The Truth In This Art: Baltimore's Artsy Entrepreneurs, Aunt Kelly's Cookies & Sophomore Coffee
Welcome to The Truth In This Art. I'm your host, Rob Lee. In this episode, we have Kelly Simmons from Aunt Kelly’s Cookies as well as Kris Fulton of Sophomore Coffee. Both businesses are operated by unique, artsy folks, Kelly at Aunt Kelly’s Cookies and Kris at Sophomore Coffee, that chose to set up shop in Baltimore. These are real people who are doing something positive in Baltimore and want to succeed here.
The highlight of this episode:
- Kelly's signature buttercrunch cookies that hit among her customers, and how she started her business after receiving positive feedback from friends and customers.
- Why giving away products and getting feedback is crucial for improving and developing a successful business.
- How essential creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere is for both Aunt Kelly and Chris in their respective businesses.
Kelly Simmons, the owner of Kelly's Cookies, shares her journey of how she started her bakery in Baltimore. She talks about her love for buttercrunch cookies and how she perfected her recipe over the years. Kelly emphasizes the importance of giving away her cookies to get feedback and improve her product. She also advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on quality and product before chasing money. Rob Lee then interviews Chris from Sophomore Coffee, who shares his passion for coffee and his experience in the coffee industry. Chris discusses the importance of creating a comfortable and inclusive space for customers and the significance of representation in the industry. He also provides tips for coffee enthusiasts to explore and learn more about coffee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out Aunt Kelly's Cookies and tell them MTR Podcasts sent you – 857 N. Howard Street Baltimore, Maryland 21201.
Check out Sophomore Coffee and tell them MTR Podcasts sent you – 2223 Maryland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21218
🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧
🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧
This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.
If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.
Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart
Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.
About "The Truth In This Art"
If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.
Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart
Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.
About "The Truth In This Art"
"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.
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Creators and Guests
Host
Rob Lee
The Truth In This Art is an interview series featuring artists, entrepreneurs and tastemakers in & around Baltimore.
Guest
Kelly Simmons
As a young girl growing up in 1980s Baltimore at Rodonelle Heights Elementary School in Edmondson Village, Kelly Simmons developed a profound love for butter crunch cookies. She fondly remembers always having spare change to purchase these delightful treats, which stood out from any other store-bought cookies due to their soft, fresh, and buttery goodness. However, as Kelly transitioned into adulthood, she struggled to find cookies that could match the distinct taste of those butter crunch cookies from her childhood. Determined to recapture that nostalgic flavor, she embarked on a mission to create them herself. Her motivation was not only to satisfy her own cravings but also to share the joy with her nieces and nephews. Kelly wanted them to experience the same magical moments she had with her grandmother in the kitchen, learning that with simple ingredients like sugar, flour, and butter, they could craft a delectable, sweet treat. As they baked together, the ultimate reward awaited them – the sheer delight of licking the spatula and the bowl, relishing the pure delight of their homemade creations. A shared experience that brought smiles and laughter to all involved.
