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Exploring Life & Business with Devon Olner of Little Lion Cookie Company

Today we’d like to introduce you to Devon Olner.

Devon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Little Lion Cookie Co. began in the most unexpected and heartfelt way—during the third trimester of my pregnancy, sparked by a craving. I started baking cookies, and to my surprise, friends and family couldn’t get enough. With maternity leave approaching and no paid time off, we saw an opportunity: maybe these cookies could help us make ends meet.

The name “Little Lion” is a tribute to my daughter, whose fierce spirit inspired everything. Her tiny but mighty roar reminded us that strength comes in all sizes. What started as a small way to bring in extra income has since grown into a full-fledged business.

Rooted in my background as a holistic nutritionist and shaped by my personal diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, I was committed from the start to creating something both delicious and nourishing. I knew firsthand the importance of gluten-free, whole-food ingredients and wanted to make treats that were not only safe for people like me, but genuinely crave-worthy for everyone. Every batch carries the same love, intention, and spark that started it all.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey definitely hasn’t been without its bumps. Balancing motherhood with building a business has been one of the biggest challenges—trying to be fully present for my kids while also nurturing this growing company often felt like a juggling act. As Little Lion Cookie Co. gained traction, I had to learn how to scale production, manage inventory, and meet increasing demand, all while maintaining the quality and care that made our cookies special in the first place.

Wearing all the hats—from baker to bookkeeper to social media manager—has been both empowering and exhausting. There were moments of doubt, overwhelm, a lot of late nights and very early mornings, but each challenge also brought growth. Through it all, I’ve stayed grounded in my “why,” which made every step, no matter how hard, feel worthwhile.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Little Lion Cookie Co. is a small-batch, gluten-free cookie company based in Texas, born from a deep love of baking, wellness, and creating joy through food. We specialize in cookies made with real, whole ingredients—no fillers, no shortcuts, just thoughtfully crafted treats that happen to be gluten-free. Our goal has always been to make cookies that everyone craves—not just people with dietary restrictions.

What sets us apart is the intention behind every bite. With a background in holistic nutrition and a personal understanding of how food impacts health (especially for those with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s), I created recipes that are as nourishing as they are indulgent. We believe that gluten-free doesn’t have to mean “less than.” In fact, our cookies often surprise people who don’t typically seek out gluten-free treats—and that’s part of the magic.

We’re most proud of how far this little brand has come, and of the loyal community that’s grown around it. From farmers markets to online orders across Texas, each cookie carries a piece of our story: bold, comforting, and made with care. Whether you’re gluten-free by choice or necessity—or just love a really good cookie—we want everyone to feel welcomed at our table.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing people light up when they try our cookies, especially when they realize they’re gluten-free after they’ve fallen in love with the taste. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about creating something that brings joy, comfort, and a little surprise to someone’s day.

I also feel deeply happy when I see my kids watch me build something from scratch. Knowing that I’m modeling courage, creativity, and care for them, especially as a mother and entrepreneur, means everything. And on a personal level, it brings me joy to craft food that aligns with my values: nourishing, inclusive, and made with integrity.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Tabatha O’Brien Photography https://www.tabathaobrienphotography.com/ @tabathaobrien on Instagram

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