Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodi Mannis.
Jodi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in Los Angeles (I refer to myself as a unicorn because there are very few of us who can say we are true locals!), I went to USC to study Fine Arts where I focused on graphic design and packaging. I landed feet-first straight out of college as a Graphic Designer for Guess Jeans and was lucky enough to climb the ranks very quickly, becoming one of the youngest head clothing designers there at age 22.
The Marciano brothers taught me everything I knew and took a personal interest in helping me grow. After Guess, I left to pursue other fashion-related ventures including a handbag line but ended up finding myself working full-time in my family’s business court reporting. I have always freelanced on the side, whether it’s design work, branding, packaging, fashion, party planning, etc. These days I paint, sculpt, and even know how to weld.
I’m a single mom of two little ones – my son is ten, my daughter is seven. I always used crystals when I was a kid; it’s something I shared with my grandfather & the love of art/creating when I was as young as my kids are now. I eventually became very spiritual due to life events and found myself drawn to crystals again. I now share this love with my kids!
When the kids are home, I like to get them in the kitchen with me, and I always whip up extra special treats for holidays and birthdays (ie, sushi donuts and sushi hamburgers, as requested by my son!). My daughter is all about sweets, so for Valentine’s Day I decided to create a cookie dough geode and mix the two things we shared and loved.
I had no idea what I was doing; I took my favorite recipes and combined them. My kids push me to my creative limits in general, and I’m not one to back down from a challenge. I made the original geode cookie dough cookies and posted them on my private social media accounts. Overwhelmed by the response and interest, my design background started to kick in as I thought about what this concept could look like.
Truth be told, I was struggling trying to make ends meet and was looking for a creative outlet or passion project that could make me a little extra money, but mostly fill my soul. It was kismet! Each cookie is handmade and painted, no two are alike, and each box is specially curated for the receiver.
Conceptually there is nothing like them out in the marketplace — but also the associated feelings and meanings that come with are out of this world! Each bite is an experience – the layers of flavor starting with the crystal crunch to the frosting down to the buttery cookie base – it’s a party in your mouth. People expect them to be super sweet, but they are not, it’s a perfect balance of flavors.
The best part is the feeling when sharing them. I love doing deliveries because of the reaction and the smiles on the receivers faces — and the questions like “Can I really eat these?” or, that they are too pretty to eat. My cookies make me believe that anything is possible, and it’s ok to be different and unique!
This whole magical journey started May 5th, 2018 when I did a tasting pop up shop — then sold my first few boxes on Mothers Day. Since then I have been lucky enough to work with amazing people like Jessica Alba and her Honest Beauty relaunch in July 2018. I have been brought full circle back to my roots in Fashion working with Levis x Happy Noises Denim Floor Launch at Bloomingdales on 59th street NYC, Alice & Olivia & Socialite Clothing just to name a few.
I’m the “go to” for brands like Glam Glow & Mazz Hannah for all their Celebrity Clients, delivered to amazing souls like Whitney Cummings & Busy Phillips just to name a few. I have worked with TV & groups such as Americas Got Talent and many others behind the scenes gift giving…. but don’t get me wrong– I do love meeting the average joe and send them Good Vibes all over the USA!!
Just last month I did a Pop Up Shop at West Elm in Los Angeles and sold out within 20mins!! I had to send people home sad when they appeared within the hour of opening, and everything was long gone… such a bummer for me also!! I was featured in US WEEKLY being named the #3 HAUTE hostess gift for the 2018 holidays… and have even had a few articles written about me!! It’s all just so amazing!!
It’s crazy for me how quickly this journey has taken off- but the truth is when authenticity is behind a passion project- it shows!! Ohh did I forget to mention this is my side hustle!! Lol!! Yep-I do have another “full time” job because truthfully it seems as if this has become one also– plus my two kiddos half the time. 🙂
I don’t advertise, I created an IG account and I’m working on my website as we speak. I do EVERYTHING— I do all my own baking, painting, emails, packaging- including all my own graphics, branding and graphic design work, boxing and shipping— and when I got crazy busy- I finally have some help with deliveries b/c believe it or not I was doing it all!!
I’m the mastermind & creator & all things behind my brand Good Vibes… It’s a lifestyle brand– b/c I do really live & love what I am doing & I think that is what makes my brand shine like it does!! Positivity & raising spirits is my jam!!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a CRAZY rollercoaster of a ride– the most fun kind!! I have learned so much about myself- how brave I am, how to push every limit & how I need to follow my gut- it’s so crazy amazing how kind the world can be when you allow yourself to be vulnerable…
There, of course, are struggles like working all night, learning how to package and ship the cookies… man I remember how CRUSHED I was when I mailed by first batch to NYC- TEARS I tell you & not from the receiver, he was amazing and so supportive-the tears where all me lol!!
