Meet Nicole Crawford of Kookeaze in Snellville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Crawford.

Nicole, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started cooking for my sisters when I was eight years old. I would set up the table, make paper menus, and take their order. My mom was always working, plus she was a box meal, add water, cook and I hated it. She was a good baker though! Most of her recipes came from my grandmother in NY. My grandmother was an employed cook during her career and she taught me many things about cooking. Same with my Puerto Rican father. He took us to Puerto Rico later that year and I fell in love with my family heritage and was determined to learn how to make my families recipes. For years, I was so obsessed with these recipes cards my mom had, and also this cookbook on just cookies that she bought me. Honestly, this really stemmed from boredom. My older sister spent her days reading in her room, and my younger sister was addicted to tv, so the kitchen was my go-to.

I started a cooking show in the kitchen when I was 13 and my only viewer was my little sister. I used to watch Food Network, print out the recipes and try and make it. Soon enough, I took over thanksgiving. I got a job at little Italy’s pizzeria when I was 14 and it was on from there. I had influence from my Colombian, African, Haitian and Jamaican friends as well. I loved to draw and I loved to eat, so to me, this was an easy choice to be a chef. I had three jobs in high school and had already been accepted into culinary school by my senior year.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, not at all. I had moved 28 times by the time I was 28 years old. I was kicked out of my mother’s house when I was in high school so I did not speak to my parents for years. So… I was truly on my own. I lived in a few different places that didn’t work out. Eventually, I had no credit, was homeless, and was even evicted a few times before I was able to get back on track. In culinary school, I told myself that I wanted to go into corporate so I could move as far up as possible and make the most money fast and I did just that. Also, because I knew I would have HR. Being a woman, being Hispanic, plus being young and determined was every good old boy’s nightmare. After being fired, dealing with sexual assault, discrimination, and sexism, I decided to start kookeaze. One because I was in management so I was not touching food like I used too and two because I have always had an addiction to cookies. They were there for me. 🙂

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kookeaze – what should we know?
My company is called Kookeaze. I bake!! I specialize in gourmet cupcakes, wedding cakes, personalized event and birthday cakes, tiered fondant cakes and assorted cookies. I am known for my red velvet cake/cupcake. I also make gourmet chocolate-covered strawberries, tres leches, and coquito which is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday beverage.

I am most proud of never making the same cake twice, everything is customized to the customer’s wants and needs.

I think because I am still small, I am more personable and relatable.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I did not have a mentor. Although my father was a big supporter. Every time I talked to him, he said he was proud of me, that I always fought for what I wanted and that I had a voice. Most of my high school friends are my customers and their word of mouth has brought more and more business. Single moms have also been a big one. I am a mother myself and we get busy! We forget things and sometimes have to pull something together quick and need support. Usually, I take a two-week notice but if I am not busy, I’ll take em! My husband is my biggest supporter. He helped me during my fathers passing and helped me get back on my feet. He is also the one that watches our one-year-old, while I do my thing.

Pricing:

• Assorted cookies/decorated cookies $1.50-3.00 and up
• Mini cupcakes/cupcakes $1.75-2.50 and up assorted cookies/decorated cookies $1
• Gourmet chocolate covered strawberries $2.50 each/$25 a dozen $
• 16 oz Coquito (contains rum) $20
• Smash cakes/traditional layer cakes/tres leches $40 and up
• Personalized event/birthday cakes $75 and up
• Tiered fondant/buttercream cakes $120 and up
• Wedding cakes $200 and up

Contact Info:

• Phone: 4703851463
• Email: nikkirosario@icloud.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kookeaze/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kookeaze/

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