Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Pressley.
Hi Cheryl, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started baking as a child. My mother still reminds me that my very first attempt was a batch of chocolate chip cookies inspired by Famous Amos. Even then, baking felt creative, comforting, and joyful to me.
Although I stepped away from baking for a period of time, my love for it never faded. Over the years, I continued sharpening my skills, by watching and learning from family members and eventually attending culinary school to expand my knowledge and techniques even more. I later launched a small catering company that specialized in intimate dining experiences.
The true inspiration for Cookie Gurlie came during a deeply personal season in my life. After a family member received a terminal cancer diagnosis, I began visiting with homemade cookies featuring creative flavor combinations we collaborated on together to help awaken taste buds affected by treatment. Before taking them, I would often have friends taste-test the recipes — and after my family member passed away, those same friends began asking to purchase the cookies.
What started as an act of love and comfort eventually became Cookie Gurlie — a heartfelt tribute built around connection, creativity, and artisanally crafted cookies made from the heart.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not — but I truly believe that nothing worth doing, especially doing well, comes without challenges. Building Cookie Gurlie has definitely involved a learning curve in areas like hiring and training good people to represent my brand, marketing, and growing a business sustainably.
One of my biggest but welcomed challenges has been creating flavor combinations that are unique while also finding customers willing to step outside of traditional cookie flavors and appreciate that creativity. I’ve always wanted Cookie Gurlie to feel different — not just another cookie company, but an experience rooted in comfort, nostalgia, and bold flavor pairings.
Along the way, I’ve leaned heavily on mentors, fellow business owners, and my community for guidance and support. Their insight, encouragement, and honesty have helped me navigate obstacles and continue growing both personally and professionally.
Every challenge has taught me something valuable, and each one has helped shape Cookie Gurlie into what it is today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create gourmet cookies and other sweet treats featuring distinct, thoughtfully curated flavor combinations. At Cookie Gurlie, I love blending comfort and nostalgia with unexpected ingredients and bold flavors to create desserts that feel both familiar and unique at the same time. My shortbread cookies, Ginger & Mo and Chocolate Dippity Doo!! are really popular with Cookie Gurlie fans.
One thing that’s especially important to me is partnering with local food artisans whenever possible — from farmers to spice shop owners and other small businesses. I’m always inspired by what they’re creating, and I enjoy incorporating local ingredients and new flavor profiles into my products. For example, this time of year, I use locally grown blueberries for my Blueberry Buttons cookies and late summer I’ll use locally grown figs, for my own take on a fig newton. Using seasonal local ingredients always keeps my offerings changing and gives my customers something to look forward to throughout the year. At the heart of that is my natural curiosity and my desire to keep Cookie Gurlie treats unique and interesting. So I’m constantly learning, experimenting, and pushing myself creatively.
I think that openness to learning and trying new things is one of the things that truly sets me apart. I don’t believe creativity should have limits, especially when it comes to food.
What I’m most proud of, though, is the community that has grown around Cookie Gurlie. So many of my customers have become genuine friends and supporters over the years. There’s something really special about creating food that brings people together, it creates conversation, and becomes part of meaningful moments in their lives. That sense of connection means everything to me.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
One book that has really stayed with me recently is The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. It’s such a thoughtful book about creating intentional gatherings that feel meaningful and memorable for the people attending. I read that book as part of a new venture that I’ve been working on, so stay tuned for that. Even though I’m in the food space, that idea of creating experiences and connection through what I do really resonates with me.
One of my favorite podcasts is Pastry Arts Podcast because they interview some incredible people in the pastry world. Hearing their creative journeys, techniques, and perspectives gives me a lot of inspiration as both a baker and business owner.
I also enjoy listening to All There Is hosted by Anderson Cooper. It’s a deeply thoughtful podcast about grief, healing, and finding joy in the midst of loss, and it’s one that has personally resonated with me.
Outside of that, I love autobiographies because I enjoy learning how people navigate challenges, creativity, and reinvention. And I’ve always been a big fan of James Patterson novels as well.
Honestly, there are so many books, podcasts, and experiences that have inspired me over the years — both personally and professionally — that it’s hard to narrow them down to just a few favorites.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cookiegurlie.com
- Instagram: @cookiegurlie
- Facebook: @cookiegurlie
