From a late-night inspiration to a beloved bakery, Carter Creations Bakery shows the power of community and custom treats in Wetaskiwin.
In the heart of Wetaskiwin, Carter Creations has become a beacon of sweetness and creativity. Owned and operated by Courtney Aitchison, this unique business has woven itself into the tight-knit Wetaskiwin community, one custom cookie at a time.
Aitchison, who transitioned from the oil industry to baking following the birth of her child and the impact of COVID-19, found her calling in the art of cookie decorating.
“I was up late one night, watching decorating videos, and thought, ‘I could do that,’” Aitchison recalls. This spark of inspiration led to the inception of Carter Creations Bakery, which has since won the Chamber of Commerce’s Start-Up Small Business of the Year Award!
Renowned for its wide range of baked goods, Aitchison’s offerings include sugar cookies, cheesecakes, cinnamon buns, gourmet cookies and DIY kits. The latter allows customers to decorate their own cookies, making it a hit among families.
However, it’s the custom sugar cookies that have captured the hearts of many. “Sugar cookies are most popular,” says Aitchison, whose bakery caters to any request, from anime-themed designs to intricate logo cookies, all meticulously crafted by hand.
What sets Carter Creations apart is not just its unique offerings but its deep connection with the Wetaskiwin community.
“I love that my community is so supportive of our business,” Aitchison shares, highlighting the transition from farmers markets to the bakery’s current location.
This support is reciprocal, with the bakery actively participating in community fundraisers through its DIY kits, and even designing 3D cutters to ensure no two sets are the same.
A typical day often involves juggling administrative tasks, preparing orders and engaging with customers on social media. But it’s the custom orders that truly light up her day.
“It’s always been about the custom orders…seeing their faces light up – it brings so much joy and satisfaction,” Aitchison says, highlighting her slogan, “a smile is only a cookie away.”
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, including managing the demands of the business single-handedly for four years. However, with their recent expansions and the addition of a new team member, Carter Creations is growing.
As the home-grown bakery approaches its fourth anniversary on Mother’s Day, Aitchison looks to the future with optimism – a future that will have her business “continuing to grow, and creating a great place for people to come with their families.”
Through creativity, dedication and a strong community bond, Carter Creations Bakery stands as a testament to the sweet success achievable in Wetaskiwin, proving that indeed, a smile can be just a cookie away.
Find all their products on their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for day in the life content.
This business profile is part of a series from Wetaskiwin’s Economic Development office. To learn more about initiatives to grow local business and industry, visit wetaskiwin.ca/831/Invest-Wetaskiwin.