Moving across the country with three kids, a baby on the way, and a dream might sound crazy to some, but for us, it was the beginning of something sweet. Amidst the chaos of unpacking boxes and adjusting to new routines, I found solace in baking chocolate chip cookies. What started as a simple gesture of gratitude for a friend's help quickly transformed into Cakes and a Cookie—a passion project born from my love for homemade cookies and the joy they bring. Now, almost three years later, I'm thrilled to share how this little cookie venture is evolving from a side hustle to the main event, right here in Los Angeles.
The Big Move to LA
A Crazy Start
Some of my friends say I'm crazy. I would tend to agree with them. To understand why, I need to share my journey on how I got here. Cakes and a Cookie is a true passion project. I love to bake and I have a wicked sweet tooth, so it made sense at the time. But the time was a crazy one. We had just moved to LA from the East Coast. We being me, my amazing (and equally crazy) husband, and our three little ones. Silas was 5, Sansa was 3 and Sachin was 1. Oh, and I was pregnant—first sign that we were nuts. Our flight out here was May 14th. Unfortunately, we didn't make it out to LA until the 15th. Picture this: man and pregnant woman running through the airport, man carrying two kids, pregnant woman pushing stroller, only to wave bye-bye to their plane carrying their luggage. Fun times. But we made it.
Settling In
Fast forward to September, we had our precious (and last!) baby, Sahan. A dear friend flew out from NJ to help us while I was in the hospital and, as no sane new moms do, I baked her my chocolate chip cookies a day after I got home from the hospital (because I wanted some). And one simple statement from her was all it took: "These are amazing, you should sell these." And that's when it all began. By October, Cakes and a Cookie was created and launched. Seemed like a good thing to launch while on maternity leave and helping three kids adjust to new schools and routines. Oh, and the never-ending unpacking. Never ending. So, this is how my company came to be. I love to bake and it’s one of the ways I show my family that I love them.
Launching Cakes and a Cookie
The First Batch
The first batch of chocolate chip cookies I baked for sale was a blend of excitement and nerves. I carefully measured each ingredient, ensuring that every cookie would be perfect. When the cookies came out of the oven, their golden-brown edges and gooey centers filled me with pride. I packaged them up and sent them off to my first customers, friends and family who had been supporting me all along. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many saying these were the best chocolate chip cookies they had ever tasted. This initial success fueled my passion even more and gave me the confidence to expand. I started experimenting with new recipes, including eggless chocolate chip cookies for those with dietary restrictions. The journey from baking in my kitchen to selling homemade cookies in Los Angeles had begun. It was a small but significant step towards building my dream business.
Early Challenges
Starting Cakes and a Cookie wasn’t without its challenges. Balancing a newborn, three other young kids, and a fledgling business tested my limits. My kitchen, once a place of solace, became a hectic production line. There were days when the cookie dough didn’t turn out right, or I ran out of ingredients at the worst possible moment. Marketing my cookies in Los Angeles, a city filled with food enthusiasts, was another hurdle. How could I stand out among so many established bakeries? I also faced logistical issues like packaging and delivery, ensuring my homemade cookies arrived fresh and intact. Despite these obstacles, the positive feedback kept me going. Each satisfied customer and glowing review reminded me why I started this journey. These early challenges taught me resilience and adaptability, vital lessons for any new business. They made the sweet moments of success even more rewarding.
Birth of an Idea
Cakes (my three sweet boys) and a Cookie (my one and only girl) was created during the
most chaotic time in my life, and almost three years later I’m still as excited and enthusiastic as I was back in 2021. Now that I’ve shared where it all began, I am super excited to share where I'm headed. After all the positive feedback and rave reviews I’ve gotten on my cookies (if you're reading this and you have ever given me a compliment on my cookies, thank you!), I had a heart-to-heart with myself. Cakes and a Cookie has been a passion project and I've treated it as such until now. It has taken a back seat to work, kids, home, life, everything. And when all is quiet and kids are in bed, and I’m not too exhausted to think, I have thought of things to try and sell more cookies, tried new recipes, planned for markets/fairs, and just dreamed of what could be.
Embracing the Future
From Passion to Business
After lots of dreaming, I’ve finally decided to go for it! What’s "it," you may be asking? "It" is trying to turn this from a side hustle to the main hustle! It’s such a scary thought. Who can make a living off of making cookies? Apparently, you can! After about 20 years in corporate America, I’ve set my sights on cookies. So where do I start? First step, I need a brand. And that brand needs an identity. Cakes and a Cookie has been such a fun project to work on for almost three years now, but it’s time for new beginnings. Very scary, but also very exciting! New things are coming—new name, new look, new feel. Love being able to share this journey with you. More updates soon!
Turning Passion into Main Hustle
After years of balancing family life and a corporate job, I’ve decided it’s time to turn Cakes and a Cookie into my main hustle. The transition from a passion project to a full-fledged business is daunting but exhilarating. I’ve spent countless nights brainstorming ways to scale up, from expanding our menu to include more homemade cookie varieties to finding local markets and fairs where I can introduce my creations to a broader audience. The idea of branding has also taken center stage. Creating a cohesive and appealing brand identity is crucial for standing out in the crowded Los Angeles cookie market. I’m researching everything from logo design to packaging that reflects the quality and love baked into every cookie. This journey is both scary and thrilling, but I am confident that with hard work, Cakes and a Cookie will become a beloved name for the best chocolate chip cookies in Los Angeles.
Rebranding and New Beginnings
With the decision to make Cakes and a Cookie my main hustle, rebranding became essential. The existing name and look were close to my heart, but I knew they needed a refresh to capture the essence of what my homemade cookies truly represent. I started working with a local designer to create a new logo that reflects the warmth and love baked into each cookie. The packaging is also getting a makeover; it needs to be not only functional but also visually appealing. I wanted something that would stand out on shelves and at markets, drawing people in with its charm. Alongside the visual rebrand, I’m also updating our website to make it easier for customers to order their favorite chocolate chip cookies, including new additions like eggless chocolate chip cookies. These changes mark a new beginning for Cakes and a Cookie, setting the stage for an exciting future in the Los Angeles cookie scene.
What’s Next?
Now that the rebranding is underway, the next step is to expand our reach within Los Angeles, enabling me to share my delicious homemade cookies with more people. The journey ahead is exciting, and I can’t wait to see where this sweet road will lead us next.
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