Meet Zakiya Ellick | Owner / CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zakiya Ellick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zakiya, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’ve been making cookie dip since I was a little girl. I would gather my ingredients and mix them in a bowl, while watching soaps with my grandma. No one ever questioned what I was making, & I never shared. Fast forward to 2017. My friends and I are very competitive cooks. We all prepared appetizers for the Playboy Jazz Festival. After gathering all the food, I suddenly realize that I didn’t have anything sweet to offer. I put together my ingredients in a bowl and proceeded to make Vanilla Bean and Lemon cookie dips. I shared with friends while at the festival, and they raved about the bold, decadent flavors. I then began sharing with our neighboring concert goers, and received the same response. It was that moment I realized my cookie dips should be shared with the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve worn many hats throughout the years. I have 10 years in retail management, buying, and visual design.
I spent 5 years as a personal stylist.
I’ve ran a family childcare center.
I’ve been a human resource supervisor
And was in accounting (and accounting management) for the last 20yrs.

I use all of the skills I’ve acquired for my business.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The beach is my favorite place to be. I also love going to r&b concerts (was last at the Jodeci concert…. WHOO yeah). I love karaoke, hiking, wine tasting, fine dining, and luxuriating in spa experiences.
I don’t go out much, but when I do, those are the activities I like to indulge in. I look for black owned establishments to patronize. But if I were to show my bff a great time, it would be at my home. I would cook and invite friends over and vibe out with each other. That would be my biggest expression of love to them.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout the Los Angeles Urban League, Black Business Clique, GLAAAC, my 11yr old son Kweli and last but not least, my father Robert Ellick (he was my business partner as well), who was extremely instrumental in providing me unwavering support and encouragement throughout my entrepreneurial journey.

Website: www.thecookiedipcompany.com

Instagram: @_thecookiedipcompany

Linkedin: @thecookiedipcompany

Facebook: @thecookiedipcompany

Yelp: The Cookie Dip Company

Youtube: The Cookie Dip Company