Welcome to the show. I am Rashan McDonald, the host of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, where we encourage people to stop reading other people's success stories and start planning their own. Listen up as I interview entrepreneurs from around the country, talk to celebrities and ask them how they are running their companies, and speak with god profits who are making a difference in their local communities. Now, sit back and listen as we unlock the secrets to their success on Money Making Conversations Masterclass. Hi Thearon, this is Rashan McDonald. Welcome, welcome this Money Making Conversation master Class. I am your host, Rushan McDonald, and do we have a show for you people who have come from the back and now hopefully standing in the front. That's what this show is all about. Our host is weekly Money Making Conversation master Class show. The interviews and information that this show provides off for everyone. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start living your own. Now. If you want to be a guest on my show, and I love it when people want to be a guest on my show, you just go to Moneymaking Conversations dot com. That's her website, Moneymaking Conversation dot com. You can also see old archive podcasts of episodes that air on WCLK and click be a guess button. Click to be a guest button, fill out the information. The email will come directly to me and then guess what. You could be sitting right next to me or you could be calling in and be a guess on my show, Money Making Conversations Masterclass. Well, let's get your show rolling. I got guests that on hold and guess what. The show is built for you, providing information by people who are a dreamers just like you, nonprofits and profits and we want to learn their secrets to success. My next guest is a cookie and cookie and cookie dough mixed brand. That's what she built. She's recently went from two hundred stores now two hundred store to now more than forty one hundred stores. An idea that start I didn't in the kitchen, just like a lot of you guys out there. The products are now available nationwide and all home goods, TJ Max. All these stories she's going to tell you, even in Canada. It's a vegan cookie and looks and everybody wants to according to go from two hundred to forty one hundred. A lot of people wanted please working with the Money Making Conversation master class, so she can tell her story how they all started. Doctor Shika. How are you doing, doctor Sheika?

Welcome to the show. I am Rashan McDonald, the host of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, where we encourage people to stop reading other people's success stories and start planning their own. Listen up as I interview entrepreneurs from around the country, talk to celebrities and ask them how they are running their companies, and speak with god profits who are making a difference in their local communities. Now, sit back and listen as we unlock the secrets to their success on Money Making Conversations Masterclass. Hi Thearon, this is Rashan McDonald. Welcome, welcome this Money Making Conversation master Class. I am your host, Rushan McDonald, and do we have a show for you people who have come from the back and now hopefully standing in the front. That's what this show is all about. Our host is weekly Money Making Conversation master Class show. The interviews and information that this show provides off for everyone. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start living your own. Now. If you want to be a guest on my show, and I love it when people want to be a guest on my show, you just go to Moneymaking Conversations dot com. That's her website, Moneymaking Conversation dot com. You can also see old archive podcasts of episodes that air on WCLK and click be a guess button. Click to be a guest button, fill out the information. The email will come directly to me and then guess what. You could be sitting right next to me or you could be calling in and be a guess on my show, Money Making Conversations Masterclass. Well, let's get your show rolling. I got guests that on hold and guess what. The show is built for you, providing information by people who are a dreamers just like you, nonprofits and profits and we want to learn their secrets to success. My next guest is a cookie and cookie and cookie dough mixed brand. That's what she built. She's recently went from two hundred stores now two hundred store to now more than forty one hundred stores. An idea that start I didn't in the kitchen, just like a lot of you guys out there. The products are now available nationwide and all home goods, TJ Max. All these stories she's going to tell you, even in Canada. It's a vegan cookie and looks and everybody wants to according to go from two hundred to forty one hundred. A lot of people wanted please working with the Money Making Conversation master class, so she can tell her story how they all started. Doctor Shika. How are you doing, doctor Sheika?

I am doing great. Rashaan, how are you doing?

I am doing great. Rashaan, how are you doing?

A vegan cookie?

A vegan cookie?

Yes, a vegan cookie.

Yes, a vegan cookie.

How did that idea start?

How did that idea start?

