Inspiring Conversations with Nicole Baker of Crumbs Cookie Company

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Baker.

Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My son was diagnosed with multiple food allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, and shellfish as an infant.

As a nurse, I already knew how dangerous that diagnosis was but as a mom, I was just learning how life-changing it would be. I’ve always loved to cook and I’m sure that was no coincidence because those skills came in handy as I had to navigate this new normal making most of my son’s food from scratch.

It was no easy feat to ensure proper nutrition, as well as safety when dealing with a picky toddler. But armed with my love for my son, and my love for the kitchen I set out on a journey that would eventually lead me where I am today, the owner of a small business providing allergy-friendly cookies, and cakes.

My business launched in 2020 after years of consideration and planning and has had to pivot during these challenging times but the focus always has remained the same, to provide safe and delicious baked goods to the food allergy community and promote food allergy awareness.

It’s no secret that people buy from those they know like, and trust. I hope this interview helps the public get to know me, like what I’m offering, and trust that my products will always be allergy-friendly and delicious.

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?
It has by no means been a smooth road. The food allergy life is hard, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. It affects almost every aspect of your life because food is involved in so many parts of just day-to-day living. Which you quickly realize when you have to plan out each and everything that goes into your child’s mouth.

And it’s not just-food. From toothpaste to medications. Daily life requires research, planning, strategy, and honestly help along the way to deal with the struggles. My husband has always been my biggest support in managing our son’s food allergies. And when I felt led to start my business he once again was my biggest cheerleader and supporter. Struggles include trying to navigate child care and school safely.

As well as trying to educate family and friends on the serious nature of the condition and what lifestyle changes have to be put in place to be inclusive but safe at the same time. My business was launched at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.

That within itself brought challenges because every business was being affected not just small businesses. But I think it set the tone for my business. Just like living the food allergy life, you have to have a clear goal and just persevere. We’re not known about this.

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?
Crumbs Cookie Company, LLC offers allergy-friendly, plant-based cookie mixes and custom cakes that are dairy, egg, and nut-free. We provide cookie mixes that are convenient, and easy to bake. You just add non-dairy milk and vegan butter.

We also create delicious as well as beautiful custom cakes for birthdays, baptisms, and any special occasion. While there are other allergy-friendly cookie mixes and baked goods on the market, our marketing strategy is to emphasize the quality of our products. As a southern cook, Nicole understands the importance of cookies having just the right amount of rich, delectable, chewy, “ooey-gooey” deliciousness, and her mixes provide just that!

She knows a cake has to be fluffy and moist with just the right amount of richness, and her cakes deliver! All mixes and cakes are hand-made from scratch. I think what I’m most proud of is the quality of my products. They really are delicious! Sometimes I surprise myself!!

They are so good!!! I take pride in the fact that you can’t tell the difference between my product and those made the traditional way with all the dairy and eggs. My customers have said they can’t tell the difference. So anyone will enjoy my products.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I’m the baby of the family and honestly, I was always in the kitchen cooking with my mom. Other than the usual things kids do like go to school, and play with friends outside.

If I was in the house, I was in the kitchen. I’ve always been creative. Growing up, I enjoyed art and would often paint, I enjoyed writing and singing. As I’ve gotten older and focused more on day-to-day adulting, I kind of strayed from those first loves.

And one interesting thing about starting this business which includes writing recipes and designing beautiful cakes is it has reawaken that creative side of me. And I’m excited to see her again!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.crumbscookiecompany.com
• Instagram: @crumbscookiecompanync
• Facebook: crumbscookiecompanync
• Youtube: The Careful Kitchen

Image Credits
Edmonds IV Photography