Meet Annie McDaniel | Owner, AnneMade Sweets

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

Hi Annie, what do you attribute your success to?
What really sets my brand apart and contributes to its success are the amazing flavors, simple yet quality ingredients, and the freedom to customize your macarons just the way you like. In Columbus, you’ve got a lot of fantastic places to get French macarons, and I’m a big fan of supporting local businesses. However, where I shine is in adding that extra touch to make your macarons truly special.

So, let’s say you want a champagne glass design on your macaron for a Brews & Bubbles wedding shower, or perhaps you’re craving some Biscoff macarons because your grandmother adores that flavor. Maybe you’re planning a wedding, and you’d like a custom macaron tower that matches your decor perfectly. Those are just a few examples of the many custom options I can provide.

One of the most heartwarming orders I’ve had the privilege to create was for a customer who wanted to celebrate the memory of a lost child. They held a special place in their heart for cardinals, believing that they appear during difficult times to offer comfort. I made macarons to symbolize this and celebrate their loved one. It was a bittersweet experience, especially as a mother myself, but I was deeply touched that they chose AnneMade to commemorate such an important event.

Another delightful order was for a child’s birthday party, and the birthday kid had a pickle obsession. No, I didn’t whip up pickle-flavored macarons, but I did craft macarons that looked just like pickles, and they turned out to be a lot of fun!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I am not baking macarons and being a mom of three, I work full time in healthcare IT. I work as a Senior Product Manager, solving complex problems in the software space.

My full-time job helps me with my baking when it comes to planning out what I will make and when, and also problem solving solutions when I mess up.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I recently had some cousins visiting, and we decided to go for a little stay-cation in Bridge Park. It turned out to be an absolute blast!

Our day kicked off at La Chatelaine, where we indulged in some delightful coffee and devoured scrumptious almond croissants. My cousin was totally smitten with her London fog.

After fueling up, we embarked on a shopping spree through the charming boutiques in old Dublin. Our top picks were Boho 72, where I snagged the cutest skirt, and Dublin Toy Emporium. There, we not only found some fantastic toys for our little ones but also stumbled upon one of their adorable music classes in full swing.

We also made our way to Downtown Worthington, where we strolled around and explored local gems like Vernacular.

Come dinnertime, we headed to Cameron Mitchell’s brand-new eatery, Valentinas. The burrata appetizer was a total winner, and I couldn’t resist sipping on a couple of delicious espresso martinis. For the main course, I went with the traditional chicken parmesan. To cap off the evening, we cozied up by the fire pit at Vaso.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Family plays an enormous role in fueling my passion and providing unwavering support.

First and foremost, my husband is not just my life partner but also my biggest cheerleader. He meticulously handles quality assurance for all my macarons, offering candid feedback that helps me fine-tune my creations. What’s more, he delights in sharing the delightful treats I whip up with our friends, which adds an extra layer of joy to my baking journey.

My parents, too, have been my pillars of strength throughout this incredible culinary adventure. Their relentless encouragement and unwavering belief in my talents gave me the confidence to set up my own bakery and embrace orders that initially felt daunting. Their unshakable support has been a driving force behind my success.

In addition to my family, the vibrant community of fellow macaron bakers has been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. We all share a profound love for crafting these delicate treats, and it’s a remarkable network where we lift each other up, offering guidance, tips, and encouragement. The sense of camaraderie within this community is truly heartwarming, and we all share a common goal: to see each other thrive and flourish.

Website: https://www.annemadesweets.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annemadesweets

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniemcdaniel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091227843210

Image Credits
Juliet Carey Photography and AnneMade Sweets (Instagram)