We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cookie Hardin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Cookie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

I worked as a licensed insurance agent before diving full-time into Love By Cookie. I avoided sales roles due to the discomfort of persuasion. However, insurance sales focused on benefiting families, teaching me to understand people’s needs and offer assistance. This experience translated into my business approach, using tools like rapport to boost confidence at in-person events. While selling life insurance over the phone, following a script was crucial, yet the real connection came from subtle cues and shared experiences. This practice enhanced my phone skills and overall proficiency. For years, anxiety hindered my interactions at events, unsure how to engage with strangers viewing my products. Building rapport helped break the ice, allowing them to appreciate my work. Even if they didn’t make a purchase, they would remember me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Love By Cookie was born in 2013 in the kitchen of a 2-bedroom apartment. The concept originated when my apartment was burglarized, and my cherished $10 earrings were stolen. This led me to start painting plain wooden earrings and crafting amber teething necklaces for babies. Gradually, I expanded my creativity by experimenting with fabrics, crystals, and various materials to bring my ever-changing vision to life. Looking ahead to the present, I feel limitless in my capabilities.

I use leather, gemstones, and metal to craft a variety of accessories beyond just earrings and necklaces. In my Etsy shop, you can discover a range of non-jewelry items such as key chains, leather beer holsters, hanging air plant holders, leather shirt cuffs, RFID-blocking crossbody bags, wrist wallets, leather lighter cases, hot sauce holsters, eyeglass cases, crowns, full-body leather cover-ups, gemstone-adorned wave brushes, pick holster necklaces, and there are even more creations on the way.

The puzzle I cracked for my lovely customers? Convenience! My brain-busting challenge led me to create my version of the RFID-blocking crossbody. Say goodbye to the chaos of “Where’s my phone? Are my cards safe? What about my keys and passport?” – questions that used to haunt me too. I whipped up this gem just for myself, envisioning it as my go-to for events, epic journeys, and even package deliveries. Little did I know, it struck a chord with others too, satiating their deep-down desire to be a minimalist. lol

This also happens to be the thing that I’m most proud of, too. I used my phone and passport to create the template and tried countless designs and buckles before I was able to settle on the final product. I still sneak in tiny tweaks now and then, but the basic design remains unchanged.

The thing that I want people to know about my business is that this is a reflection of me and what I love. Each creation is imbued with my prevailing emotions, giving rise to a diverse array of offerings. Customers will always discover novelty or my unique interpretation of timeless treasures. My craft invites individuals to embody artistry, perhaps not as a daily ritual, but on a day that resonates with my artistic vision.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

This story hits close to home! Picture this: my siblings drop the bombshell question – “Hey, wanna go back to the 9-5 grind?” This question came up because I wasn’t financially prepared to go to Mexico for my little sister’s wedding. I’d known about this wedding for a year, but as time went on, it became clear that I might not be going. When they asked, I was shocked and taken aback. As the shockwaves settled in, it hit me – they didn’t understand this passion, they didn’t quite grasp the blood, sweat, and tears I poured into my craft. I spilled my heart out, explaining how my creative journey is my lifeblood. I’ve created items that nobody else has, I’ve sold my items to customers on 6/7 continents, and have a sense of accomplishment that has been untouched by any job that I’ve ever had. I’m tied to the sleepless nights, the grind, the events, the cutting of the leather, the setting of stones, and hammering on metals. Working underneath fluorescent lights within a cubical at this point would be soul-crushing. Working hard for others is fine, but working hard for myself gives me freedom. My time is coming. My hard work, my ideas, and my passion are on the floor for all to see. The money will come but my soul, I can’t give that up.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The thrill of my work lies in the adventure itself. I get to explore whatever tickles my fancy, dancing to my own beat. Learning at my own groove, and in my quirky style is a blast. Picture this: a sudden brainwave at midnight, dashing to my underground lair (workspace), and crafting my idea into reality is pure bliss. And when there’s a techie twist to the project, I’m over the moon! Thanks to my upbringing, I’ve got the grit to hustle. With limited funds come limited gear, tools, and network. So, whenever I wrap up a masterpiece and share it with the world, just remember: years of sheer willpower, resilience, and a pinch of magic made it all happen.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.LoveByCookie.com
• Instagram: @lovebycookie
• Facebook: @Lovebycookie
• Twitter: @lovebycookiestl
• Youtube: @lovebycookiestl

Image Credits
Yeah, I took all these pictures. I wish that wasn’t the case but all these lovely people said it was ok.