Oh? My gosh, okay, So the idea of a vegan cookie we started right at twenty twenty after the pandemic. I was an educator. I was in the field of education education management, and I've always been baking on the side, baking on the weekends and bacon since I was a teenager in the South to be. But when I lost my job the company closed as a result of COVID, and the marketing director she was like, you know what, you as a little go ahead and start your bakery.

Oh? My gosh, okay, So the idea of a vegan cookie we started right at twenty twenty after the pandemic. I was an educator. I was in the field of education education management, and I've always been baking on the side, baking on the weekends and bacon since I was a teenager in the South to be. But when I lost my job the company closed as a result of COVID, and the marketing director she was like, you know what, you as a little go ahead and start your bakery.

At this time, so basically you were working a normal job, just like everybody, forty hours a week. They had no aspirations of a cookie business.

At this time, so basically you were working a normal job, just like everybody, forty hours a week. They had no aspirations of a cookie business.

No, I didn't really think I had it in me, you know what I'm saying. I never really thought that that was something I could do.

No, I didn't really think I had it in me, you know what I'm saying. I never really thought that that was something I could do.

Wow, And so but why vegan? You know, like I said, I've tasted your cookies. They do taste. They taste I have to say fantastic. And with that being said, and I'm not a vegan guy. And so you know, someone tell you when I say I'm not a vegan guy. I don't know what that means. All I know is I like things are the good. I like good desserts. This dessert hit a home run with me. Now, with that being said, there are a lot of cookies out there you could have made that are non vegan. Why did you choose vegan?

Wow, And so but why vegan? You know, like I said, I've tasted your cookies. They do taste. They taste I have to say fantastic. And with that being said, and I'm not a vegan guy. And so you know, someone tell you when I say I'm not a vegan guy. I don't know what that means. All I know is I like things are the good. I like good desserts. This dessert hit a home run with me. Now, with that being said, there are a lot of cookies out there you could have made that are non vegan. Why did you choose vegan?

Okay? So we wanted to make a cookie that is delicious and flavorful for everybody to enjoy, right, Okay. So I know that there are people out there with dairyology. Some people have latose intolerance, some people don't want the cholesterol, some people are looking for you know, we're in the age of everybody want something different. But what I do, what I do know is that people want something delicious and flavorful, and we wanted to be able to have something that everybody enjoyed. So that's why we came out with the plant based cookies.

Okay? So we wanted to make a cookie that is delicious and flavorful for everybody to enjoy, right, Okay. So I know that there are people out there with dairyology. Some people have latose intolerance, some people don't want the cholesterol, some people are looking for you know, we're in the age of everybody want something different. But what I do, what I do know is that people want something delicious and flavorful, and we wanted to be able to have something that everybody enjoyed. So that's why we came out with the plant based cookies.

Now it's called Doctor Shika's Bakery. That's the name of the Brain correct Now I would like hearing backstory on people because, like I said, and we're going to get to how it all got launched, because I'm sure there's more to this joy story. But where are you originally from?

Now it's called Doctor Shika's Bakery. That's the name of the Brain correct Now I would like hearing backstory on people because, like I said, and we're going to get to how it all got launched, because I'm sure there's more to this joy story. But where are you originally from?

I'm originally from Easily, South Carolina. Many people have not heard about it.

I'm originally from Easily, South Carolina. Many people have not heard about it.

I'm about to say, I've been all over South Carolina. I've never been there. Okay, maybe drove past it real fast, but I've never.

I'm about to say, I've been all over South Carolina. I've never been there. Okay, maybe drove past it real fast, but I've never.

Yes, you've never been there. So Easily is like in between Greenville and Clemson and so if you've ever heard of the Clinton Tigers and that's yeah, So it's in between in between. It's a small city in between those.

Yes, you've never been there. So Easily is like in between Greenville and Clemson and so if you've ever heard of the Clinton Tigers and that's yeah, So it's in between in between. It's a small city in between those.

And then you made your way to Atlanta.

And then you made your way to Atlanta.

