Hidden Gems: Meet Megan Weber of The Girl & The Cookie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Weber.

Megan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Since I was a little girl, I’ve always dreamed of owning a bakery. My dad taught me how to use a Kitchenaid Mixer at the age of three, and it was love at first sight. I have vivid memories of sitting on the kitchen counter, helping crack eggs and add chocolate chips to our family cookie recipe. From cakes and galettes, to pies and cookies, baking has been my passion for as long as I can remember.

In 2021 my first, and only child, Olivia, was born and our world was forever changed. After a month in the NICU and an MRI showing she had microcephaly, we began to notice developmental delays at home. At four months we saw her first seizure and we were immediately admitted to Cedars Sinai. It was then that we knew something was different, and we decided to do genetic testing.

The month before her first birthday, we received a call from a geneticist telling us her diagnosis: Olivia has a CASK Gene Mutation, a neurological disorder with symptoms including epilepsy, hypotonia, developmental delay, pontocerebellar hypoplasia and more. At the time, we were told this is a rare disease with less than 200 cases worldwide. A disease that neither of us were carriers of, that isn’t included in pregnancy screenings. We were given statistics of life expectancy, a 25% chance of ever being able to walk, and very little chance of ever being able to speak. It was the most heartbreaking day of our lives.

A year after diagnosis day I became involved with Project CASK, a nonprofit funding treatment and research options for individuals impacted by this ultra rare disease. There are now 600 cases worldwide, and we are in the process of funding Gene Replacement Therapy, amongst other promising treatments.

Olivia is now four, and is extremely medically complex. She sees every specialist you can imagine, is immune compromised, suffers from seizures daily, and cannot sit or stand. Despite these challenges, she is the strongest girl I know. She is a FIGHTER and proves it to us day in and day out. She has a smile that can light up a room, and has said “mama” on multiple occasions, making my heart burst every time.

So how does CASK relate to cookies and how I got started? After working in marketing for twelve years, and always baking for friends and family whenever I had spare time, I discovered how to launch a cottage bakery, and decided to open one of my own. As I built out my business plan, I realized I wanted to do something bigger than just opening up a bakery, I wanted to make a difference for children impacted by CASK.

Shortly after opening “The Girl & The Cookie” in 2024, I announced a give back component to my cookie business: a percentage of every order would give back to Project CASK. I called it “Cookies for a Cause”. To date, I’ve raised over $3,000 in order donations, and an additional $1,000 in business fundraiser pop-ups. Every order includes a 4×6 handout about Project CASK and CASK Gene Disorders, so I can help spread the word and educate customers one cookie at a time.

Being able to do what I love, all while giving back to a cause that I’m so passionate about, is a dream come true.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As one woman with a tiny kitchen, two mixers, and a standard sized oven, the biggest challenge was figuring out how to scale while still being available for Liv’s appointments and therapies.

I decided to offer a menu that changes every week, but keeping the flavors limited to 2-3 options would be the best way to maintain a balance without feeling overwhelmed. I post a menu each Sunday on Instagram and my website, and accept pre-orders for local pickups. Every order is baked fresh, with flavors ranging from Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with sea salt, to Banana Pudding Cookies topped with crushed vanilla wafers and a marshmallow drizzle!

Each week differs when it comes to order volume, and I’ve been able to make 400 cookies in my tiny oven with the right prep work in place.

The most important thing to me was being able to still be there for my daughter, and go to as many appointments and therapies as possible. My husband has been incredibly supportive, and without him, my parents that make us nightly dinners, or our nurses that help take care of Liv, I don’t think the balance would be achievable. I’m also incredibly thankful to have customers that are so kind and understanding, who know that an order could be delayed if our daughter is in the hospital due to an emergency.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Aside from my giveback to Project CASK, what sets my cookies apart from larger bakeries like Crumbl, is that they are made in small batches, where every cookie has the homemade taste and feel you grew up with. One customer texted me after trying my cookies for the first time and said, “It is bringing back memories of my mom’s and my grandma’s baking. I hope that comes across as intended, which is a big time compliment.” This is exactly the quality I intend to maintain with every order, a fresh-out-of-the-oven, home baked taste.

I’ve now tested and baked dozens of flavors, including classics and unique flavors like Cookies ‘n Cream Blondies, Banana Pudding Cookies, Brown Butter Cookies, S’mores Cookies, Strawberries ‘n Cream Cookies, Lucky Charms Cookies and more. It’s so fun coming up with new ideas and getting feedback from my customers on how much they love them!

Every cookie is individually wrapped and stickered to maintain freshness. Because of their packaging, they make excellent gifts for teacher appreciation week, party favors, showers, and more!

Last year I launched my cookie cart for pop-up events, an adorable pink push cart complete with a pink and white fringe umbrella, and I’ve loved being able to serve businesses and spread the word about CASK at in-person events.

Follow me on Instagram for news on where I’ll be popping up next, or how to launch a cookie fundraiser for your business!

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Setting boundaries and learning how to say “no” has been a challenging lesson to learn and abide by. To quote Taylor Swift, I’m notorious for being a “pathological people pleaser,” and want to say yes to every person that orders from me. At the end of the day, I want everyone to try my cookies and leave with a smile!

But if someone asks for decorated cookies, or orders a large quantity with less than 24 hours notice, I’ve had to learn how to set boundaries and say “no” to things I do not specialize in, or “I’m sorry but I won’t be able to fulfill this until next week” if I’m at capacity.

I do my best to not feel overwhelmed with orders, though it still happens from time to time, and being able to know my limits has been a huge help in that regard.

Pricing:

• Cookies are $4.50 each with discounts for orders of 12 cookies or more. A portion of each purchase goes back to Project CASK to fund treatment and research for children impacted by CASK Gene Disorders.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thegirlandthecookie.com
• Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/thegirlandthecookie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegirlandthecookie
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/the-girl-and-the-cookie-el-segundo