Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Devon Olner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Devon, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I get my work ethic from my father. When I was young, we didn’t have much, but he showed me the power of consistency, hard work, and showing up—even when it was uncomfortable. Watching him taught me that with dedication and persistence, anything is possible.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Devon Olner, and I’m the founder of Little Lion Cookie Co., a gluten-free cookie company rooted in nostalgia, connection, and really good food. Cookies have always reminded me of home and childhood for me. My mom is an incredible cook—anything she makes, you just know it’s going to be delicious. I’m grateful I was able to take her base cookie recipe and transform it into something that people with gluten sensitivities and allergies can truly enjoy, without compromise.
I’ve always been a people person, and motherhood—while deeply rewarding—can also feel isolating at times. Building this business has allowed me to reconnect with people, feel a sense of ownership over my life as a mom, and create meaningful, face-to-face connections. That connection is something I think many of us are craving, especially in a world where so much happens online.
There’s something about a cookie that feels grounding—comforting, indulgent, and safe. Watching someone try one of my cookies for the first time and realize it’s gluten-free is still one of my favorite moments. That moment of disbelief followed by joy never gets old. With Little Lion Cookie Co., no one has to miss out. Everyone is welcome at the table.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three things had the biggest impact on my journey: over twenty years of experience in food and beverage, a genuine comfort in talking with people I don’t know, and the ability to be comfortable being uncomfortable.
Interestingly, none of those things have anything to do with baking. I think it’s important for anyone considering starting a small business to understand that only about half of your work is the product or service you’re creating. The other half is your ability to connect with other humans.
For many people, that part is the hardest—but it’s also where flexibility and opportunity live, especially during moments that feel rigid or uncertain. Entrepreneurship and small business ownership can be incredibly rewarding, but they come with real challenges. Those challenges become far more manageable when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone, start conversations, and learn skills that may have nothing to do with what you’re actually selling.
My advice to anyone early in their journey is to invest just as much in developing your communication skills, confidence, and adaptability as you do in your craft. Those qualities will carry you further than you expect.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed—and that absolutely happens when you’re running a business, no matter the size—I make a list. I love lists because they take the storm swirling around in my head and put it onto paper, where I can look at each piece individually instead of letting it grow into something bigger than I can handle.
There’s also something incredibly satisfying about crossing things off with pen and paper. It’s a small reminder that progress is happening and that everything is achievable, one step at a time.
My husband often says, “To devour a whale, you have to take it bite by bite.” I might revise that to ask: how do you devour a cookie? The answer is the same—slowly, intentionally, and one bite at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.littlelioncookieco.com
- Instagram: @littlelioncookieco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563347916832
Image Credits
Tabitha O’Brien
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
