Meet Jennifer Born Rachek | Chief Cookie Officer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Born Rachek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve been OBSESSED with cookies since I was a little girl. My Grandma was an amazing baker. I always dreamed of being able to create baked goods of the same caliber as hers. With COVID came less of a commute, and gave me more time in the cookie lab! After years of sharing my creations with friends and family, I was ready to share those delicious creations with the world!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I started One-Eyed Cookie Lab, it was important to me that I produce the same quality product that I would for my own family. We use a mix of all natural, organic, and local ingredients. All cookies are labeled so that potential allergens are easily identified.

Actually selling my cookies to other people was so scary. I’m basically giving a piece of my heart to each and every person that gets a cookie. We started with preorders online, delivered to another local shop for pick up. The problem with that was, we didn’t get a lot of feedback because there was no face to face with the customers. As soon as farmers market season came along, we registered for a booth. I couldn’t believe it! WE SOLD OUT! We came back the next week and sold out again! We could meet the customers, hear what they like and didn’t like, and, honestly, we made a lot of new friends.

Eventually, a local coffee shop, Native Coffee Co., approached us about providing cookies for their coffee shop. This was such a big step for my little cookie business. We agreed, and what do you know? They SOLD OUT! We’ve continued our relationship with Native and they have provided us with invaluable feedback on which cookies work and which don’t.

Since then, we’ve expanded our wholesale location and opened our own brick and mortar. The most valuable thing I’ve learned is to listen to your customers, but know when what is being suggested is the right thing for you.

I’ve made a TON of mistakes along the way, but that’s how you learn! I’d love to tell any baker with a dream of opening a bakery, to start from home. Take advantage of local cottage food laws. See if you’re still passionate about your craft after washing 10,000 dishes, staying awake until 4 am finishing orders, or wasting a ton of product trying to determine what is causing a recipe that you’ve been making for over 20 years to fail. If you are, then maybe take the next step and be prepared for a whole new set of trials.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my bestie was visiting Bellefontaine, OH for a week, here’s where we would go:

The First Concrete Street (which is also where my shop is located!)
The Courthouse – It’s such a beautiful Building!
The Building for Veteran Affairs – Also a very cool building.
The Holland Theatre – Such a beautiful theatre. I could try and explain how beautiful and whimsical it is, but you really just have to go there to appreciate it.
McKinley Street – America’s Shortest Street
Campbell Hill – The Highest Point in Ohio
Brewfontaine – Mustache pretzels…need I say more!
600 Downtown – Award winning pizza and outstanding customer service.
The Flying Pepper Cantina – Amazing, authentic Mexican food. You can see the owner(s) shopping for ingredients at the farmers market on Saturdays.
Don’s Downtown Diner – Bellefontaine’s Best Burgers!
The Craft Emporium – Excellent Craft Beer store with a knowledgeable owner.
Roundhouse Depot – Bellefontaine’s Own Brewery
Candy Craze – Fun candy shop where you can still find some old time favorites!
The Hanger Boutique – Fun clothing finds with excellent customer service
Rustic Boutique – From roller skates to headbands and home decor, you never know what you’ll find in this unique shop!
Nest 1896 – Three floors of antiques, new merchandise, crafts, and more! It’s such a fun shop!
Triple Moon Designs – Macrame shop with a funky vibe!
Queen of Hearts – Excellent chocolate shop with lots of unique retail finds!
Native Coffee Co. – The best coffee in town!
The Fun Company – Fun Toy Store with Fun Finds
Putt & Play Golf Center – An afternoon of fun putt putt and laser tag!
Axe Ventura – I never imagined axe throwing would be so fun!
Decode Zone – Bellefontaine’s very own escape room, which will be featuring a Cookie Lab based room in early March!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Family deserves a huge shout out! My Mom jumped right in to help with packaging, deliveries, the farmers market and other events. She helps in our storefront now, too! My husband took a much bigger role in caring for our home and our furry children. My brother made it his mission to get cookies in the hands of everyone that he could. And finally Haley, she’s not family by blood, but I definitely consider her family. She started by helping with packaging and deliveries. She now handles the storefront during the day and is even starting to take a bigger role in the kitchen by baking. No matter what happens with the Cookie Lab, I’ve been incredibly blessed with the people that surround me

Website: https://www.oneeyedcookielab.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneeyedcookielab/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-born-rachek/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oneeyedcookielab/

Image Credits
Picture Frame Picture – Susie Kopf Jarvis Remaining Photos – Jennifer Born Rachek