Hidden Gems: Meet Farida Malik of Three Cookies Co.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Farida Malik

Hi Farida, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
If you had told me five years ago that I would be designing and baking five-tier wedding cakes, I would have thought you were crazy!

Three Cookies Co., named after my three amazing daughters, or “cookies, ” started in 2022 when I decided to take a temporary hiatus from working in educational administration. After 15 years in education, I left my role as Academic Dean of Students to tend to my daughter’s needs. My main focus was her well-being. However, going from a lifelong career as an educator to not working made me antsy. I was itching for some sort of creative outlet. This was when I pursued my passion for baking, and Three Cookies Co. was born.

Although I was born and raised in Michigan, my parents instilled in me a tremendous love for Pakistan and Pakistani cuisine. My passion for traditional and modern flavors led me to experiment with fusion desserts, which blend the best of both worlds.
Each day, I found joy in creating desserts that connected my cultural roots with contemporary tastes. This is the story of how the Three Cookies Co. fusion desserts came to life.

It started small, with just a few recipes I had perfected over the years, but soon enough, word began to spread. People loved the unique twist I brought to classic treats. Familiar Pakistani desserts such as Ras Malai, Gulab Jamun, and even Paan were transformed into cakes, milk cakes, and truffles. Many of my most popular items are available in local cafes around the area.

But there is more!

As my home-based bakery grew popular, I received inquiries for individual orders and more significant events. It began with a few small gatherings—birthday parties, baby showers, and family celebrations where people wanted something different and unique. Fast forward to 2024, Three Cookies Co. is now catering to grand wedding events and designing beautiful engagement and wedding cakes.

What makes TCC different from other small businesses is my focus on each person not just as a customer, but as someone who is putting their trust into me to create an experience with my desserts and cakes for their special occasions.
I’ve heard the phrases, “just figure it out for me.” Or “I trust you!” so many times and that gives me the confidence to know I’m able to provide the best.

I treat every client as though I am the patron. I work diligently to ensure clients’ needs are met, challenges are met with solutions, and I can bring their vision to life.

I have been fortunate to make great connections with my clients and even lifelong friends. I’m truly amazed to see how far Three Cookies Co. has come and excited to see what’s in store. There is always room for more!

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?
Whoever said, “Good things don’t come easy,” was right!
Since starting in 2022, I’ve had to fight off many challenges and obstacles.

Running a home bakery and trying to expand can be challenging for many reasons. I am a stand-alone operation and along the way, I have taught myself the ins and outs of marketing, sales, customer services and more. Although still in education, I am grateful of the many skills I’ve developed along the way that help me with Three Cookies Co.
I would love to connect with individuals who can help me further grow Three Cookies Co. and expand my reach, products and services to a broader consumer.

Aside from the challenges of running a business, familiarity with our desserts and expansion have also been an uphill battle. Local customers might need to be more familiar with or open to trying traditional and fusion flavors.

I’ve had to push for a lot of integration within the South Asian community by connecting with influencers, sponsoring charity events, and providing free samples to anyone with a pulse. Unfortunately, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. There are not many South Asian, Punjabi, and women-owned small businesses, and not many bakers at that. I also want to promote and showcase alternatives to typically desired careers in “brown” communities. Occupations that encourage creativity and individuality. This lack of familiarity adds a layer of barriers that must be broken through.

At the end of the day, I want to rise above these obstacles and challenges. I want to push for a greater presence not only in the South Asian community but also to bring these unique flavors to diverse communities in the area.

Building my brand has been a steady journey of hard work, with reaching out to different communities and organizations, and building relationships to earn lifelong clients.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m not sure what sets me apart from others but I can tell you that my drive is what helps me succeed.
If I don’t know, I will figure it out.
I will research, learn and try until I do! I challenge myself with each order, each cake and each event. Whether I have an order for 1 cupcake or a 3 tier cake, the same amount of love and care goes into each order.
I also love to take on special projects to push my skills and abilities forward. To excel.
I force myself to grow.

My biggest pride is my family! My family has been my biggest support and I would not be where I am now, without them. They are my taste testers for new recipes, my cheerleaders, my manpower and also honest and loving critics.

Lastly, what I want readers to know about Three Cookies Co. is that I’m not just baking a cake. I am baking memories.
My job is to make your happy event, happier!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/three_cookiesco

Image Credits
Aisha Photographyy
https://www.instagram.com/aishaphotographyy?igsh=Nmp2OWY2aHR6Znpn