An Exclusive Interview with Cookie Queen Factory

• Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.

Cookie Sales.

Company Name: Cookie Queen Factory LLC

Representatives: Jacqueline Reyes.

Our mission.

To produce and market high-quality cookies using the finest ingredients, developing the value of our brand. Committed to being a highly productive business strongly focused on customer and consumer satisfaction. Offering a variety of flavors.

Located in Downtown Clermont Florida.
from 29 May 2022.

• Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).

Hi, I’m Jacqueline Reyes, a 57-year-old Venezuelan who’s called Florida home since 2016. I’m a proud mother of three and navigated a 28-year marriage that ended in divorce in 2019. Back in Venezuela, I dedicated over 20 years to running my own business. In 2017, I ventured into the house cleaning industry, but in 2022, I took a leap of faith and launched Cookie Queen Factory. My biggest accomplishment? Doing what I love every day.

• What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?

Baking has been my passion since childhood, inspired by my paternal grandmother. Moving to Florida brought significant changes to my life, but my vision of building my own business never wavered. Cookie Queen Factory is a manifestation of that vision and my desire to embrace what I truly love.

• What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

I have three pieces of advice for anyone pursuing their dreams:

1. Follow your passion and do what you love.
2. Cultivate discipline and respect in your work.
3. Never stop insisting, persisting, resisting, and above all, never give up.

• What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

The key ingredients for success, in my opinion, are:

1. A genuine passion for your work.
2. A strong sense of responsibility.
3. A clear vision of where you want to go.

• How many hours do you work a day on average?

I typically dedicate between 10 to 12 hours a day to my work.

• To what do you most attribute your success?

The most crucial factor for me is believing in my product and maintaining my determination.

• How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?

I focus on providing excellent service and using high-quality ingredients.

• Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?

I started my journey using my own savings, and along the way, I’ve been blessed with the support of wonderful people who believe in what I do. Currently, I’m running the business solo without investors, but I’m open to conversations with potential supporters.

• What is the best way to achieve long-term success?

It’s all about believing in your mission and keeping your sights set on your goals.

• Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?

I envision a future where I own my own home, enjoy good health, and achieve prosperity, with Cookie Queen franchises extending my reach.

• Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?

One of my favorite bakeries is Levain Bakery.

• How important have good employees been to your success?

So far, I haven’t employed anyone; my daughter has been my greatest ally and support.

• How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?

I’m proud to say I haven’t given up on any of my goals with Cookie Queen. It’s been two years, and I’m still here every day, fueled by the desire to see this venture shine.

• What motivates you?

My children inspire me, and my drive to improve every day propels me toward achieving my dreams.

• What are your ideals?

I value responsibility, sincerity, respect, and generosity in both my personal and professional life.

• How do you generate new ideas?

I believe in the importance of learning something new every day and surrounding myself with creative and productive individuals who inspire growth.

• How do you define success?

For me, success is all about achieving the objectives and goals I’ve set for myself and becoming the person I aspire to be.

• How do you build a successful customer base?

I strive to provide exceptional service while ensuring the quality of my products. It’s all about instilling confidence and security in my customers through respectful and clear communication.

• What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

I believe that the courage and strength to start from scratch with a project you truly believe in is what defines you.

• What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

I value feedback from my clients; their opinions about my work are incredibly important to me and help me grow.

• What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?

Launching your own business demands immense dedication, patience, and perseverance. Not everyone possesses the vision and determination needed to embark on this journey.

• In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.

Brave

• How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?

I’ve found myself holding back from sharing family moments lately and sometimes I end up arriving late. It’s been a shift for me, but I’m working on finding a better balance.

• What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

My greatest fear is losing the ability to do what I love. In those moments of doubt, I lean into my faith and trust that everything will work out in the end.

• How did you decide on the location for your business?

The chance to open a store in Downtown Clermont has been incredible. Having lived here since 2017, I’ve come to appreciate this beautiful, growing community filled with friendly faces. It feels like home.

• Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?

I believe that self-confidence is key, but it often requires sacrifices. It’s important to stay focused and visualize the successful future you want, even when challenges arise.

• Who has been your greatest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration comes from within. I strive to emulate the strength and resilience of my grandmother and mother, who have always shown me the importance of perseverance.

• What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?

Life is truly a journey of trial and error. So far in my business, I don’t see my experiences as mistakes; rather, each day presents a new opportunity to learn and grow.

• What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?

I cherish my time spent with family and friends—whether it’s dining out, shopping, or enjoying concerts. And I also value my moments of solitude, where I can recharge and reflect.

• What makes you happy?

I envision my days filled with activities I love and surrounded by the people who matter most to me. It’s all about creating a prosperous future together.

• What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?

I sometimes struggle with putting my personal life on the back burner. I know I need to find a better balance, prioritizing my relationships while pursuing my passions.