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

Hi Shiri, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Cookies and crafts have always been a hobby of mine. I tend to be a restless person and found working on something creative served as a way to calm myself. During the height of the Covid pandemic, when my family and I were all working and schooling from home, I needed something to keep me occupied. Although I have been making decorated sugar cookies since my kids were small, I dove head first into learning and perfecting my skills. I started making cookies for everyone – birthdays, celebrations, end of the season sports banquets, everything! In one week, three people asked me if I sold my cookies. At that time, I was not even considering it.

A friend then asked if she could buy some cookies for her 50th birthday trip. The imposter syndrome caused me to panic and I told her I would happily gift her them. After that, I realized, why not? So Cookie Notes by Shiri was born. A hobby turned into a business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am actually a dietitian and diabetes educator by trade. I still do work as one. However, I saw the joy that brought people who received my cookie gifts- the awe and love of seeing personalized cookies.

My favorite sets to make are my “Ultimate Cookie Note”. These sets involve a lot of input from the customer and the friends and family of the receiver. Each cookie is designed to represent something about that person, a memory, an inside joke, an anecdote- whatever the customer wants!. They make such a personal gift and I love hearing about the receiving person’s reaction. It really does make my heart full.

Cookie Notes by Shiri is a part time gig for me. I still love also providing diabetes education. I know it seems so ironic that someone who teaches about diabetes is also selling cookies. However, I think about my cookies being special treats. People use them as personal gifts and as beautiful decor for their special events.

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?
OOOOH, that is difficult. I actually am a Los Angeles native, born and raised! However, if I had family visiting from over seas we would hit all the typical tourist spots. Third Street and the Pier in Santa Monica, Hollywood, The Griffith Observatory, Museum Row, The Grove and original Farmer’s Market, Venice Beach, a drive up PCH into Malibu. If the kids were coming, we would have to do Disney, Universal, and Magic Mountain as well. I am in my 40s so days of hitting the Sunset Strip are behind me! 🙂

I think the beauty of LA is the diversity we have. Any type of food you want, you can find. Any activity you want, you can find. So many cultural experiences can be found.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shout out goes to my tribe of friends who pushed me to take the leap. My friend Shane Goldsmith is the CEO of Liberty Hill. She was one of my first customers who ordered cookies for their board retreat. The Liberty Hills Foundation works hard on social justice issues to make Los Angeles a more equitable place for all. So I dedicate my shout out to The Liberty Hills Foundation to make sure more people hear about them and the work they do!

Website: www.cookienotesbyshiri.com

Instagram: @cookienotesbyshiri

Facebook: Cookie Notes by Shiri

Yelp: Cookie Notes by Shiri

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