Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi Potts.
Hi Kristi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
At the start of 2025, Kristi Potts took a leap of faith.
Potts is from Kalamazoo and earned a doctorate from Western Michigan University in 2011.
After years away from the classroom, Potts decided she was ready to return. She never finished her latest degree, because while taking culinary classes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, something unexpected happened.
Her bake-from-home business blew up.
Potts was selling out of cookies weekly. She’d bring dozens to the farmers market and leave empty-handed. Potts decided now was the time to go all in.
She found the location, 1502 S. Westnedge Avenue, in the Vine Neighborhood. Then, she ran into issue No. 1:
“Funding,” Potts said. “No one is really willing to fund a new business to buy this location.”
Potts received support from the city of Kalamazoo’s economic development department, as well as startup funding from Michigan Women Forward.
Even with the support, Potts had to bet on herself.
“I had to dip into my life savings and I took all of it and put it all down on this business,” Potts said. “It’s going to work out. I just know it.” Potts has been exuberant since opening Kzoo Cream.
After growing up down the street and living in Vine again for college, Potts said being in the area has brought back a lot of good memories.
But she hasn’t strayed far, as she lives just 4 miles down the road in Portage.
“I’ve watched the Vine community just come together. They are all riding their bikes here and walking here all hours of the day and night,” Potts said. “This is my new home.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Funding! Finding a commercial kitchen
As you know, we’re big fans of KZOO CREAM. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
WE SPECIALIZE IN FROSTED WHISPERS: CREAM CHEESE SUGAR COOKIES. MOM’S SECRET RECIPE. THESE COOKIES ARE SOFT IN THE CENTER, CRUNCHY ON EDGES – DIFFERENT THAN OTHER COOKIES IN THE MARKET, WE HAVE SEVERAL DIFFERENT FLAVORS
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
LIKE: COLLEGE TOWN. OPEN MINDED, DIVERSE, MANY SUPPORTIVE EAT LOCAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Pricing:
- 10 COOKIES $7
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kzoocream.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579262806159