Yes, I made my way to Atlanta. Lived there in Atlanta for about eight years, and then I always had this dream of moving to LA. Always had a dream of moving to LA. Ended up taking a teaching position. I taught college and Phoenut Arizona. Did that while I was finishing my doctorate. I was finishing my PhD, and then I had an opportunity to move out to LA and I was like, Okay, this is my time to actually move to LA.

Yes, I made my way to Atlanta. Lived there in Atlanta for about eight years, and then I always had this dream of moving to LA. Always had a dream of moving to LA. Ended up taking a teaching position. I taught college and Phoenut Arizona. Did that while I was finishing my doctorate. I was finishing my PhD, and then I had an opportunity to move out to LA and I was like, Okay, this is my time to actually move to LA.

Now here's the fun part because I do know a little little about her story. Now she's been laid off, no aspirations of starting a cookie business. So basically she's doing a rock and Heart place. What's your extream? You know, entrepreneurship wasn't a plan. And I always like to tell people all dreams, all plans are always plan. Sometimes that happened when when you see it happening, you got to realize that moment. Tell us what happened in Los Angeles?

Now here's the fun part because I do know a little little about her story. Now she's been laid off, no aspirations of starting a cookie business. So basically she's doing a rock and Heart place. What's your extream? You know, entrepreneurship wasn't a plan. And I always like to tell people all dreams, all plans are always plan. Sometimes that happened when when you see it happening, you got to realize that moment. Tell us what happened in Los Angeles?

Okay, so in Los Angeles again, I was doing an education job here, got laid off. Marketing director said go for it. I started doing pop ups around LA and so I started having a celebrity clientele. So I had some people, really interesting people that came out, like the creator of the show Entourage, Doug Ellen. He was one of my biggest cheerleaders and still is today and that's one of my favorite shows. For him to come by one of our pop ups and actually chase our cookies and brownies and give it a check off, you know, that was a big thing to me, right and so from there, you know, he told Terry Weinberg, and she was a producer of the TV shows The Office, which is another favorite show of mine. I've even even got all the way around to making birthday cake for Jessica Simpson and delivering it at her house. These are things I never thought that I would do because my my initial goal was not to have a bakery. I was an educator. I have three degrees in education. I have a bachelor's, a master's, and a PhD. And so that was my career path and God said otherwise.

Okay, so in Los Angeles again, I was doing an education job here, got laid off. Marketing director said go for it. I started doing pop ups around LA and so I started having a celebrity clientele. So I had some people, really interesting people that came out, like the creator of the show Entourage, Doug Ellen. He was one of my biggest cheerleaders and still is today and that's one of my favorite shows. For him to come by one of our pop ups and actually chase our cookies and brownies and give it a check off, you know, that was a big thing to me, right and so from there, you know, he told Terry Weinberg, and she was a producer of the TV shows The Office, which is another favorite show of mine. I've even even got all the way around to making birthday cake for Jessica Simpson and delivering it at her house. These are things I never thought that I would do because my my initial goal was not to have a bakery. I was an educator. I have three degrees in education. I have a bachelor's, a master's, and a PhD. And so that was my career path and God said otherwise.

But I love the fact that you're gonna say, Look, I'm still gonna keep doctor in my name here. I may not be using it academically, i might not never been losing it a job, but it's gonna be doctor Sheikha's Bakery.

But I love the fact that you're gonna say, Look, I'm still gonna keep doctor in my name here. I may not be using it academically, i might not never been losing it a job, but it's gonna be doctor Sheikha's Bakery.

Okay, yes, yes, I earned it. I went to school for seventeen years to get that degree, and you know, being able to still educate people on having a better for you option. You know, I'm still educating people, you know, So I'm bringing that education to the Philli cookies.

Okay, yes, yes, I earned it. I went to school for seventeen years to get that degree, and you know, being able to still educate people on having a better for you option. You know, I'm still educating people, you know, So I'm bringing that education to the Philli cookies.

Now, let's talk about the different brands, because you know you you out there, pop up and now I see you have a chopper chip or old men raising a lemon and a confetti sugar. Did you have that back when you started with your pop up.

Now, let's talk about the different brands, because you know you you out there, pop up and now I see you have a chopper chip or old men raising a lemon and a confetti sugar. Did you have that back when you started with your pop up.

