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

Hi Narbeh, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
The comfort and happiness of the cookies can brighten someone’s day, making ordinary moments special and celebrations even more memorable. My cookies offers a personal touch that big corporations often lack. From customized cookie designs to remembering a regular customer’s favorite flavor, I build strong, personal relationships with my customers. These connections create a sense of belonging and warmth in the community. Our handcrafted cookies are a testament to the art and skill involved in baking and this is much more than just a cookie shop. It is a beacon of joy, community spirit, and positive impact, enriching the lives of everyone it touches.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I used to be a paramedic and a firefighter and due to the stresses of the job, I took up baking. Baking took away the horrors of the job. I started to bake for my wife only then it trickled into baking for my sister and brother in law. Unfortunately, I lost my job due to injury but I continued baking until my friend Tony who owns Belle Bakery and Cafe stepped in and elevated my baking knowledge. From there, I decided to go back to school and became a nurse. After finishing nursing school, I decided to open Fundae Cookies and do both baking and working as a nurse. As of today, I would not change a thing because I love how I can make someones feel their best every day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Porto’s Bakery. Their pastries, like the cheese rolls and potato balls, are legendary.
Visit the Glendale Galleria and The Americana at Brand for some shopping and people-watching.
Head to Forest Lawn Memorial Park for a walk and to see the beautiful artwork and sculptures.
Dine at Din Tai Fung then catch a movie at the historic Alex Theatre.

Hollywood and Griffith Park
Drive to Hollywood and have breakfast at The Griddle Cafe
Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and visit the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Hike up to the Griffith Observatory via Griffith Park
Have dinner at Musso & Frank Grill

Arts and Culture in Downtown LA
Start with breakfast at Eggslut in the Grand Central Market.
Visit The Broad Museum to see contemporary art, then explore the adjacent Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Head to Little Tokyo for lunch at Daikokuya
Evening: Enjoy dinner and drinks at Perch

Beach Day in Santa Monica and Venice
Drive to Santa Monica and have breakfast at Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe.
Stroll along the Santa Monica Pier and enjoy the beach.
Rent bikes and ride along the beach path to Venice Beach. Explore the vibrant Venice Boardwalk and the unique shops on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
Have dinner at Gjelina, known for its innovative Californian cuisine.

Universal Studios and Burbank
Spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood
Explore Universal CityWalk for shopping and dining.
Head to Burbank for dinner at The Smoke House Restaurant

Art and Shopping in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills
Begin with breakfast at The Ivy in West Hollywood.
Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the adjacent La Brea Tar Pits.
Stroll down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills for luxury shopping and people-watching.
Have dinner at Spago Beverly Hills

Have a leisurely breakfast at Cafe 86 in Pasadena
Visit The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Explore Old Pasadena for shopping and dining
Have a farewell dinner at Carousel Restaurant

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 give a very big shoutout to Tony the baker and owner of Belle Bakery and Cafe in Studio City for taking me under his wing, teaching me everything he knows about baking and for his continued support through this process. I would not be at this position without him and his team. Also, to my wife, Nella, whose everyday support never goes unnoticed

Website: https://fundaecookies.com

Instagram: fundae cookies

Yelp: fundae cookies

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.