Hi Ranesha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Krumblez Cookie Co. was birthed from a love of baking. Initially as a hobby and a means to feed the souls of others with cookies, things pivoted Fall 2019 while pregnant with my youngest son, I was faced with a potential lay off from my full-time job. I vividly remember telling my husband “I have no idea what it’s like to be unemployed”. I shared my idea with him of starting a bakery as I’d already had a small base of customers and knew what it entailed to start the process for licensing and permits. I pondered upon a name for the company, and due to the situation I was faced with – the idiom ” that’s the way the cookie crumbles” resonated with me. I knew I had to spring into action and not allow the present set of circumstances define my future. I reached out to a local artist Oto Attah and shared my vision for a logo that I wanted to incorporate a younger version of myself indulging in a jar of cookies. I created a menu based on a few recipes I knew were winners and decided to distinctively name each cookie after a family member or close friend that either reminded me of a particular cookie or it was one they really liked. Due to my husband’s extreme support, the first cookie on the menu was named after his moniker “SLEEPE” interestingly, it’s my spin on the Doubletree Hotel’s Cookie. A few other notable cookies are named after my two son’s Mason (milk Chocolate Chip) Roman (White Chocolate Macadamia Nut) and Yah Yah (Oatmeal Raisin) named after my late Grandma who loved oatmeal cookies. The concept of family has been the center of my existence so incorporating those that I love into Krumblez was important to me.

Shortly after starting Krumblez, I was asked to participate in a Holiday Market for Ryan Sheckler’s foundation, the reception was awesome! Being my first Pop Up event, it set the tone for those to come; to date I have sold out of every pop up event, worked on events with Kroger, Disney, Kaiser School of Medicine, Altura Credit Union, Kin Collective, Pomona Valley Hospital and the City of Eastvale. I’ve launched a website for online delivery and curbside pickup orders with shipping options within California.

I take pride in providing customers with great customer service and a quality, fresh product made with the finest ingredients and sweet love.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When the pandemic hit, one of my greatest challenges was purchasing ingredients. Flour was a hot commodity, everyone was a baker for at least three months. Being based in the Inland Empire, I recall calling my relatives in the LA area asking if they’d come across flour to contact me so that I could fill orders.

Another challenge I have is balancing the many roles as a business owner in addition to being a Mom of two toddlers and a wife. Oh, and the job that I thought was going to lay me off, (which is how all this started), the lay off never occurred. So, I work a 9-5 Monday- Friday and run the bakery on the weekends.

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?
Being a small business owner, I’m very intentional with the businesses that I patronize. From the artist that created my logo to shopping for supplies and ingredients, it’s important for me to do my part in helping other small businesses succeed. When available, I purchase farm fresh eggs from local farms. I purchase supplies, customized decor, labels, business cards and custom mugs from local businesses. I believe we elevate one another when we work together.

Currently, I am accepting orders for local delivery/curbside pickup via krumblezcookieco.com and at local pop ups in LA County, Orange and Riverside Counties; schedule is posted on the website for any upcoming events. My ultimate goal is to own a bakery on wheels and serve cookies fresh from the oven. Later expanding to a cookie bar where customers can create their own cookie based on a variation of available toppings and base flavors.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, I attended Inner City Schools and had an opportunity to participate in a college preparatory partnership through the University of Southern California from 7-12th grade. As a participant, I was afforded the opportunity to be exposed to a plethora of leadership opportunities. After attending college and earning a BA in Spanish Linguistics and pursuing a Master’s Degree in Education With my educational experience coupled with watching my grandmother pour herself into nurturing our community through food, I learned the importance of not only feeding the body but also the mind and soul. I carried this philosophy with me all throughout life, such that when I was faced with a layoff from work, the obvious choice was to lean into my roots in baking and use the time as an opportunity to be an entrepreneur and share my passion with others.