Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Russell.
Andrea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My company got started by accident. I was taking my final class to finish my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, and I had to do a project that required me to create a business, complete with market analysis, business plan, etc. I chose a cookie business because it was something that I always loved! The last component of our project was to pitch our business to the class “Shark Tank” style. I baked cookies for the whole class, complete with custom packaging, and after it was done, I thought, “I’ve got to do something with this…” After graduation in 2013, I moved from Nevada to California and found out about the Cottage Food Law, and decided to give it a go. I got my health permit and business license and started as a vendor for farmer’s markets in the Inland Empire area. Since then, my business (and my menu) has grown tremendously. I have over 140 different flavors of traditional and unique specialty cookies that I bake from scratch. I am also opening a brick and mortar store in Fontana within the next few weeks!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth ride. I have worked full time while running The Cookie Jar, and baking and packaging cookies require a lot of time. For the past eight years, I have been working anywhere between 100-120 hours per week, with little to no downtime. My biggest struggle is trying to balance work, my business, and my family.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The cookie jar is a specialty cookie bakery that specializes in homemade cookies from scratch. We are known for our signature Peach Cobbler Cookie and our most popular Strawberry Shortcake Cookie. What sets The Cookie Jar apart from other cookie bakeries is our knack for creating delicious cookies based on your favorite desserts. Brand wise, we are most proud of the coming of our first brick and mortar store in Fontana, where you will be able to get fresh baked cookies daily! I want readers to know that when they visit The Cookie Jar, they will receive an experience! We have over 140 different cookie flavors that we rotate through weekly including Peach Cobbler, Sweet Potato Pie, Strawberry Shortcake, and Caramel Butter Toffee. Not only will they be able to try our unique cookies, they will always be greeted with a smile and positive energy! You will arrive as a customer and leave as family!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was an outgoing kid. I enjoyed being in the spotlight and was always the life of the party. I was always happy and smiling and trying to sell anything and everything I could to people in my neighborhood (including chocolate chip cookies)!
Pricing:
- $25 – $30 per dozen
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.thecookiejaronline.com
- Instagram: @thecookiejaronline
- Facebook: @thecookiejarTM
- Twitter: @thecookiejarTM