I still am struggling with having to make choices like not being at every one of my kids sporting events — but I am doing it for us…. to make our lives better & more fulfilling by the people that I have met along the journey & have connected with on a whole new level.
ATM the hardest snag keeping up with the demand– it’s crazy how long my wait list is but I am chipping away one cookie at a time & now the new year will bring new connections & amazing new adventures in the Good Vibes World!! I am planning on trying to get a few extra hands & with that, the whole process will be streamlined machine fingers crossed!!
Starting your own business with no big money behind or physical help does have its challenges but with everyone comes a reward & a lesson that is two-fold more than anything monitory!! I am excited with all the twists and turns that have presented themselves– the good, the bad & the Yummy!!
Please tell us about Good Vibes Cookie Co.
I am a confectionary artist. My company is more than “just cookies.” I bake hope, I bake dreams & I help manifest ideas in every box of crystal cookies. #BakedwithSweetIntentions
What am I most proud of— that my cookie hustle is a perfect example that anything can happen in life!! What you put out comes back to you tenfold.
My cookies are a true authentic look into my world- it’s about art, food, family, music– a lot of music & friendship… that starting over after 40 is still a thing- just like Martha Stewart, Vera Wang & Julia Child. Never give up at what you want to manifest- your dreams are there for a reason & can be obtained with a lil heART.
I created this out of nothing– but the will to be something, to support my kids, our life & my love for creativity & uniqueness- to make a difference- to be my kids hero & show them they do not need to be like all the others ( to show the word the same)…
I want them and everyone out there to know that if you stay positive and follow your dreams something will happen, may take a while, may have to try a lot of things I mean A LOT, and some serious triumphs mixed with a lot of setbacks– and if you are very lucky- stars will align & it can bring you up to a level that you never ever imagined you would be!!
I remember having 20 followers in the beginning — just super excited that I was making extra money to pay for camp so I could go to work… I was on cloud nine!! These were people I didn’t know- I actually held off telling anyone but my close family and a few friends for months about my product– I just was, as most artists are- tentative to tell the world… haha! I babble can you tell… if you look at my IG you def already know this…
Gosh, what doesn’t set me apart from all other cookie companies?!? Each cookie is handmade and painted, no two are alike, and each box is specially curated for the receiver. Conceptually there is nothing like them out in the marketplace — but also the associated feelings and meanings that come with are out of this world!
Each bite is an experience – the layers of flavor starting with the crystal crunch to the frosting down to the buttery cookie base – it’s a party in your mouth. People expect them to be super sweet, but they are not, it’s a perfect balance of flavor. The colors are replications of real crystals, so the possibilities are endless.
Infinite possibilities for the crystals, each crystal that we find on Mother Earth has properties — be it calmness, wellness, love, or healing. I sit with each person who orders a box and ask questions; sometimes they let me intuitively choose, and sometimes they tell me exactly what they want.
The coolest part is when I choose, and they come back and tell me stories. One person bought mix boxes for her best friends. Not knowing what crystals I chose — nor could they see inside the boxes – each chose a box. One friend got a box with her birthstone and the second stone was the name of the street she grew up on! I always tell my customers that the crystals pick you, you don’t pick the crystals!
The best part is the feeling when sharing them. I love doing deliveries because of the reaction and the smiles on the receivers faces — and the questions like “Can I really eat these?” or, that they are too pretty to eat. My cookies make me believe that anything is possible, and it’s ok to be different and unique! I specialize in crystal cookies but do offer cakes to Local Los Angeles clients also… there is a whole concept behind my brand that is all in the pipeline just waiting to explode!!
This is the happiest and most fulfilled I have been in years — I am connecting with so many amazing and inspiring people, I am creating something new every day, and I spread positivity and happiness in the process. Even on the most challenging days, I am grateful for everything that is manifesting in my life.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would change ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. 🙂 Well, maybe if I could clone myself so I wouldn’t miss a beat or feel torn as a working mama, haha!
I am a true believer that everything in life happens for a reason, a season or a lifetime… and what is meant to be will always find its way— and we learn the most from life challenges– doesn’t seem so at the time— but eventually everything comes full circle in the life journey
Pricing:
- four large intention box $48 (as seen featured in US Weekly)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.goodvibescookieco.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @GoodVibesCookieCo
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
