We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tasha Helton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tasha below.

Tasha, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The inception of The Common Cookie stemmed from a blend of passion, creativity, and a dream of a baking enthusiast. It began as a casual conversation about dreams and desserts, where the idea of transforming everyday moments into extraordinary memories through baking took root. Our journey from imagining various dessert-related ventures to focusing on cookies represents a progression driven by passion, whimsy, and a desire to create something unique. The pivotal moment that transformed our dream into a tangible goal was our unexpected win at the Washington State Fair’s Wilton Cake Contest. This victory, coupled with subsequent opportunities to share our baking knowledge and creations, gradually paved the way for The Common Cookie. It wasn’t until the global pause caused by the 2020 pandemic that the idea of starting a bakery crystallized into a determined pursuit. The support and encouragement from friends and loved ones played a crucial role in turning this dream into reality, leading to the establishment of The Common Cookie in 2021.

What made you believe this was a worthwhile endeavor?

Several factors contributed to our belief that The Common Cookie was a worthwhile endeavor. Firstly, the initial success and recognition at the Washington State Fair validated our skills and the potential of our creations. The enthusiastic response to our baking demonstrations, particularly the signature talk on “The Science Behind the Best Chocolate Chip Cookie,” demonstrated a genuine interest and demand for high-quality, delicious baked goods. Furthermore, the unique angle of specializing in gluten-free cookies without compromising taste addressed a specific market need, offering a product that was both desirable and inclusive. The joy and solace found in baking during the pandemic, along with the encouragement from our community, reinforced our belief in the value and timeliness of our venture. Ultimately, the realization that we could create connections and cherished memories through our cookies solidified our conviction in the endeavor’s worth.

Were you solving a problem that no one else was solving? Were you offering a unique approach?

Yes, The Common Cookie was conceived to solve a specific problem within the baking industry—creating gluten-free cookies that do not sacrifice taste or quality. This focus on gluten-free options was not merely a trend but a commitment to inclusivity and excellence in baking. Our approach was unique because it combined a passion for baking with a scientific understanding of ingredients and techniques to craft cookies that could be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. Moreover, the business was rooted in a desire to foster connections and memories through the universal language of baked goods, making The Common Cookie not just a bakery, but a community-centric venture.

What about this idea got you most excited?

The most exciting aspect of The Common Cookie was the ability to transform a common treat into an extraordinary experience. The idea of taking something as simple as a cookie and elevating it into a vehicle for joy, connection, and cherished memories was thrilling. The challenge of crafting gluten-free cookies that matched, if not surpassed, the taste and quality of traditional cookies added an exciting dimension to our mission. Furthermore, the journey from a shared dream to a tangible, beloved bakery, supported by a community that grew to become like family, was an exhilarating process that fueled our passion and commitment to this endeavor.

Tasha, 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?

What are you most proud of?

At The Common Cookie, the pinnacle of our pride lies in our ability to create a product that embodies both inclusivity and exceptional taste. We’re particularly proud of our journey from a dream to a reality, marked by perseverance, creativity, and the support of our community.

What do you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work?

At the heart of The Common Cookie is a story of transformation and community. We want our clients, followers, and fans to know that when they choose The Common Cookie, they’re not just indulging in a delicious treat; they’re becoming part of a story that values joy, inclusivity, and the power of shared moments. Our brand stands for more than just high-quality, gluten-free cookies; it represents a commitment to creating experiences that turn everyday moments into cherished memories.

We believe in the magic of baking and its ability to bring people together. This belief drives everything we do, from carefully selecting our ingredients to crafting each cookie with love and precision. Our work is a testament to the idea that the common can indeed become uncommonly good when passion, creativity, and care are involved.

