“As Hey, Cookie grows, I need to ensure that each cookie continues to be made with precision and care, and each customer continues to receive personal, loving attention. Just as importantly, I want to keep having fun and enjoy the role that I have created for myself. I think my happiness is reflected in Hey, Cookie's product, and keeps customers coming back.” -- Christa Hill, Founder, Hey Cookie!
What does “entrepreneurship” mean to you?
To me, entrepreneurship means identifying a void in your community and meeting that need with your creative mind and hard work.
How did your business come to be? (e.g. What sparked the idea? How did you decide to take the leap?)
Many years ago, I coordinated a bake sale for Save A Bunny, a local rabbit rescue organization. The event was a huge success, raising $1,200 in donations in just 4 hours.
During the event, it was clear to see that people missed homemade baked goods. With our busy on demand world, it's hard to find the time to slow down and bake from scratch. I thought I could help make people happy by baking/selling on a regular basis.
What is the biggest learning from the journey so far? What do you wish you knew when you started? Is there anything you would change/do over?
Hey, Cookie has helped me realized that people really want small businesses to succeed! I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support and enthusiasm that I receive on a DAILY basis. I am so grateful for each hug, shout out, photo, follow on social media and cookie purchase.
It's this support and love that keeps me going, especially on the days when I wonder if I have made the right choice for myself.
I wish I knew when I started that it's not that complicated to launch a business. I was intimidated by the process and really dragged my heels. It turns out that the paperwork needed to become a sole proprietor is actually quite simple.
One thing that I should have done much sooner was invest in my business by buying a larger oven. I was so attached to my 1960's oven. It was difficult to part ways, even though it was slowing down my productivity.
What advice/credo do you live by as you grow the business? What is your professional and personal mission statement?
As Hey, Cookie grows, I need to ensure that each cookie continues to be made with precision and care, and each customer continues to receive personal, loving attention. Just as importantly, I want to keep having fun and enjoy the role that I have created for myself. I think my happiness is reflected in Hey, Cookie's product, and keeps customers coming back.
Nasdaq's Education Foundation helped launch The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center in the fall of 2015. Located in San Francisco, it has quickly become the go to destination for the next generation of risk takers and idea makers who take the plunge into entrepreneurship.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
