By Kristy-Marie Chang

With a name like Cookie Cutters I’m sure many different thoughts run through your mind as to what exactly this business is all about. “We wanted a name that [would] make you think twice. One with a connotative meaning. You may see Cookie Cutters and think, “Do they sell cookie cutters?” Or think of ‘cookie cutter’ in the traditional sense but it’s a stark departure from both. It’s actually the antithesis of fitting within a mould because we pride ourselves on being out of the box with the overall experience that we provide.” “We” being the mother-daughter duo behind the company- Asha & Shanice Rattan.

In a time where young adults often seek a path as far away from their parents as possible, my first impression of these two was one of endearment and sheer adoration. To have a bond so strong that transcends from family into a lucrative business is what really makes an experience with Cookie Cutters that much more special. Their purpose is clear: “Our ethos is that cookies taste best when freshly baked using quality ingredients and of course, LOVE.”

Cookie Cutters has only been in operation for just over a year (!) yet they offer a wide variety of homemade cookies (they launched 34 flavours in this their inaugural year to be exact), madeleines and now biscotti that are sure to please any sweet or savoury cravings. Their standard flavours so far include red velvet, cream cheese, pistachio with brown butter, coconut spice, coffee, brown butter chocolate chunk, lemon mascarpone, orange sandwich and sesame seed. Of course in true Cookie Cutter fashion they are all given unique names, like the black and white sesame seed- studded cookies being aptly referred to as the Tuxedo.

Innovation and creativity are definitely their strong suit, with every month or season inspiring new creations that are always well-received. In September 2019, they included a specialty line “From Our Kitchen To Yours” featuring all-things-pumpkin-spice with cookies, a signature spice blend and cream cheese spread. They even created a biscotti flavour in our honour that was launched at our last (physical) ChatShop in February 2020- the Chatterbox!- a mint chocolate biscotti with chopped pistachio topping as the perfect dipper for your tea or, of course our pick, fresh-brewed coffee.

Within this short space of time, Cookie Cutters has certainly made themselves a part of the local brand community not just with other artisans but through alignment with subscription box services, like All Bookd Up, as well. “We believe that the local brand community is incredible at this present moment. We live in a creative society with so many extraordinary artisans and creators that can grow our country’s economy if fully supported. We have been participating in Markets throughout Trinidad since we’ve started. To name a few; Crafters Collective, South Market and Up Market.”

Although homemade, the pair are no rookies to the bakery industry. Asha herself was a co-owner of a bakery in previous years and with the desire to find a creative outlet amidst their daily work life, that paired with Shanice’s passion for baked goods made it a natural fit.

“Essentially, we were also tired of purchasing generic cookies that lacked flavour, we started baking our own cookies from scratch for our family and friends around the Holiday season.

Having received positive feedback on the flavours and variety, we continued to test new recipes to enhance the flavour profile of our cookies. There’s a whole other world of delicious and unique cookies other than chocolate-chip and sugar cookies. That’s what we bring to the table! – an array of various cookies, as well as, diverse flavours. We are in the works of re-developing our signature cookie menu with a mixture of new and exciting cookies introduced every month.”

The Cookie Cutter life is not 24/7 for both of them however. Asha still maintains a full-time job while purchasing ingredients, making deliveries and even having to bake a batch of cookies before her regular work day begins. Her daughter Shanice is the full-time partner and is the key contact between themselves and clients, social media admin and content creator for their accounts as well as the one who does most of the R&D for their recipes. It may sound like they don’t often cross paths business-wise however they have found a way to carve out time not only for their brand’s development but to maintain their familial bond as well. “Together we test recipes, usually late at night into the very early hours of the morning. We have found that the serenity of this time works best for us and our cookies.”

In this “new normal”, their advice to the entrepreneurial community, both rookies and veterans, is even more loud and clear: “Always forge forward despite the circumstances. Entrepreneurship requires a lot of patience and resilience but never forget why you started. Especially at the most challenging times, always keep in mind why you decided to take this path. It will keep you grounded.”

Finally, integrity is a strong pillar upon which they stand and when interacting with Asha or Shanice, their genuine spirit resonates strongly. “We’ve learnt that our integrity is everything. Being honest in all aspects of our business, from stating and using authentic ingredients in all our consumables, to using our own content and photos when showcasing our products and being truthful about using eco-friendly packaging. We believe that honesty is indeed the best policy.”

Follow: @cookiecutterstt on Instagram

Email: cookiecutterstt@gmail.com