We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Staci Adkins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Staci below.
Staci , appreciate you joining us today. We believe kindness is contagious and so we’d love for you to share with us and our audience about the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me isn’t just one single act—it’s been a collection of extraordinary moments of generosity and encouragement that have kept me going throughout my entrepreneurial journey. Each act has left an indelible mark on my heart, especially during moments when I doubted whether I could make it. I still vividly recall being invited to speak about my cookies at a women’s empowerment conference in the early 2000s.
It was the first time someone outside of family believed in me enough to give me that platform. Then there was the time I dreamed of being a vendor at a major city-wide trade expo but didn’t have access to a licensed kitchen. A local pizza shop owner opened their doors to me after hours, allowing me to use their ovens—an act of kindness that enabled me to seize that opportunity.
One of the most humbling moments happened after I had moved into my own bakery. I was struggling to pay rent and had just finished crying when a man walked in to place an order. Sensing my distress, he asked what was wrong. After I told him, he left and came back with a check and asked how many cookies he could buy to equal the amount of my rent. If I remember correctly, he never actually “ordered” said amount. He bought a few dozen and made it clear that he was there to just help, talking about a miracle! Needless to say I cried again but this time tears of joy!
I have thee BEST community and sisterhood bar none! They have sowed not just financial resources into my business without hesitation, but given of their time, energy, expertise, connections and prayers. Most recently a “sister-friend” surprised me with a box full of custom merch, from jackets, to bags, to cups as a show of their belief in me and Richardines Cookies.
Every one of these moments has been a “God moment,” a reminder that I’m not alone on this journey, and that I’m moving in the right direction. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart, and these acts of kindness have been my lifelines, lifting me up and pushing me forward. They remind me why I do what I do and inspire me to pour that same kindness into my product but especially into others.
Staci , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Staci Richardine Adkins, and I am the proud owner of Richardines Cookies, a small business born out of love, resilience, creativity, and faith. The name “Richardine” is deeply personal—it’s a family name that belonged to my grandmother and I love that I can use it to honor her and my family through this business, keeping her legacy alive in such a meaningful way. I am originally from California and now based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. At Richardines Cookies we specialize in handmade, small-batch cookies crafted with intentionality in every step—from our ingredients to our presentation.
What sets us apart is not just the quality of our cookies but the experience they deliver. Each bite is meant to make our customers feel thought about and cherished, blending nostalgia with the joy of something beautifully made in the present. I believe our cookies put you in a better frame of mind, they just bring happiness to your mouth and your heart! The first time I baked for anyone outside my house was during the Christmas Holiday. Being newly married finances were tight, and my husband and I wanted to give nice gifts to my family for our annual Family Christmas exchange. I baked, we bought tins that couldn’t have been more than two or three dollars each and that sincere gesture grew into a business I’m quite excited about.
Today, Richardines offers thoughtfully packaged cookies, gift boxes, corporate gifts, cookie catering, and a monthly subscription service called the RICHlife, where customers enjoy their favorite flavor along with a surprise sample to bring excitement and joy with every box. One thing that has not changed is the heart behind every cookie we bake. I still get excited about the way they look, smell and of course the taste. There’s nothing like the feeling I get taking a pretty golden brown pan of cookies coming out of the oven!
Richardines is deeply rooted in my faith and my belief in hearing and following God’s guidance. On my fridge, I’ve written, “It’s God’s business, follow His lead,” inspired by Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” This verse reminds me daily that my work isn’t for personal gain but to reflect God’s purpose for my life. My goal is to honor Him by creating something that fosters joy, connection, and gratitude. This was a gift from God during a time when the “struggle” was real. I aim to use it to the best of the ability He’s given me. This foundation shapes every aspect of my business.
Taking a leap into full-time entrepreneurship wasn’t easy, but it has been worth every challenge. I’m most proud of how Richardines has grown from a family tradition into a brand that helps people express gratitude, celebrate special moments, and build meaningful connections. Whether it’s a corporate gift, a special event treat, or a heartfelt gesture, our cookies often serve as a way to speak volumes.
One of my favorite stories is from a woman who is now a great friend. She first received a box of my cookies after losing a loved one. During a late night when she couldn’t sleep, she tried one, and as she tells it” hid the box from her family.” She would take them out at night with a cup of tea and just enjoy the peace. A most difficult moment, and Richardines Cookies was able to add a little sweetness. I’d like to think we made a difference!