No, I didn't. And this is so funny because again, I always baked in the South, started from when I was with my mother and grand grandmother, and I didn't always have all these recipes like my family's known for making great red belt a cake, you know what I'm saying, and making delicious chocolate cake, pound cakes, things like that. But honestly, the time where people would come and ask me, hey, you know, word got around. Can you make me this? Can you make me that? You would never believe some of the things that I made the first time back then I had never made before, I ever made before, and so it was like a learning experience. And one thing that I do know is I pourt my heart and soul into everything that I make, and so you know, if it wasn't perfect, I would make it again. It wasn't if it wasn't to my satisfaction, I would make it again. So my goal was to make sure that one would say, you know what, this is the best cookie I ever had, the best brownie ever had. And I really still stands on that principle today.

No, I didn't. And this is so funny because again, I always baked in the South, started from when I was with my mother and grand grandmother, and I didn't always have all these recipes like my family's known for making great red belt a cake, you know what I'm saying, and making delicious chocolate cake, pound cakes, things like that. But honestly, the time where people would come and ask me, hey, you know, word got around. Can you make me this? Can you make me that? You would never believe some of the things that I made the first time back then I had never made before, I ever made before, and so it was like a learning experience. And one thing that I do know is I pourt my heart and soul into everything that I make, and so you know, if it wasn't perfect, I would make it again. It wasn't if it wasn't to my satisfaction, I would make it again. So my goal was to make sure that one would say, you know what, this is the best cookie I ever had, the best brownie ever had. And I really still stands on that principle today.

Right now, let's talk about developing a different flavors. So when the person from the office came by. The person from the series Entourage came by. What cookies or what desserts were they eating? That they were, you know, just appraising you for your desserts.

Right now, let's talk about developing a different flavors. So when the person from the office came by. The person from the series Entourage came by. What cookies or what desserts were they eating? That they were, you know, just appraising you for your desserts.

Okay, So they love the chocolate chip cookies, they love the oatmeal, they love the lemon cookies, and they love our brownies. And we're gonna come out with them one day, so right now, a little bit later. But they really loved the wholesomeness of everything that I bake because I use premium ingredients. And actually we have a signature flavor. We have our own flavor line that's actually built into every product that we made. So if it has a unique taste, then you won't find that anywhere else because it's our our unique flavor.

Okay, So they love the chocolate chip cookies, they love the oatmeal, they love the lemon cookies, and they love our brownies. And we're gonna come out with them one day, so right now, a little bit later. But they really loved the wholesomeness of everything that I bake because I use premium ingredients. And actually we have a signature flavor. We have our own flavor line that's actually built into every product that we made. So if it has a unique taste, then you won't find that anywhere else because it's our our unique flavor.

Now, so you have chocolate chip, oatmeal, raisin, over raisin on the way, separating it because it's what if over raising one of my favorite cookies lemon and li confetti sugar. Then you also have cookie dough mixed, so one can buy the cookie as is or you can make the cookie. Why was that part of the plan?

Now, so you have chocolate chip, oatmeal, raisin, over raisin on the way, separating it because it's what if over raising one of my favorite cookies lemon and li confetti sugar. Then you also have cookie dough mixed, so one can buy the cookie as is or you can make the cookie. Why was that part of the plan?

Okay? So you know how one thing always leads to another.

Okay? So you know how one thing always leads to another.

No, I don't, No, I don't doctor Sheifa, I am interviewing you. Okay, please, I'm very naive about this whole development, so please explain it to me and the audience.

No, I don't, No, I don't doctor Sheifa, I am interviewing you. Okay, please, I'm very naive about this whole development, so please explain it to me and the audience.

