Sometimes it's the simplest ideas, when perfected, are the most successful. Casie Schmitz has definitely perfected her idea! There are many companies out there that make cookies and even raw cookie dough is an idea that is growing; but a cookie dough that can be eaten raw and bakes into a delicious cookie is a game changer!
Casie's Cooke Dough creates unique flavor blends and is currently available in the Portland, Oregon area. Casie's drive and passion is inspiring and proof that when you are doing what you love it feels less like work. You can find more info on her website and Facebook.
Tell us about yourself. Mom. Wife. Entrepreneur. I’m 30 years old, been married to my wonderful husband for two years and have a nine year old son. I am the proud owner, founder and boss lady of Casie’s Cookie Dough, LLC. I love to cook and bake, love coffee, sports, family time and being outdoors. I was a retail store manager for the last 10 years and realized that I was in a struggling industry and wanted to make a change!
How did you get into your business?
I have always wanted to have my own business - since as a long as I can remember! I’ve always loved baking and saw myself having a business that was in the baking industry. Awhile back, I was making big batches of cookie dough and freezing it so that I could toss cookies in the oven any time we felt like cookies for dessert. We had a friend over for dinner and I made cookies for her. She suggested that I sell the dough because who doesn’t love fresh baked cookies without having to do any of the work, right?! So I looked into ways to make the dough edible raw, perfected my recipe and voila! I was in business! Now I run three Farmers Markets, have my cookie dough in a local grocery store and I deliver in the local area.
What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge has been figuring out the best way to grow and scale. I want to be a Cookie Empire! But I want to do it the right way. I’m trying to determine if I want to get into grocery stores, open more farmers markets or open my own Casie’s Cookie Dough shop and cafe. It’s also been a bit of a challenge to juggle all of the things I do! Time is not my friend right now, so figuring out new efficiencies and asking for help when I need it are crucial.
What do you wish you’d known when you started?
That I should have started this a long time ago! I spent so much time working jobs that I didn’t love and everyday felt like “work”. Now I’m actually working 60+ hours a week BUT it doesn’t feel like “work” because I genuinely love what I’m doing. I love to bake and I love to interact with people so I’m literally doing what I love to do!
If you could narrow your success down to one thing, what would it be?
Passion. Because I am passionate about what I’m doing I can spend five hours in the kitchen and then go to a farmers market for another five hours and still have a giant smile on my face! When I’m buying ingredients at the grocery store, I’m also passing out my business card to people who ask what I’m making because I’m passionate about my business. I up-sell at the farmers markets because I’m passionate about my product! The passion keeps me going even when I’m exhausted.
Where do you see yourself in a year?
In a year I would LOVE to be opening a shop/cafe - that’s pretty ambitious but that’s really where I would love to be. More realistically though, I hope to have 7-10 farmers markets next summer, making good money, have a team of employees and have a little bit more free-time.
What are your top three tips for women starting a business?
Just do it! It takes a lot of courage to take the leap and start a business, but you will be so glad that you did! Know that it will take a ton of work and time to make it a successful business.
Do something you LOVE. It really makes the work feel more like fun and helps you get through the challenges and rough times.
Most importantly, surround yourself with supportive and ambitious people! I could not be doing this business without the support of my amazing husband, family and friends. Having friends that I look up to and who challenge me to be better helps drive my ambitions.
What is a typical day for you like?
It’s non-stop from 3am-8pm! I typically open at Starbucks as a barista (yes, I still work part-time! For the benefits and a little bit of extra money to help support my family). Then a quick nap, workout, shower, then off to a major activity (whether that’s grocery shopping, a house project or making dough at the kitchen). At some point, every day, I do something cookie dough related on the computer - could be doing a Facebook post, looking into events, doing some networking etc. Every day I make dinner and we have family time. Thursday nights are a market night and Sat/Sun’s are fully occupied by the farmers market and then usually my “rest” time after the markets.
What’s your business motto or quote you live by?
“She believed she could and so she did.” It reminds me that I can do anything I put my mind to!
If you were starting your business over again, what would you do differently?
Start it sooner!
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