Today we’d like to introduce you to Toretta Pickens.
Hi Toretta, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My love of cookies started as a little girl when my mom would make homemade macaroons, hermits, and of course, holiday sugar cookies. Once I became a mother, cookie time was a major part of the quality time I spent with my daughter. In 2009 I was a causality of a corporate downsize. After about 6 months of unsuccessful job searching, I decided to go back to school. Being a full-time student and single mom, my debt was increasing with no end in sight. One cold and blistery winter night I debut my now famous Oatmeal White Chocolate Cherry cookie at a gathering of friends and family. Moments after I opened the Tupperware container every last cookie had disappeared, three people asked me to make them a batch, and they would pay for them. Sell my cookies? That night Auntie Rah Rah’s cookies was born!!! I officially became a business owner in April of 2014.
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?
It definitely has not been a smooth ride. Most recently covid brought us a lot of business which was fantastic, but the recent shift in the economy has kind of made things more difficult. And we are currently trying to figure out how to maneuver in this new economy with finding new customers, finding new ways to market, and even finding new products to offer.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Most people know Auntie Rah Rah’s for not just cookies, but I’ve become pretty popular with my gourmet ice cream cookie sandwiches. I’ve created original ice cream cookies sandwiches made with my gourmet ice cookies paired with local premium ice cream from vendors such as Guernsey Farms. I think I’m most proud of the fact that I’m able to work with my daughter Tatyana every day, and she is currently creating a separate product. Line of candy-coated fruit cultivated all by herself.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’d have to say that my success so far is definitely because of the support of friends and family and my customers. My daughter has been my right hand. My boyfriend is known as my heavy lifter, and Mr. Make it happen. And not A-day goes by that I’m not grateful for my support system. I can call my cousin, my sister, my nieces, my nephews, my best friend, and even my daughter’s friends when we need help and they’re there no questions asked.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.auntierahrahscookies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Auntie_rahrahs_cookies
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Auntierahrahs?mibextid=ZbWKwL
