Today we’d like to introduce you to Mollie Lodde
Hi Mollie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up I’ve always found myself wandering into the kitchen to help my mom prepare meals for the family. I enjoyed the quality time but most importantly I had passion for food. Fast forward to High School, I signed up for as many cooking classes that was offered. I talked with my teacher and explained how it would be amazing if the school had a class just catered to baking. She agreed and we had a meeting with the school board and created Baking and Pastry 101. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just a hobby anymore, I need to make it my passion. After High School I continued my journey for baking and graduated from Forest Park Community College with an Associates in the Science of Baking and Pastry. After college, I got scouted to work at Nathaniel Reid’s Bakery. Working with a lot of detail and precision I learned lots. I found myself wanting more freedom, I ventured out and worked at Bellerive Country Club for baking and pastry. I met some amazing people, tasted some of the highest quality food and expanded my knowledge for baking. All I was missing was something to call my own. In the beginning of 2024 I started up my own small business Molls Munchies. Selling cakes, cupcakes, pies, cookies and so much more! I wanted to share my passion and love for baking with my friends and family. Hosting cupcake classes to delivering wedding cakes, Molls Munchies has shown me variety to the culinary world. Now working at Westwood Country Club as their Assistant Pastry Chef and the CEO of Molls Munchies, baking will always be apart of my life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There has definitely been some struggles and challenges along the way. The culinary industry can be very dark at times. Going from working in a cupcake shop with 2 women, to a large kitchen with 30 men and women, can be intimidating. Finding my footing while making the change was easy. When working in a larger kitchen, you have to navigate the social aspect as well. This has been tricky at times because some coworkers bring their outside drama to the work place and it can affect everyone’s mood. Working so close to others, you learn everything about them and what makes them tick. Another hardship is being on your feet all day. It can really take a toll on your body. Back aches, foot pain, knees locking, the culinary industry has no breaks, in or outside of work.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My passion for Baking and Pastry is very strong. I’ve had great accomplishments along the way and am very proud of them. I just competed in the Greatest Baker competition for Buddy Valastro and placed in the top 10! Baking lets me show my artistic side and push boundaries. One of my specialties is cakes. I love when customers come to me with their ideas and I get to bring them to life. Something that sets me apart is, recreating. Customers will send me pictures of inspiration of desserts and I can almost always create it just like the picture.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
St. Louis has been named with the highest crime rate in America. This does not define us. We the locals have found love for the city. I enjoy how diverse the city is becoming. Walking down the streets of Delmar and looking around at all the graffiti art, shows the creative side of STL. Taking a stroll through The Botanical Gardens and looking at all the beautiful nature feels wholesome. While the city can be busy and loud at night, it can slow down and become still with a picnic on art hill.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molls.munchies
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14t3sVaF58/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollie-lodde-3603012b0
