Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Kunkle.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story is a winding journey of acceptance and self-love.
I haven’t always had the support system that I have now and even still, there are times I find it tough to accept I now have people there when I need them.
The constant theme of my life has always been, I can only depend on myself and no one will care as much about my goals as I do.
Thankfully, I have arrived at a space where I know that is no longer true. The friends I have made along the way have truly shaped my story and allowed me to develop and evolve into the person who is sitting here today.
My journey started as an adopted 3 year-old who was betrayed by a mother that chose a habit over being a mother. It then evolved into a woman that accomplished 8 years of military service. When that chapter of my story ended, I was lost for a total of 6 years to depression until I finally emerged as a successful small business owner of The Colorful Cookie in Fargo, North Dakota.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’m sure everyone has faced an obstacle or two when traveling down the path of accomplishing their dreams.
My road, as many of you know started at the end of my military career in 2017. I was depressed, alone and defeated. My marriage was over, my child was living with his father 1900 miles away, and I felt there wasn’t a soul in the world that cared about me.
Over the course of 6 years, I had failed jobs where I didn’t feel safe in any working environment and couldn’t seem to motivate myself enough to even get out of bed most days.
I knew I had to change something in my life and that first step was moving to North Dakota in 2020.
Here I searched for another 3 years to find what I am supposed to do and who I wanted to be.
It was trying and I almost decided to give up living entirely. That was until the March of 2023.
I had not the first clue on how to manage a business, how to get orders or even how to make half of the items I make today.
It took a lot of failure to understand what gluten-free meant, and the restrictions that came with adopting that business model.
It doesn’t matter that a food is naturally gluten-free. It matters how it is cooked, stored, and prepared. It even matters how the item was processed before packaging as cross-contamination is a huge obstacle in the gluten-free world.
Financial obstacles were present from the beginning, but I used my own personal income to fund this venture and still do to this day.
Gluten-free baking is expensive, especially when developing new recipes. This means, being mindful and not creating items that are too complicated for my current level of experience.
All in all, this journey has been amazing and I wouldn’t change a single thing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The Colorful Cookie is truly one of a kind. Gluten-free baking is gaining traction in the Midwest but there are still several categories people would like to see further developed. This is where I come in.
I like to think I specialize in, pushing the stereotypes of gluten-free items. and giving back to my community. People in my area know I’m always ready to try something new, while donating my time and products in the process.
Even if a recipe fails tremendously, members of my community appreciate my efforts. even failed attempts, because it shows I”m willing to get out of my comfort zone to create items some haven’t had in a decade or more.
I also love giving back. I have supported galas, silent auctions, fundraisers, children’s birthday parties and large gatherings, all at no cost. Giving back will always remain part of my business model because I truly care about those around me.
I am most proud of my ability to keep trying. My croissants journey started off a little rocky, but my following stayed with me and kept wanting to try the new items I created. Now, not only have I perfected the gluten-free croissant, I’ve also created 6 different varieties. Those include; Pistachio, Oreo, Cinnamon Honey, Garlic Herb, Three Cheese, Strawberry Crumble, Crookie, and Chocolate.
Setting myself apart isn’t something I try to do, as I don’t see other gluten-free bakers as competition. We are a community of bakers in our area that strive to cultivate amazing products and we all do so respectfully. In the end, it’s all about community and how we are able to give back to folks that have had some of their favorite items stripped from their diets.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
The Colorful Cookie is small but mighty.
Without the community and support I have from local business owners and networking groups, I would be at a loss.
Fargo has picked me up when I have fallen, given me the strength to fight for myself and my future, instilled a sense of belonging I have never felt in my entire life, and given me the room to keep expanding.
To those that are just starting out, don’t be afraid to find your tribe. I promise, they are out there.
To those that have been around, awhile and help out the little guys like myself, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Much love and gratitude.
Ebony
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