We were lucky to catch up with Yasmin Maria Santiago recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Yasmin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

If I were to start Cookie Crumb Cookies from scratch today, knowing what I know now, I would likely push a little harder on some of the opportunities that have presented themselves to me and spent a little less time focusing on what others thought. As someone who struggles with their mental health I have allowed it to really take hold of me and this in in turn has delayed some potential business relationships to flourish. I’ve learned to use this experience as strength rather than a weakness. Speaking up and networking has become second nature to me now and is something that’s extremely important in the small business circle. I’ve learned that networking is the best thing you can do to get your business up and running. Never doubt your product and talents, as a small business owner we can definitely be our own worst critics and we become that little voice in our heads that keeps holding us back. That little voice, in multiple instances, has held me back from being able to have my products out there for people to enjoy. I would doubt my craft thinking that it wasn’t good enough to be sold at different locations. We wouldn’t be where were at if our products weren’t great. I’ve learned to let go of the fear and put myself and Cookie Crumb Cookies out to the world without a doubt that we have a great product, great company, and the best customers.

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

My name is Yasmin Maria Santiago, I started Cookie Crumb Cookies 3 years ago in the midst of the pandemic. At the time it was just a hobby and was really only baking for friends and family. I was always fascinated with the art of balking, I loved tweaking recipes and making them my own. I always enjoy telling my customers how much my recipes have changed. Baking is chemistry and it’s really fun when you really understand it. I truly believe my customer service and appreciation that I have for the Cookie Crumb Cookie friends sets me apart from others. I understand that without my customers there is no Cookie Crumb Cookies and I appreciate each time they pay me a visit at a pop up’s or a simple hi through our website and social media. I have a lot of loyal customers who have become great friends. I think it’s important to show the human side of business. I am really proud of my work and it definitely shows as my recipes have greatly improved to the delicious and unique cookies that they have become. I’ve learned to trust the creative process. I’m proud to say that I started this business from the ground up and appreciate that our customers have made it grow so that I’m able to continue sharing my passion.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

First and foremost is great Customer service and understanding that they’re the reason why Cookie Crumb Cookies is here and appreciate them by providing them consistently great products. The second is putting our product out there. We have been to so many pop up markets, too many for us to count if I’m being honest. With so many ways of showcasing your products I think in person service is so important and allows us to put a friendly face to our great product. The latter is probably the most exhausting part of having a business but has been some of our best marketing opportunities.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

It would definitely be when we went viral and were on the Ellen show and were able to showcase our Cookies to a piece of the Royal family. That was a great opportunity for our business and it really helped put us on the map for period of time. That’s a small business dream, to have that sort of marketing, but to us I felt like it was really hard for me to tackle the extreme increase in volume and really tested our capacity. I had to make the decision of slowing down sales; I know that if I wouldn’t have done that, I wouldn’t be providing our customers the best product out there and that is worse to me than the extra income we would have received. I am proud of Cookie Crumb Cookies and would never sacrifice quality or quantity, our customers deserve better.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cookiecrumbcookies.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/cookiecrumbcookies
• Facebook: Facebook.com/cookiecrumbcookies
• Youtube: youtube.com/cookiecrumbcookies