Andrea Russell of CA – Inland Empire on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Andrea Russell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Andrea, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I honestly believe that other small business owners are struggling to keep their doors open in the current economic climate. Especially if you are self-funded and do not have access to capital or investors, the ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship can seriously affect the ability for your business to survive!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Andrea Russell and I am the owner of The Cookie Jar! The Cookie Jar is a gourmet cookie bakery with over 175 different unique flavor combinations. The Cookie Jar is run by family, and my son Zavier is the head baker and runs the day-to-day operations. The Cookie Jar exists because of my genuine love for baking cookies that started when I was 10 years old! I have been blessed to turn something that I love dearly into something that brings joy to others. At The Cookie Jar we are constantly working on improving our recipes, processes, etc. Currently we are diving head first into social media marketing, focusing on making content that puts a smile on your face and opens the door to all things Cookie Jar!

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my mother (Treva D. Metoyer-Walker) definitely shaped how I see myself. She was an entrepreneur her whole life, and was a genuinely caring and giving person. She helped so many people with opportunities to learn valuable skills and transferrable knowledge. She was my biggest cheerleader and supporter, and she believed in me before I believed in myself. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2022 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, but the determination and drive she instilled in my sisters and I will live on for generations! Because of her, I believe my own hype!

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self it would be, “You are enough, you are beautiful, and you are stronger than you think!”

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
I rely on ideas from my son Zavier (he keeps me up to date on the latest happenings), my sisters Adrienne & Allison, and my BFF Brandee. They all help keep fresh ideas flowing for The Cookie Jar!

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace early mornings when I am in the store all alone. There’s no music or TV, just me, my thoughts, and cookies!

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