Community Highlights: Meet Kristen Theis of Kiki’s Cookies

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Theis.  

Hi Kristen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always enjoyed being in the kitchen since I was a young girl. My favorite thing to do was bake. Whether it was cakes, cookies, or anything sweet, I was always trying new recipes… My dad was always willing to taste-test what I made, and he would say he needed 2 or 3 just to make sure they were good! He was by far my favorite critic because he always liked what I made! I continued to bake into adulthood and I have enjoyed teaching my son and daughter in the kitchen as well. Cookies have always been my go-to item to bring to parties and potlucks or to make for friends and family. I truly believe that sometimes baked goods are the best way to show love! You can’t solve someone’s problems with a plate of cookies, but you can make them feel loved. I guess you could say that baking cookies is my love language. Cookies are little moments of love and joy. Life quiets down in that moment, and you simply get to enjoy what’s in front of you. 

It wasn’t until COVID hit that I started to think about ways to fill the extra time I had on my hands. I thought about what I was good at as well as something that was fun and baking cookies was the first thing that came to mind. It was then that I started to tweak and refine recipes I have collected over the years. So, after I had perfected a handful of recipes, I gave it a shot and started Kiki’s Cookies in February of 2022. It has been a lot of fun and surreal at times. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have a hard time telling people no, so I’ve had to learn how much I can take on as a one-woman show without becoming overwhelmed with orders but also kindly turning away last-minute requests. I have two kids who keep me busy, so it is important to me to not let my cookie business take time away from them and still keep my kids as my number one priority. Sometimes I have self-doubt, but as long as it continues to be fun, that’s all that matters. 

We’ve been impressed with Kiki’s Cookies, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Kiki’s Cookies is a home bakery that operates under Michigan Cottage Food Law, and I specialize in drop cookies and cookie cakes made to order. I live in a small town, and the amount of support I have from the community has been overwhelming! I make all my cookies after my 9-5 job and really enjoy the smiles on customers’ faces when they receive their orders. One of my favorite things is seeing all of my “young” followers on Instagram and Facebook and hearing about their requests for my cookies or cookie cakes for their birthdays and celebrations. 

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
My nephews called me Aunt Kiki when they were little, so that is how I came up with the name of my business. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kikiscookies.mi
• Facebook: @kikiscookies.mi