We share ideas on everything from pricing to brainstorming ideas and they are your cheerleaders when you’re feeling burnt out. Without them, sometimes I’m not sure how long I would have lasted.
Being a mom is no easy task. How do you relax and take care of you?
I have my golden hour. I put the kids to bed by 7pm and my husband works until 8pm. I take that hour and usually want to do something productive, but more usually end up doing mindless things on my phone or binging one of my favorite shows. I generally have baking to do after the kids go to bed but I like to take that hour to just relax, decompress and do absolutely nothing.
What’s been your greatest joy in motherhood?
My greatest joy as a mom has been watching my girls explore the world around them, curious and fearless. Seeing the world through a child’s eyes is honestly one of the best things in life.
What have you found most challenging in your motherhood journey?
Trying to juggle motherhood, and my cookie business. I wanted to do something for myself, where I could make my own money and have a creative outlet outside of motherhood, which is where my business came from. But I’ve struggled so much with that balance between the two. Wanting so badly to spend all day with my kiddos but knowing I have orders that need to get out the door. I generally don’t do much work until after they go to bed but during really busy weeks, I have to try to get work done during nap times as well. I know I’m doing this for them but it’s also for me.
How do you hope your life influences and/or inspires other women?
I hope that other women see that no matter the path you take in motherhood, there are struggles but that you’re not alone. My motherhood journey consists of being a stay-at-home-mom who also works from home. It’s extremely rewarding but not perfect by any means. Finding other moms and women to connect with who feel you and understand you, is very important. Find those woman who are your best cheerleaders, who pick you up when you’re feeling down and dejected and alone, and who celebrate fiercely all of your accomplishments. Those are the women you need in your life. Find them and hold onto them tightly and love them unconditionally, because true friendships have to go both ways.
Twin Cities Favorites
Date Night Restaurant: BLVD Kitchen & Bar has amazing food and a great patio!
Best place to hang out and have some fun: We love going to parks/playgrounds and finding new splash pads around town!
Local Boutique: Hazel & Blush – It’s owned by an amazing local mom who does live and virtual pop ups!! She’s just the sweetest!
Local Coffee Shop: I love my local Caribou or Daily Dose Cafe
Locally based online business: Indigo Clay Jewelry is a new find of mine! It’s owned by this local women who makes the most beautiful clay earrings!! I think I own 7 pairs now! 😬
You can find and follow Amanda on Instagram @minniescookies or on the Minnie’s Cookies website.
We love having the opportunity to share the personal sides of local Moms of the Twin Cities! If you would like to recommend another local Mom you think should be featured in our I Am a Twin Cities Mom series, please email us at info@twincitiesmom.com.
