We had the good fortune of connecting with Aundrea Lustig and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aundrea, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
As a parent to four boys, I believe that the most important thing I have done in terms of impact on my children, is show them that even when life gets tough, there is always something to be grateful for. I always remind them that each moment in life is a season and can always get better. Even if life is good….it can still get better.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a self taught home baker who does custom sugar cookies. I classify myself under art because each cookie is really a piece of art. I hand pipe (with royal icing) each cookie, which allows for my creative side to be visible. In December of 2022 after creating only for family and close friends, I decided to create an Instagram profile (baked_by.dre) and see if anyone else would be interested in my work. To my surprise I have had so much interest and support over the last year and a half. That was the start of “BAKED by Dre”.
It hasn’t been easy to carry this small business along with my day job. It requires very long nights, but it is so rewarding.
I love seeing each set of cookies come together and the excitement on each customers face when they pick up their order. I’ve learned not to let fear stop me from taking on challenges, such as complicated designs to very large orders. These challenges help me to not only improve my skills, but also learn how to take a better or more efficient approach in the future.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Escondido, Grand Ave has a lot of good places to eat, one of my favorites being Fillipis Pizza. I love getting French macrons from “A Delight of France”. A Friday night in summer would be a walk down “Cruising Grand”.
I also want everyone that visits Escondido to try a Watermelon smoothie from “Ke Loco”.

I think visiting the beaches in North San Diego County is so fun, my favorite beach is Moonlight Beach. My family always has a good time at SeaWorld San Diego as well.

But in all honesty, my favorite thing to do when family/friends are in town is to just hang out at my house, poolside. A good bbq with friends and family is the best time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband has always pushed me to step out even when I feel inadequate. He is my biggest fan who encourages me and boasts about me all the time.
I have a very close family unit, and each of them play an important role in who I am today.

Instagram: baked_by.dre

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.