Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryonna Mcafee
Hi Bryonna, 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?
My passion for baking started when I was a kid and has evolved into what it is today. In 2022, my boyfriend gifted me a mixer for Christmas. At first, I didn’t use it much because we were focused on starting a food truck business. But eventually, I realized baking was what I truly wanted to pursue. I started testing recipes, and after many tries, I perfected one I loved.
That’s when we came up with the name HuggieB Cookies, inspired by a childhood nickname my parents gave me. As a kid, I’d wake up in the middle of the night to give my parents hugs, so “HuggieB” felt like the perfect fit. From there, we created the slogan “Cookies that Hug Your Soul”—a reflection of the warmth and love I want to share through my baking.
On January 3, 2024, we officially launched the business out of our 600 sqft apartment. We started selling at markets, gathering reviews, and posting on social media, and from there, the business began to grow.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When it comes to starting a business, I believe there will always be obstacles and challenges along the way. For us, the biggest hurdles in starting the cookie business were securing the capital to fund it and finding the perfect ingredients. Both of these were key to turning our vision into reality, and while it wasn’t easy, overcoming these challenges has been part of the journey that makes our business so special.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
While running my cookie business, I also work remotely in customer service for an insurance company. Balancing both has its challenges, but I’ve learned how to manage my time and stay organized. It’s been a rewarding experience, allowing me to pursue my passion for baking while still maintaining the stability of my day job.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Dallas is an amazing city to have a small business. The community is incredibly supportive, and there’s a great mix of local events and markets that make it easy to connect with customers and other entrepreneurs. The city’s diverse culture and entrepreneurial spirit creates the perfect environment for growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://huggiebcookies.com
- Instagram: huggiebcookies
- Other: Email: huggiebcookies@gmail.com