We’re looking forward to introducing you to Elizabeth Pippin Nelson. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Elizabeth , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think the biggest misconception about Milkin’ Cookie is that it’s *only* for nursing moms. That’s where our story began, but it’s not where it ends … and honestly, it hasn’t been true for a long time.
Yes, we support breastfeeding moms (and always will), but our cookies and mixes are formulated with ingredients that benefit everyone … women, partners, kids, grandparents, literally anyone who wants better digestion, sustained energy, and clean, nourishing snacks that actually taste amazing.
So many families tell me they start buying the cookies “for mom,” and then suddenly everyone in the house is stealing them. That’s exactly why we’re expanding and launching two new lines: Milkin’ Mama and Milkin’ Family. These lines honor our roots while making it crystal clear that Milkin’ Cookie is about whole-family wellness, not just lactation support.
We’re here to nourish households, fuel busy women, and offer better choices for everyday eating. So if there’s one thing I wish people understood, it’s this: Milkin’ Cookie isn’t a “mom product” … it’s a wellness brand, and we’re just getting started.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Elizabeth; mom of two littles, wife to Red, Realtor®, and the very proud CEO of Milkin’ Cookie. This whole journey started with my own messy, emotional, beautiful road through motherhood and has grown into something so much bigger than me. What began as a boutique lactation cookie company has evolved into a full-on wellness brand rooted in nourishment, balance, and helping women feel like the strongest, most energized version of themselves.
We’re in the middle of a huge brand expansion right now, rolling out Milkin’ Mama and Milkin’ Family, two lines that honor where we started but make it crystal clear that these cookies aren’t just for nursing moms. They’re for literally anyone who wants clean, wholesome ingredients, better digestion, steady energy, and a treat that actually tastes amazing.
At my core, I’m someone who shows up for women. I want them to feel supported, cared for, fueled, and reminded that they matter! Whether they’re wrangling toddlers, building businesses, navigating life transitions, or just trying to get through a Tuesday. Milkin’ Cookie lets me pour that passion into something tangible: food that makes you feel good, hits the spot, and gives you those little moments of joy and indulgence without any guilt attached.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, and honestly well into young adulthood, I believed I had to do things the way everyone else did them. I thought success meant following the same script and killing myself to fulfill the “American Dream”: go to college, get married, get a stable job, buy a house, work for someone else, keep your head down, don’t rock the boat.
I was a people pleaser to my core (and sometimes I still am). I did exactly what I was “supposed” to do… and I was completely miserable in that corporate world. I was highly successful in every corporate role but still I felt boxed in, muted, and disconnected from who I actually was.
It wasn’t until I was laid off from my dream job at six months postpartum, at one of the most vulnerable moments of my life, that everything shifted. That moment forced me to stop and ask myself, “Whose life am I actually living?” And the answer sure wasn’t mine.
So I took a chance on myself. I bought the very company that helped me make it through my own breastfeeding journey, and I decided to build a life on my own terms. And it paid off in every way and in ways I couldn’t have ever imagined.
Today, I no longer believe I have to fit into anyone’s mold. I now know that I get to make my own choices, chart my own path, and build something that feels true to who I am. And that freedom? That’s the real success. Being able to be the Room Mom and the CEO of two companies while traveling with my family and still supporting women while I’m away is a level of success and freedom that I never knew was possible.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most has always been the fear of disappointing others. For years, I worried more about what others expected of me than what I actually wanted for myself. I stayed in jobs that drained me, said yes when I wanted to scream no, and made choices that looked “right” on paper but felt completely wrong in my gut.
That fear kept me small. It kept me playing by rules that weren’t mine. And honestly, it kept me from trusting my own voice.
It wasn’t until life forced my hand that I realized I couldn’t live like that anymore. I had to choose me, even if it meant disappointing a few people along the way.
Letting go of that fear has been one of the most freeing parts of my journey. Now I lead with my instincts, my heart, and my purpose… not with fear of what anyone might think.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely, 1000% YES! The public version of me IS me. What you see is exactly what you get. I’m as real as they come… honestly, probably too real for some people, but at least it’s never confusing. I’m fiery, passionate, and fiercely protective of my family, my friends, and my businesses.
I don’t do the whole “perfect persona” thing. I don’t put on airs, and I am absolutely not out here trying to keep up with the Joneses. I’ve got a big, loud personality, and I’m not dialing it down for anyone.
The woman you see online is the same woman you’d meet in the street, corralling the kids at the playground, or hammering out a real estate deal. I lead with honesty, heart, and a healthy dose of sass; and honestly, that mix is what makes everything in my world work. You’ll never be surprised with me – I am who I am and I won’t compromise that for anyone. I’m not perfect by any means and trust me, I have many flaws. But I work hard everyday to overcome them and simply be the best me that I can be. Imperfections and all but I’m always fun to be around and I’m the girl you want in your corner when things are good but also when things are bad. I’m an advocate for others and will fight until my last breath for things and people that matter to me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
What I’m doing today that won’t fully pay off for 7–10 years is building the foundation to expand Milkin’ Cookie into something much bigger than it is today. Right now, I’m focused on growing our brand to reach new customers, laying the groundwork for retail and wholesale programs, and preparing for our first commercial kitchen.
The ultimate goal is to expand Milkin’ Cookie to other cities and build additional commercial kitchens across the country where women can come, work, and get paid the same day for their efforts. I want these spaces to be safe havens for women; whether they need income for their families or are looking for a way out of difficult situations. These kitchens will also offer childcare and education rooms, making work accessible and providing a true community hub.
I want Milkin’ Cookie to be everywhere. I want postpartum moms receiving our cookies in the hospital, shelves at Walmart, Costco, Target stocked with Milkin’ Mama and Milkin’ Family mixes so the whole world can benefit from these cookies that are both nourishing and delicious.
It’s a long-term vision, and it starts with one kitchen, one city, one set of partnerships at a time. But every step I take now while building programs, securing contracts, and setting up infrastructure is what will make this dream a reality one day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.milkincookie.com
- Instagram: @TheMilkinCookie
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-pippin-nelson-msc-7ba59164
