This week we are happy to introduce...
This week we spoke with Donna Clark, owner of C&C Cookie Company. Erin and I asked her several questions about her booming business.
1. When did you decide to start your own business, and why?
"I started making decorated cookies, about 7 years ago, with my toddler for fun. We would bring them to family parties and give them as gifts. Two years ago, a friend was planning a graduation party and said she was looking for cookies for party favors. I jumped at the the opportunity. That was my first official order and it was a big one. 100 graduation cookies later, I knew i could turn my fun hobby into a business."
2. What has been your biggest hurdle in starting your business?
"I think the biggest hurdle for me has been balancing family life with work. This is one of those things most moms have to deal with. It took my kids a little while to understand that Mom has to work, but they've adjusted well to it. And they get to eat the leftover cookie dough, so they don’t complain!"
3. What is the most exciting part of your job, or what has been your favorite project so far?
"One of my favorite things about my job is getting emails and messages after a customers event. Hearing how much everyone loved my cookies is what gives me the motivation to keep baking. Most of my customer base is returning customers and there’s no better compliment than that. My favorite types of jobs are weddings and wedding showers. I always feel so honored that someone chose to have my cookies at such an important event."
4. What would you like people to know about you and your business?
"Decorated cookies are a labor of love. I am completely self-taught and my cookies are all hand-made and hand-decorated. I always use quality ingredients and I don’t skimp on flavor. I really like having a small business because I can take the time to make sure all of my cookies are up to my standards. Quality control is really important to me. I want my customers to know they can expect a delicious product, when they order cookies. I’m fortunate in that all of my business has been word-of-mouth. People get excited to see and taste my cookies and they tell they’re friends. I couldn't ask for more supportive customers!"
5. What are some of your business goals?
"In the near future, I hope to take my cookies into local shops in and around West Chester. I think they are the perfect sweet treat and they’re portable. You don’t have to worry about a mess when you are eating on the go. I hope to expand my cupcake / cake baking and offer that to my customers as well. Cookies have kept me so busy, but I’m determined to learn new skills in the baking world."
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