I think my question came off a bit differently than I intended. For background info: this is my full time job, I'm much more than a hobbier. (and I say "full time" but my work days are usually two hours in pajamas. lmao.) I quit everything (full time job, acceptance to universities and art schools) to do this and I love it. I'm doing a solid 200+ cookie weekend every week. I love my customers, they're extremely appreciative and loyal and I've created quite a following here in little ol' Spring Hill. I'm paying my bills and still have money to blow on the side, and I'm only charging 3$/pc per cookie with no minimums or fees or anything like that.
Overall I feel immensely successful for being just one kid (and her mom) in a kitchen. But that doesn't mean I don't crave more.
Being in Florida is quite depressing as it's completely hindering my ability to grow. I've been contacted by the Georgia aquarium, Universal Studios, Funko toy company, and many other local stores that want my cookies but I can't sell to under the Cottage Food laws here. And not to mention the constant inquiries for me to ship. (can't do that, either!)
We have plans to move to a more Cottage Food-friendly state where you can have a commercial kitchen in your own home and we can expand from there. (Anyone wanna buy a house in Florida?!) But relocating two entire families and selling homes is sort of hard to do- and we're just waiting for everything to fall into place.
Basically I guess I just needed to jabber about my predicament. Haha (sorry guys, rant mode!)
People keep pushing the words "fame" in my brain and my eyes are getting big and bright and my dreams are flying by a mile a minute in my mind. (as my rational side is screaming, "no, you dolt! you're absurd, that could never happen! small business has always been your plan!")
I feel potential for so many things burning inside me. I think I'm just starting to be impatient! Until then I want to keep pushing cookie-boundaries, outdoing myself, growing, learning, breaking the norm!
...and I guess kind of waiting for a phone call to fame.
(but who isn't)