WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?
I'm Diana LaLuz. I grew up in Augusta, GA.  I have a background in art and design, graduating from GA Tech with a degree in Industrial Design.   I went back to school and got a degree in Nursing. I work at Augusta University in the Neuro ICU. I've always loved baking, and one day I started decorating cookies, and people started contacting me about buying them. That was the beginning of my little cookie business.  

DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.
All of my cookies are custom orders, so it always starts with someone contacting me. My customers are usually ordering for a party, or other special event,  so we discuss their ideas and go from there. Sometimes they have very specific requests, other times they give me a theme and let me design something for them.  The process takes several days from start to finish, from making the cookie dough, baking, decorating,  then packaging.  Every order is different and that makes it fun. 

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I love following other cookie artists on social media and seeing their amazing art.  Because cookies are so customizable,  there is infinite inspiration. It is really inspiring to see other people's amazing and it drives me to keep getting better. 

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.
I'm half Korean, half Polish, and I married a Puerto Rican. I think it's really fun that my family has become a blend of all these different cultures.  

FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.
The food! My family has been eating downtown for years, and it is so exciting to see new restaurants popping up.  I really love that all the vacant store fronts are finally starting to fill up!

WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?
I can't help myself. I always have to be working on a new project! I love the process of getting an idea, figuring out how to make it, and then having that final finished project! 

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?
Keep going! As long as it makes you happy,  keep making!