Okay. So after we were doing the pop up, so we had an opportunity where we can open up a small kiosk get one of the malls here in La So we took that opportunity. We did a small kiosk get the mall for like a year and a half and it was great because it was a great testing ground. People would come by try the product when we get the feedback, and of course I couldn't be there like like all the time, but I wanted to make sure that higher bakers that could make the desserts like I could, So in order to have the consistency, I started making these cookie mixes and putting them in the bag so the person would only have to add the dry the wet ingredients. They would only have to add the butter in the water. And eventually I started thinking, I was like, you know what, I'm really making cookie mix. I should be putting this in the bag to sell this as well. So that's how that came about. Because we would have customers at them all they would come by and say, oh, I love this, but I wish I could ship something to my sister in Brooklyn, or I wish my relative in North Carolina could have some of these cookies. So I started thinking more about it, and I was like, you know what the cookie mix is the answer? You know, we can ship that anywhere. They can just add their own butter and water. It's super easy to make.

Okay. So after we were doing the pop up, so we had an opportunity where we can open up a small kiosk get one of the malls here in La So we took that opportunity. We did a small kiosk get the mall for like a year and a half and it was great because it was a great testing ground. People would come by try the product when we get the feedback, and of course I couldn't be there like like all the time, but I wanted to make sure that higher bakers that could make the desserts like I could, So in order to have the consistency, I started making these cookie mixes and putting them in the bag so the person would only have to add the dry the wet ingredients. They would only have to add the butter in the water. And eventually I started thinking, I was like, you know what, I'm really making cookie mix. I should be putting this in the bag to sell this as well. So that's how that came about. Because we would have customers at them all they would come by and say, oh, I love this, but I wish I could ship something to my sister in Brooklyn, or I wish my relative in North Carolina could have some of these cookies. So I started thinking more about it, and I was like, you know what the cookie mix is the answer? You know, we can ship that anywhere. They can just add their own butter and water. It's super easy to make.

So it's one stick of vegan butter, right, it's one stick of salt vegan butter, and it's two tablespoons of warm water.

So it's one stick of vegan butter, right, it's one stick of salt vegan butter, and it's two tablespoons of warm water.

That's it, Yes, exactly, Yeah, that's it. That's it, and it tastes just like we would make it.

That's it, Yes, exactly, Yeah, that's it. That's it, and it tastes just like we would make it.

Wow. Now, to my understanding that community giving back to the community, being able to give community options is very part of your brand over Doctor Schik's Bakery. You want to give schools, organization parents opportunities to raise funds using your product. Tell us about that.

Wow. Now, to my understanding that community giving back to the community, being able to give community options is very part of your brand over Doctor Schik's Bakery. You want to give schools, organization parents opportunities to raise funds using your product. Tell us about that.

Yeah, So we are exploring a new fundraising opportunity where you can actually go on our website, which is coming very very soon. If you're interested, just go to our website, hit the fundraiser buttons, fill out of inquiry and we will be getting back with you as soon as we get that going, but that's about two weeks away. But the interesting thing is is that customers can be able to fundraise and be able to buy ready to eat cookies as well as our cookie mixes, and be able to raise some money for the organization.

Yeah, So we are exploring a new fundraising opportunity where you can actually go on our website, which is coming very very soon. If you're interested, just go to our website, hit the fundraiser buttons, fill out of inquiry and we will be getting back with you as soon as we get that going, but that's about two weeks away. But the interesting thing is is that customers can be able to fundraise and be able to buy ready to eat cookies as well as our cookie mixes, and be able to raise some money for the organization.

So we're talking away because because I guess the flyer say the sales that they get, they get fifty percent of the sales.

So we're talking away because because I guess the flyer say the sales that they get, they get fifty percent of the sales.

Yes, they get fifty percent of the sales. And it's a fantastic way to.

Yes, they get fifty percent of the sales. And it's a fantastic way to.

You do all the delivery, you do all the packaging, so if they do a sell, the product is delivered directly to that person's door, and so all they have to do. Now the site you said be ready in a couple of weeks. All week, it might be ready tomorrow, who knows. But when it's airs, you know, I'm just saying because I don't want people to hear this a week from now and then next week it starts. But I think, but you are allowing people to go to your website and fill out an inquiry form, which means feel out the email address and their name, and then let them know what type of fundraiser they want to do, the amount of people, how much they're trying to raise. We don't want any personal security information. This is just typical information to contact you when the site's up and ready the fundraising site, and that site allows that person who participates that organization forever funds they raised, they get fifty percent of those fun dollars and they have to do't have to do any work. All the product is shipped directly to them.

