Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Corinne Garcia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Corinne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.

I started my business because as a mother of young children I didn’t have the time to be as involved in service opportunities or volunteer as much as I would like. So I thought, “If I start a business, at least I can donate to organizations that are doing important work, especially for marginalized groups.” So I decided to donate 20% each month to a different good cause or charity. We started mostly with funding microloans to women entrepreneurs in other countries, but now donate to whatever moves me. Some organizations we’ve given to in the past are: Project Rainbow, Encircle, Utah Parent Center, Equal Justice Initiative, and National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. We also donate product (cookies) to events that help marginalized communities and in 2024 I have planned several free classes for marginalized groups.

Corinne , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

A few years ago, I took a cookie decorating class from Crystal Lee, owner of Hauntingly Sweet. I loved it and it was a hobby that fit my schedule. I started making cookies for my family and friends and then eventually started my own cookie business, Cookies With A Cause. I do custom orders, logo cookies for businesses, photo cookies for birthdays/anniversaries etc. I also teach cookie decorating classes and sell holiday sets and cookie decorating kits. I love learning new decorating skills and connecting with other local cookiers. Since I am a full-time mom, I have come to appreciate slow, organic growth and learn how to balance my work/home life.
Something that sets me apart from other cookie companies is that I donate 20% each month to a charity or good cause. It feels good to help others and I like my clients to feel that too. When they purchase from me they’re not only getting delicious, beautiful cookies but they’re also helping someone else.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

It’s implied that being a boss babe who always hustles and gives 110% is the only way to be successful. NOT TRUE for me. With trial and error I’ve found that having balance and making time for other things I enjoy (time with friends, working out, sleeping) is much better for my mental and physical health than always being booked to the max and only having time for cookies. I enjoy my business most when I have overall balance in all aspects of my life. I love being a cookier, but I’m also a mom, wife, friend, etc.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

If I have a happy client, they normally share my contact info or IG account (@cookieswithacause) with their friends and family. I feel honored when people tag me on FB or IG when they see someone is looking for cookies for their event. I have lots of repeat customers, and I’ve seen that most of my new clients come from their referalls.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mycustombakes.com/cookieswithacause
• Instagram: @cookieswithacause
• Facebook: Cookies With A Cause