Last night, my children and I had a blast bonding over an entertaining and sweet cookie decorating class. Conveniently held in the historic Heuby E. Moore Band Building in Festus, MO (next to City Hall/the Festus Police Department), April Zamudio taught her “First-Ever Festus Cookie Class” to two separate small groups yesterday. When we arrived, April had tables and our work spaces festively decorated with red, pink and white colors. We were excited and eager to learn how to use her royal icing techniques to embellish four Valentine-themed sugar cookies. Each participant, who appeared to have little to no cookie decorating experience, had their own work station with everything they needed, including supplies, tools and a goodie/treat bag. With a step-by-step curriculum, April first taught, and then we practiced six different lessons over the 1.5-hour course.
At ages eight and 11, my children loved every itty-bitty second of this hands-on class, as did myself and the three other participants, a trio of gals approximately in their 30’s. All ages would enjoy this! April was sweet in her demeanor and precise in her teachings, perfect attributes for her full-time profession as the Owner and Head Baker of Rosie’s Bake Shoppe.
Now residing in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, this Festus native has been baking for Festus friends and family since she was in high school. April earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and her Master’s Degree in Higher Education/Higher Education Administration. April has combined her academic education with her love for creating art and interacting with people to operate her own business. She has professionally baked, on the side, for the last seven years and became a full-time entrepreneur two years ago. April is known for her custom cakes, cupcakes and cookies, as well as her bakery subscription boxes.
Recently, April has been receiving a radiant reputation as a cookie-decorating instructor through her online and hands-on/in person classes. She travels on-location to teach specific design/theme requests for private and “pop-up” events, too. April creates engaging and artistic activities for professional team-building events, bridal showers and gatherings of any kind, such as bachelorette, birthday and retirement parties. Rosie’s Bake Shoppe is active on social media, where you can learn more about her many offerings.
With all the cookies April has likely ever baked and tasted before, my son asked her what her favorite cookie in the whole wide world to eat was? She said a classic chocolate chip cookie. 
All the cookies April baked for us, including the sugar cookies we decorated, as well as specialty cookies: oatmeal cream pie and a colorful, confetti and frosting-filled “Party Animal” cookie were scrumptious.
Our family looks forward to tasting more of April’s sweet creations and acquiring new decorating skills from her in the future. We encourage you to do the same.
This is another non-paid endorsement, supporting our local, creative entrepreneurs and brave business owners. I invite you to do the same.
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