You do all the delivery, you do all the packaging, so if they do a sell, the product is delivered directly to that person's door, and so all they have to do. Now the site you said be ready in a couple of weeks. All week, it might be ready tomorrow, who knows. But when it's airs, you know, I'm just saying because I don't want people to hear this a week from now and then next week it starts. But I think, but you are allowing people to go to your website and fill out an inquiry form, which means feel out the email address and their name, and then let them know what type of fundraiser they want to do, the amount of people, how much they're trying to raise. We don't want any personal security information. This is just typical information to contact you when the site's up and ready the fundraising site, and that site allows that person who participates that organization forever funds they raised, they get fifty percent of those fun dollars and they have to do't have to do any work. All the product is shipped directly to them.

Absolutely yestic to do it.

Absolutely yestic to do it.

It's fantastic. I'm glad you're doing that. I'm glad you're offering that to the community because a lot of people are looking for different ways, especially a lot of schools are being undefunded. You know, school teachers don't have supplies they can get in their classroom, and this is a way where parents can support teachers and teachers can get the students to support themselves. And also football uniforms and all those things. So again, doctor Shika, that's an amazing part of what you're doing with your brand. When we get back, we're gonna find out about this lunch. I see the bay on here, I see Canada on here. All I'm just trying to do it. Just go around the corner, give me some that's all. I'm just saying we're right back for more money Making Conversations master Class. Talking to doctor Sheika. Doctor Sheikha living been here in LA, got laid off because of COVID, then stop her went over to LA. I mean was in Atlanta and COVID got to it in La open pop up stores. Now she's nationwide.

It's fantastic. I'm glad you're doing that. I'm glad you're offering that to the community because a lot of people are looking for different ways, especially a lot of schools are being undefunded. You know, school teachers don't have supplies they can get in their classroom, and this is a way where parents can support teachers and teachers can get the students to support themselves. And also football uniforms and all those things. So again, doctor Shika, that's an amazing part of what you're doing with your brand. When we get back, we're gonna find out about this lunch. I see the bay on here, I see Canada on here. All I'm just trying to do it. Just go around the corner, give me some that's all. I'm just saying we're right back for more money Making Conversations master Class. Talking to doctor Sheika. Doctor Sheikha living been here in LA, got laid off because of COVID, then stop her went over to LA. I mean was in Atlanta and COVID got to it in La open pop up stores. Now she's nationwide.

Please don't go anywhere. We'll be right back with more money Making Conversations Masterclass. Welcome back to the Money Making Conversations Masterclass, hosted by Rashaan McDonald.

Please don't go anywhere. We'll be right back with more money Making Conversations Masterclass. Welcome back to the Money Making Conversations Masterclass, hosted by Rashaan McDonald.

A person who I talk about all the time on the show. I'll talk about people who have an idea and a lot of people are naysayers. They're telling them that don't make any sense. That never happen. But that didn't stop her. COVID didn't stop her. Being laid off didn't stop her. She was highly she is highly educated, but that didn't mean that she couldn't switch gears because a lot of people stay in that track. Well, this is what I went to school for, this is what I was told to do. This, this is a relationship I'm supposed to be in, but not her. But she saw an opportunity and people motivated you and I think that's the key in this conversation with you, doctor Sheikh, is that people peo unknowingly and their compliments inspired you to get to this point here because you didn't know. You just was doing something that you would talented at, but when the moment arised, you didn't hesitate to deliver. Is that correct?

A person who I talk about all the time on the show. I'll talk about people who have an idea and a lot of people are naysayers. They're telling them that don't make any sense. That never happen. But that didn't stop her. COVID didn't stop her. Being laid off didn't stop her. She was highly she is highly educated, but that didn't mean that she couldn't switch gears because a lot of people stay in that track. Well, this is what I went to school for, this is what I was told to do. This, this is a relationship I'm supposed to be in, but not her. But she saw an opportunity and people motivated you and I think that's the key in this conversation with you, doctor Sheikh, is that people peo unknowingly and their compliments inspired you to get to this point here because you didn't know. You just was doing something that you would talented at, but when the moment arised, you didn't hesitate to deliver. Is that correct?