In essence, The Common Cookie is more than a bakery; it’s a movement towards a sweeter, more inclusive world. We invite everyone to join us on this delicious journey, as we continue to bake not just cookies, but memories and connections, one batch at a time.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Yes, my side hustle has indeed evolved into something much more significant, embodying both my passion and professional aspirations, although it remains a “side hustle” in the traditional sense due to my full-time job as a technology cloud administrator. The journey of The Common Cookie from a mere idea to a burgeoning brand is a testament to the power of grit and the unwavering belief in the potential of gluten-free baking to delight and unite people.

The Start of the Side Hustle

The inception of The Common Cookie was fueled by a personal challenge to dispel the myths surrounding gluten-free products, particularly the notion that they lack in taste and are only meant for those with dietary restrictions. My ambition was to create a brand recognized not just for its exceptional products but also for its inclusive philosophy. Despite the demanding hours of my full-time job in the public sector, my commitment to this vision never wavered.

Key Milestones and Scaling Up

One of the most critical milestones in my journey was the realization that The Common Cookie could be more than a direct-sales bakery. Last fall, when I was on the verge of closing down the business, a local business’s interest in my products presented a new opportunity. This moment was a turning point, prompting me to explore wholesale as a viable path forward. With the guidance of a mentor and thorough viability analysis, I pivoted towards a wholesale model, which dramatically expanded my reach and transformed my business.

The shift to wholesale marked the beginning of a new chapter for The Common Cookie. It wasn’t long before other businesses started reaching out to me, seeking to stock my cookies. This growing interest from businesses validated my belief in the brand and its potential. It was a clear indicator that The Common Cookie had transcended its origins as a side hustle to become a recognized brand within the community.

Advice for Scaling a Side Hustle

Persistence and Grit: The journey is challenging and requires an unwavering commitment. There will be moments of doubt and potential failure, but persistence can turn a side hustle into a significant venture.

Explore New Avenues: Be open to pivoting your business model. Direct sales might work initially, but exploring wholesale or online channels could unlock new growth opportunities.

Seek Guidance: A mentor can provide invaluable insights and guidance. Their experience can help navigate challenges and identify opportunities you might overlook.

Build Your Brand: Focus on what makes your product or service unique. It’s not just about selling; it’s about creating a brand that resonates with people and stands for something more significant.

In conclusion, while The Common Cookie remains a side hustle alongside my career in technology, its impact and reach have grown beyond my initial expectations. It’s a clear example of how dedication, strategic pivoting, and a focus on brand building can elevate a side project into a meaningful and recognized venture.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale is pivotal to the success of any business, and it becomes even more crucial when your business is built on a foundation of passion and a mission like ours at The Common Cookie. Here are the strategies and principles I’ve found most effective, drawn from our own experiences:

1. Hire for Mission Alignment: From the outset, prioritize finding team members who resonate with your mission. When individuals believe in the “why” behind what they do, their work becomes more than just a job—it turns into a contribution towards a shared goal. This alignment fosters intrinsic motivation and a deep sense of purpose.

2. Set Clear Expectations and Vision: Transparency about the expectations and the vision of the business is crucial. It helps to onboard team members who are fully aware of what their roles entail and where the business is headed. This clarity reduces misunderstandings and aligns efforts towards common objectives.

3. Foster Open Communication: Create an environment where open communication is encouraged and valued. Let your team know their voices are important, and their ideas are welcome. This approach not only boosts morale but also drives innovation, as diverse perspectives lead to unique solutions.

4. Celebrate and Share: Regularly acknowledge both the wins and the setbacks. Celebrating the successes, no matter how small, builds a sense of achievement and camaraderie. Equally, sharing disappointments fosters a culture of resilience and collective problem-solving. It’s important that the team moves through both highs and lows together, reinforcing a sense of unity and shared destiny.

5. Lead by Example: Lastly, embody the values and work ethic you wish to see in your team. Leadership sets the tone for the entire organization. By practicing what you preach, you’ll inspire your team to follow suit, cultivating a positive and productive work environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thecommoncookie.com
• Instagram: @the.commoncookie
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecommoncookie.wa
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-h-8061ba14?

Image Credits
Sarah Officer, Kandis Spurling Photography