Along this journey, I’ve been blessed with countless acts of kindness and support, from opportunities to speak at conferences to financial help during tough times. These experiences are clear signs of God’s hand in this business and inspire me to pay it forward by pouring love, care, and faith into every cookie we bake, every opportunity we are given and every person we meet. We are excited to grow, not just say we are a big company, but to know we are impacting lives in the sweetest way!
Have you ever had to pivot?
One of the most significant pivots in my journey with Richardines Cookies was transitioning from running a brick-and-mortar bakery in California to relaunching the business under the Tennessee Cottage Food Law and Freedom Food Act. This shift not only required adapting to an entirely new business model but also embracing a different way of reaching customers and scaling the brand.
When my family and I moved to Tennessee, it was clear that operating a traditional storefront wasn’t the right fit for our new circumstances. Instead of seeing this as a setback, I viewed it as an opportunity to reimagine Richardines Cookies. I pivoted to working under Tennessee’s cottage laws, which allowed me to create handmade, small-batch cookies directly from my home kitchen while staying compliant with local regulations.
The pivot didn’t stop there. I dove fully into the local farmers’ market scene, connecting face-to-face with customers and building relationships within the community. It was a rewarding experience to meet people who loved the product and to share the heart behind Richardines Cookies. At the same time, I worked to increase our online presence, recognizing the importance of e-commerce in reaching a broader audience. This dual approach helped us create a strong foundation for growth.
The biggest shift, however, came with the realization that sustainable, consistent revenue streams were crucial for long-term success. This led to partnerships with local hotels, like the AC Marriott in Brentwood, and agreements to have Richardines Cookies available at the Nashville Airport (BNA). These collaborations have allowed us to connect with travelers and bring a taste of Richardines to people from all over the world, aligning perfectly with our vision of making customers feel thought about and cherished.
This pivot wasn’t easy—it required letting go of the familiar and stepping into uncharted territory. But it was also a transformative experience that taught me the value of adaptability, resilience, and staying true to the core of what makes Richardines special. By focusing on intentionality, community connections, and building consistent revenue streams, this pivot allowed us to evolve into a brand that reaches customers in meaningful and lasting ways.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building a reputation within my market has been a combination of intentionality, authenticity, and a commitment to excellence. Several key factors have played a role in establishing Richardines Cookies as a trusted and beloved brand:
1. Consistency in Quality
From day one, I’ve been committed to ensuring that every cookie we bake meets the highest standards of quality. Each cookie is handmade in small batches with carefully chosen ingredients to ensure they’re not just delicious but also memorable. Consistency has been essential—
2. Personal Connection
I believe in building relationships, not just transactions. Whether it’s at a local farmers’ market or through a corporate gift order, I strive to connect with customers on a personal level. Sharing the story of Richardines—how it began during a challenging time and the heart behind every batch—has resonated with people and made them feel part of our journey.
3. Engagement with the Community
Actively participating in farmers’ markets, local events, and partnerships with businesses like hotels and the Nashville Airport has helped us establish a strong local presence. Being visible in the community and contributing to it has been invaluable for building trust and a loyal customer base.
4. Thoughtful Presentation
Reimagining and redesigning our brand has played a crucial role in positioning us to seize commercial opportunities. Every aspect of our cookie presentation, from packaging to branding, reflects the care and intentionality we pour into our craft. This attention to detail helps create a premium and memorable experience for our customers.
5. Faith and Integrity
Staying true to my values has been a cornerstone of the business. Operating with integrity, treating customers with respect, and maintaining a faith-driven approach have built trust and credibility over time. People see the authenticity behind what we do, and that has been instrumental in fostering a positive reputation.
6. Word of Mouth
Happy customers have been our best advocates. Whether they’re sharing our cookies as gifts or recommending us to friends, the power of word-of-mouth referrals has been a major driver of growth.
7. Adaptability and Innovation
Pivoting to meet market demands—whether it’s by increasing our online presence, introducing a subscription service, or collaborating with corporate clients—has allowed us to remain relevant and meet customer needs in new and creative ways.
Ultimately, our reputation has been built on a foundation of love for the craft, a dedication to excellence, and a desire to make each customer feel thought about and cherished. That authenticity and care shine through in everything we do, helping Richardines Cookies stand out in a crowded market.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://richardines.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardinescookies?igsh=Y2JydDgza3ZhOTho&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15Fg782Csw/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Padrion Scott of PScott Photography