Yes, that is correct. That's correct. And honestly, like I told you, I came from a family of bakers. But just to be honest with you, Rishan, even when I lived in Atlanta, I didn't even know where I really had the talent of baking, you know what I mean. I always baked cookies with my daughters, and you know, baked for a family, you know, for family gatherings and things like that. But I didn't know that I had this hidden talent until I was laid off from my job and I had to make a move. At that point, I was like, you know what I gotta make I gotta do something.

Yes, that is correct. That's correct. And honestly, like I told you, I came from a family of bakers. But just to be honest with you, Rishan, even when I lived in Atlanta, I didn't even know where I really had the talent of baking, you know what I mean. I always baked cookies with my daughters, and you know, baked for a family, you know, for family gatherings and things like that. But I didn't know that I had this hidden talent until I was laid off from my job and I had to make a move. At that point, I was like, you know what I gotta make I gotta do something.

Right right and and doing that and so when I when I see I'm just going down this resume of things because you got to launch these cookies. Now, let's talk about that launch, you know, because you're going to be in over forty one hundred stores. I mentioned some of the brand home Goods, TJ Max, Marshalls throughout the US and Canada. What is a launch? What exactly do you have to do because a lot of people need to realize that just because stores have your product, you still have a lot of work to do. Tell us about the process.

Right right and and doing that and so when I when I see I'm just going down this resume of things because you got to launch these cookies. Now, let's talk about that launch, you know, because you're going to be in over forty one hundred stores. I mentioned some of the brand home Goods, TJ Max, Marshalls throughout the US and Canada. What is a launch? What exactly do you have to do because a lot of people need to realize that just because stores have your product, you still have a lot of work to do. Tell us about the process.

Oh oh yes, absolutely, So these cookies of shits about two and a half weeks ago, and right now we're like going into the stores and you know, every day I'm going into a store. Are they here yet? Are they here yet? Are they here yet? And they should be there any day now. But the thing is, as an entrepreneur and having a business like this, you can't wait to start marketing when a product gets on the shelf. Your marketing efforts need to start way before that product gets to the store. And so that's one tidbit that I can give to people. You know, when you have a product that's going on the shelves, you want to make sure that it flies off the shelf.

Oh oh yes, absolutely, So these cookies of shits about two and a half weeks ago, and right now we're like going into the stores and you know, every day I'm going into a store. Are they here yet? Are they here yet? Are they here yet? And they should be there any day now. But the thing is, as an entrepreneur and having a business like this, you can't wait to start marketing when a product gets on the shelf. Your marketing efforts need to start way before that product gets to the store. And so that's one tidbit that I can give to people. You know, when you have a product that's going on the shelves, you want to make sure that it flies off the shelf.

And that's important because of the fact that and you don't you know, and that's what you're doing right now, you sin Rashwan as I do this interview right Now my product may not be where somebody's hearing it, but they need to know go in and ask for it, go and say, hey, I heard about the doctor Sheikh's bakery. It's coming here. Cookies are coming here. Do you have them? Because that's what you want, right, You want people to want your cookies. You want people to ask for your cookies. And then when it gets there, somehow they get moved to the front a little quicker because people know. Because these stories that she's mentioned are in the business of making money. Ladies and gentlemen, they want whatever they put on that shelf to get sold. Now, if people are coming and asking for the cookie, then guess what. They get excited and they want to make sure next time you come in and ask, you find it. And so that's what this is all about.

And that's important because of the fact that and you don't you know, and that's what you're doing right now, you sin Rashwan as I do this interview right Now my product may not be where somebody's hearing it, but they need to know go in and ask for it, go and say, hey, I heard about the doctor Sheikh's bakery. It's coming here. Cookies are coming here. Do you have them? Because that's what you want, right, You want people to want your cookies. You want people to ask for your cookies. And then when it gets there, somehow they get moved to the front a little quicker because people know. Because these stories that she's mentioned are in the business of making money. Ladies and gentlemen, they want whatever they put on that shelf to get sold. Now, if people are coming and asking for the cookie, then guess what. They get excited and they want to make sure next time you come in and ask, you find it. And so that's what this is all about.

