Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Mobley.
Hi Shannon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I adapted my famous cookie from my husband’s Aunt Nancy’s recipe. I literally can remember trying this cookie (we were standing in the kitchen at a beach rental on our family vacay) and thought to myself, someone should sell these. That deliciousness needed to be shared with the world.
I have ALWAYS loved baking, even as a young child. I like doing things with my hands and baking gave me that satisfaction and instant gratification in the finished product. My earliest childhood memories involve making mud pies outside at my grandmothers house. I also baked a lot with my mother. After she died suddenly when I was in my early twenties, I found myself craving that same connection I had when I was in the kitchen with her. I truly feel that when I’m in the kitchen baking, she is with me in spirit and it calms my mind and body.
So by combining my love for baking and adapting Aunt Nancy’s cookie recipe, The Girl With The Cookies was born. I was sitting in a Tupelo Honey Cafe on my day off from work with my laptop and got to work on my branding and product creation.
The Girl With The Cookies makes an irresistible crispy yet chewy cookie with our famous cookie base including ground pecans, oatmeal and toffee. Flavors include white chocolate, lemon, cinnamon butterscotch, semi-sweet chocolate, and more. You will be hooked for life after one bite!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’m sure that asking any small business owner if it has been a smooth road to building, they would agree it was not.
I have a unique scenario. I am a nurse and have continued to work full time as a nurse while building The Girl With The Cookies.
In fact, my business took the back seat when I was having children as I felt my presence was needed elsewhere. At the time, I was disappointed in myself for not being able to juggle working full time as a nurse, raising one and then two children, and keeping up with the business but with time, I feel differently now. Instead of disappointment I understand that growing a business is not always an upward trend. It takes many different twists and turns as life is lived and responsibilities change. What is most important is knowing that the product you have is true to you, you love it, and it will always be there to pour back into when life allows.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Cookie Baker and Deliciousness Maker
I am most proud of what I have built on my own. From recipe and flavor development to my branding, creating a website, and everything in between, I thought it up and executed it. With little funds to pour into the business, I knew I would need to rely a lot on myself. I was scared to put myself out there but I believed in the product so much that my fear soon faded. Luckily, the cookies grew a following and I have enjoyed meeting my customers and hearing their stories. I also love attending markets and giving out samples as most people are hooked once they take one bite.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The thing I like best is the food scene. There is nothing like trying out a new restaurant or going to one that you are familiar with and enjoying the food and atmosphere.
The thing I like least- it has to be how most people don’t wave when they cross the street. Like when someone stops so you can cross and you don’t even acknowledge them or throw up a hand to wave. I think it’s rude..
Contact Info:
- Website: https://the-girl-with-the-cookies.square.site
- Instagram: @thegirlwiththecookiesraleigh
