Meet Ebony Kunkle

We recently connected with Ebony Kunkle and have shared our conversation below.

Ebony, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Purpose is such a funny thing. From the time we are very young, we are told, we must find it. The question, ‘what do you want to be when you grow-up’, rings in our ears over and over with every year that passes. This phrase gives many a feeling of comfort, while others are left pondering until a late age, and more still, never quite find it.

For me, I had always assumed I would be involved in music. I grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa and attend Cedar Falls High school. There, I excelled in music, winning awards all throughout middle and high school.

I just thought, well, ‘I love to sing, I’m good at it, so I will be a singer’.

As I neared the end of high school, my dad, who at the time was a special education teacher, suggested my joining the military.

He knew the probability of my success in music was low through adulthood and wanted me to have a chance to pursue another means to success.

I joined the military 3 days after graduating from high school and stayed for 8 years. Those 8 years brought a lot of success, as well as a lot of heartbreak.

I was sexually assaulted, which led to my mental health decline, ultimately resulting in my leaving the military in 2017.

I felt defeated and hurt because this was supposed to be my purpose, to educate and mentor young people joining the service and shape their careers.

I knew from very early on, I was meant to serve. I just did not know how I would implement this calling

It took me from 2017-2023 to finally believe enough in my talent in baking to start this venture.

I had always baked macarons for my friends, and they had always mentioned I should sell my treats. My confidence was low and I did not believe I had what it took to be successful in this field. I had no professional training and I was new to the Fargo/Moorhead area.

I decided in May of 2023, that I would give away 100 boxes of macarons for Mother’s day to gauge the interest in my products.

It was a huge hit.

When I launched The Colorful Cookie LLC in May of 2023, many gluten-free folks reached out asking if I would expand and bake other items. This seemed intimidating at first because of the stringent requirements associated with gluten-free baking.

It is expensive to pay for entirely new equipment, time consuming to do research on different products to ensure safety, and tough to perfect recipes that might not always turn out the same, regardless of technique.

But I decided to take the leap.

I had my moments of failure, but the Gluten-Free community stuck with me because they knew the importance of what I was doing. They were patient, kind, and honestly, some of the best people I’ve ever met.

In June of 2024, I was involved in a total-loss accident that almost caused my business to close. I was without a vehicle and unable to provide an essential delivery service.

I thought I was doomed because I lived so far and people would not be willing to drive to my location. The price of my goods for inventory also greatly increased because of delivery charges.

I didn’t know what to do.

The community rallied behind me and placed enough orders in two days to keep me open for another month.

This was it.

This was what I needed to see how important I was to The Fargo community. They believed in me, my products and my mission.

I knew I would do whatever necessary to keep my business going.

Although I’m still struggling without the use of a vehicle, I’m still doing what I can.

I rent cars to assist with attending markets and my clients have all graciously agreed to pick-up order from my location in South Fargo.

It’s been a huge blessing and I hope to continue this as long as the community is behind me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

The Colorful Cookie’s mission is to push the stereotypes associated with gluten-free products.

I use this tagline because most times people tend to turn their nose up at the mention of gluten-free. I want people to know and understand that, even though you do not live a gluten-free life style, my products are for everyone.

I make danish, bagels, eclairs, english muffins, macarons, napoleons, fruit tarts, pan au chocolat, and many more items.

So many people unknowingly have gluten sensitivities without knowing it. Having options, and having DELICIOUS options at that, is so important.

Events happening soon are, Chocolate for Change, September 5th, 2024, The Aronia Berry Festival, September 8th, 2024, Brewhalla Makers Market, October 27th, and the Junkin Market, November 22nd.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three qualities that are extremely important are, knowing your boundaries, enforcing your boundaries, and reaching out for help.

So many times entrepreneurs feel they have to do everything on their own. I was this way my first year of business and was drowning.

I started attending networking meetings every Tuesday at the Daily Dose hosted by Indira Kovaci, and Small Business Connect every Friday, hosted by Jessica Kuehn.

These meetings allow you to connect with other business owners, ask for advice and connect to new audiences. The support received from all individuals that attend, gives you that boost of confidence to keep going.

When entering the market of gluten-free baking, you are also introduced to other allergies. These allergies include, nuts, soy, corn, dairy, eggs, etc.

Many people ask if you are able to adjust recipes to accommodate their specific needs, and sometimes you just have to know when to say no.

I also find it difficult to turn down an order. When receiving orders very late in the evening, I leave myself very little time to prepare. This means many times I must wake at 2-3am to ensure completion.

Sticking to why you have these policies in place and communicating why is truly important.

Many people do not understand the work involved in making dough or how long it takes to decorate and frost 100 macarons.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

My number one challenge is probably the same as most new business owners, funding.

I am not using loans or grants to fund my ventures at this time. I am using my personal income. This means, that when the money runs out, it’s gone.

With the cost of products, renting vehicles to attend markets and cost of delivery, some months I barely scrape by.

Applying and getting approved for the funding you need is tough, but it’s out there.

Right now, I am relying on consistent business from markets and custom orders to keep this dream alive. While I save and build credit to fund bigger projects, I’m also constantly applying for grants when available.

The number one thing I have to keep telling myself is, don’t give up.

The work I’m doing with gluten-free baking is necessary and having these options disappear due to lack of business would really be a disservice to the gluten-free community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: The Colorful Cookie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091877006487