Meet Brittney Hawkins-dobard

We were lucky to catch up with Brittney Hawkins-dobard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brittney, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Being born and raised in New Orleans, resilience was something I learned early on. Growing up in public housing, I witnessed a lot—crime, drugs, abuse, and loss were not just stories but realities that affected my family and those close to me. We moved frequently, searching for stability, but by the time I was in middle school, we finally settled into a better environment, and life started to improve.

Then, near the end of my high school years, Hurricane Katrina struck, wiping away everything we had rebuilt. My family and I were displaced, separated, and left with nothing. Eventually, we were reunited, but it meant months of living in a homeless shelter before being placed back into public housing.

As the oldest of five, I felt a responsibility to create a better future—not just for myself, but for my entire family. After some college and a series of sales jobs, I found the courage to pursue my true passion and step into entrepreneurship. This journey has taught me that without the will and confidence to get up and try again, it’s nearly impossible to achieve anything meaningful.

I’m incredibly proud of where I am today, especially considering where I’ve come from. And the best part? I’m still moving forward, building on my successes, and helping my siblings do the same. Resilience wasn’t a choice; it was a necessity—and it’s the foundation upon which I’ve built my life and my business.

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?

I’m the proud owner and founder of NoLa Cookie Co., New Orleans’ go-to spot for handcrafted gourmet cookies, brownies, pralines, and other sweet delights. What makes our brand special is that every product we create is infused with love, flavor, and the spirit of New Orleans. I’ve always felt that food has a way of connecting people, and through my business, I get to share a piece of my city’s unique flavor and hospitality with every bite.

NoLa Cookie Co. started as a simple passion project after I lost my mother. Grieving was heavy, and baking became my solace. What began in my kitchen as a side hustle soon grew into a full-fledged business, thanks to the support of my family and the incredible love from our community. Our products are more than just desserts; they are nostalgic treats crafted to evoke memories and create new ones.

Today, we offer a variety of goodies to meet every taste, including vegan and gluten-free options. Our signature gourmet cookies can be delivered fresh to your doorstep or picked up locally, and we’re expanding our reach by catering to corporate events, birthdays, weddings, and celebrations of all sizes.

What’s new for us? We’re thrilled to be part of several upcoming events and pop-ups in the city, giving us more opportunities to connect with our amazing customers and share our treats. We’re also exploring partnerships that could soon bring our cookies to more locations around town. The future is all about growth and spreading the joy of NoLa Cookie Co., one delicious bite at a time!

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?

**Resilience**
Growing up in New Orleans taught me the importance of resilience. Life threw many challenges my way, from overcoming hardships during childhood to losing everything during Hurricane Katrina. Resilience was the key to pushing forward and rebuilding not just for myself but for my family. My advice for those early in their journey is to recognize that setbacks are a part of the process. Accept that things might not go as planned, but it’s how you adapt and persevere that matters. Keep your vision clear, and never let temporary obstacles make you lose sight of your goals.

**Adaptability**
In business, things change constantly. From evolving customer preferences to unexpected events like the pandemic, adaptability has been crucial to staying afloat and thriving. I had to pivot our operations, transitioning from primarily in-person sales to an online e-commerce model while embracing platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash to increase visibility. For anyone starting out, my advice is to remain open to change. Learn new skills, listen to your customers, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The ability to adapt quickly can set you apart in today’s fast-paced world.

**Relationship-Building**
Building relationships with my community, customers, and partners has been one of the most rewarding aspects of running NoLa Cookie Co. Whether it’s connecting with local festival organizers or forming partnerships with other small businesses, relationships have played a key role in our growth. For those starting their journey, focus on networking and genuine connections. Support others, collaborate, and listen. The people you meet along the way can open doors, provide valuable insights, and become your greatest advocates.

In summary, being resilient, adaptable, and nurturing relationships are essential qualities that have helped shape my journey. Embrace them early, and they will serve you well in both life and business.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! We are always open to partnering and collaborating with individuals, brands, and businesses that share our passion for quality, community, and delicious experiences. We’re particularly interested in working with event organizers, local food vendors, hotels, restaurants, corporate clients, and other small businesses looking to offer their customers a gourmet treat that’s infused with New Orleans flavor.

Whether it’s for festivals, pop-ups, catered events, gift packages, or new creative ventures, we love joining forces to bring joy and sweetness to as many people as possible. If you’re a fellow foodie, event coordinator, or business owner interested in collaborating, we’d love to hear from you! Let’s explore how we can work together to create something amazing.

You can connect with us directly through our website at NoLaCookieCo.com, or reach out via email at [email protected]. You can also follow and message us on Instagram @NoLaCookieCo for the latest updates and opportunities to connect!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photographer: Lacy Davillier of Davillier Photography

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