Hi, gals -
I have a somewhat interesting situation and I'm not quite sure how to respond. I found myself wondering if other cookie artists have ever been in the same situation and how they have responded . . . so here it goes!
Recently, I had an order inquiry for bachelorette party cookies. She texted me a photo of what she was interested in and the color scheme was very cute - black, white, pink, and gold - and the cookies were decorated well. The only problem is that there were several penis cookies (oh LORD!) painted with bright gold luster dust . . . and also a few plaque cookies that had various funny sayings on them involving penises. (I also wondered at this moment how she was able to just text photos of gold penises to someone she didn't know, LOL.)
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a prude . . . BUT from a business standpoint, I'm not comfortable making these types of cookies - or any types of cookies that could be "controversial". I have made bachelorette party cookies in the past, mainly lingerie, champagne, hearts/wedding stuff, etc. Just not penises.
I operate as a cottage food business and my main clientele are moms wanting birthday cookies for their little kids or brides wanting wedding/rehearsal cookies. I don't want to risk offending anyone, especially since I have been super lucky and have had some big national companies share my work on their social media lately.
I'm going to get back to her this afternoon and will respectfully decline to make these exact cookies for her. For the heck of it, I thought about what IF I did make these penis cookies . . . I just wouldn't post the photos on my page and I would request her to not post any photos BUT . . . someone at the party (and I have a feeling this will be quite the party!) will most likely take photos of the cookies and post it and possibly try to tag me in the process. At the very least I'm sure they will ask her where she got them.
While they say "no publicity is bad publicity", I currently have a very positive wholesome business image in my hometown and I don't want word to spread otherwise. Y'all know in this day and age with the internet, NOTHING stays hidden forever! As a compromise, I am going to offer to make some bachelorette cookies and suggest some other cute alternatives to her. Hopefully this will turn out alright!!
So has anyone ever had a similar situation and how have you handled it? Never imagined when I started this cookie journey that I would be asked to make some male genitalia cookies someday, hahahah! Thanks in advance for the advice!