Meet Ashlee Croomes | Baker & Cookie Artist

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

Hi Ashlee, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I always say that my business is inspired by the everyday joy of my daughter. When I first started making cookies regularly, I was making them for her, her friends, and their moms. I was looking for ways to elevate the everyday moments for us, especially as life at that time was really difficult for so many people. I would make decorated cookies for silly things like a playhouse warming party for my daughter and her friends.

My cookies are beautiful, but they actually taste good also. I spent a lot of time perfecting my recipes and making sure that they tasted as good as they looked. Because of this, I think people were pleasantly surprised when they would eat one and eventually started asking me to bake for their events. I decided to start my business as a way to hopefully bring more joy through my baking into my life and the lives of those enjoying my cookies.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always been a more analytical and detail-oriented person. I have a Master’s degree in applied psychology from USC and I worked in marketing insights helping big brands all over the world. While I enjoyed that work, it didn’t fuel me the way my cookie business does. Running this cookie business has brought out so much creativity and passion in me. I’ve been able to take my skills in a new, more meaningful direction.

This business has allowed me to be a part of so many people’s lives in real, significant ways. I have clients that have cried over my creations and made them a part of their special family traditions. I’ve been able to teach unhoused, at-risk youth how to decorate cookies. I’ve been able to gift caretakers, single moms, and people who are just down and out with my delicious bakes. I’m just so lucky to be a part of so many’s lives through my edible art. My cookies are beautiful. My cookies taste good. But, most importantly, my cookies bring joy and that is something the world desperately needs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One thing I love about LA is that there is so much diversity in every neighborhood. You can drive a few miles up the road and have a completely different experience than you just came from. But, to be honest, at this stage in my life, I’m such a homebody. I live in Burbank, so I would probably share all of the little gems that I love around Burbank with them after pulling out all of my hosting-at-home stops. Shopping at Tansy and Bell Cottage along with other lovely shops in Magnolia Park; grabbing a pastry from Porto’s; being transported elsewhere at Broken Compass. We’d probably do these things and then explore the wealth of things the rest of LA has to offer later.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so lucky to have so much support surrounding my business. I wish I could name every single friend, family member and client that has believed in me, purchased from me, or shared about my business. The word-of-mouth and encouragement from all of these people is what keeps me going. My husband, my daughter, Maddy, my mom, Ebenly, Sarah, Griffin, Julia… these family, friends, and clients have championed me and my business without expecting anything in return and I am so grateful!

Website: https://www.lccookieco.com

Instagram: @lccookieco

Facebook: @lccookieco

Image Credits
Photo of me by Griffin Joy Photography

Cookie photos by LC Cookie Co.