Correct, correct, yep, absolutely.

Correct, correct, yep, absolutely.

Now let's talk about the road show. Now here, my wife's favorite stores, Costco. We go to Costco all the time. Now, Costco, you're going to be doing a road show in Costco. What exactly is that?

Now let's talk about the road show. Now here, my wife's favorite stores, Costco. We go to Costco all the time. Now, Costco, you're going to be doing a road show in Costco. What exactly is that?

So the road show in Costco is going to start next month here in LA And basically what a road show is like a demonstration. It's almost like whenever you're walking around and you you're tasting everything new. Yeah, it's the fun part of Costco where you get full. You walk around, you get full, and you're like, hey, I don't even need to eat dinner anymore because I'm full.

So the road show in Costco is going to start next month here in LA And basically what a road show is like a demonstration. It's almost like whenever you're walking around and you you're tasting everything new. Yeah, it's the fun part of Costco where you get full. You walk around, you get full, and you're like, hey, I don't even need to eat dinner anymore because I'm full.

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

The road show, Oh yes.

The road show, Oh yes.

She's had to stop me Chevelt. You know you're not gonna buy that? Well the off friends, can I just try it? Okay, so just taste it and so so now this is the thing that really got me excited about you. You was recently selected to be a speaker at the largest snacks and sweet show in the Middle East called is M and that's Dubai.

She's had to stop me Chevelt. You know you're not gonna buy that? Well the off friends, can I just try it? Okay, so just taste it and so so now this is the thing that really got me excited about you. You was recently selected to be a speaker at the largest snacks and sweet show in the Middle East called is M and that's Dubai.

Yes that isn't you buy now? I kid you not. Earlier this year, I did not even have a pass for it. I did not even have a pass for it. But because I'm a dreamer, like you've introduced me, I'm a dreamer. The first and foremost, I was like, you know, let me go ahead and get this passport because I'm going to prepare myself for the doors that the Lord is about to open up for me. Now. Also, keep in mind, to buy is like a place I've always wanted to go, but when I got that email about a month ago that said, hey, we would like for you to be an expert speaker on our not even a panel. They're giving me the floor to speak for thirty minutes based on green snacking, based on you know, a plant based approach. I'll have the stage for that long of a time to be able to talk about what I've been crafting here, delicious flavorful plant based dessert.

Yes that isn't you buy now? I kid you not. Earlier this year, I did not even have a pass for it. I did not even have a pass for it. But because I'm a dreamer, like you've introduced me, I'm a dreamer. The first and foremost, I was like, you know, let me go ahead and get this passport because I'm going to prepare myself for the doors that the Lord is about to open up for me. Now. Also, keep in mind, to buy is like a place I've always wanted to go, but when I got that email about a month ago that said, hey, we would like for you to be an expert speaker on our not even a panel. They're giving me the floor to speak for thirty minutes based on green snacking, based on you know, a plant based approach. I'll have the stage for that long of a time to be able to talk about what I've been crafting here, delicious flavorful plant based dessert.

Right, look at guys, I'm teja. My moth is dropped open because that is like, you can't buy that. That is awesome. You don't know how you would submitted. You don't know how they contacted, but the opportunity is going to be made available for you to present your caddra now internationally.

Right, look at guys, I'm teja. My moth is dropped open because that is like, you can't buy that. That is awesome. You don't know how you would submitted. You don't know how they contacted, but the opportunity is going to be made available for you to present your caddra now internationally.

Yes, internationally. So they're gonna have thirty thousand buyers from fifty different countries at the show. So that tells you the magnitude of this show.

Yes, internationally. So they're gonna have thirty thousand buyers from fifty different countries at the show. So that tells you the magnitude of this show.

Wow. Okay, that's one place, ladies and gentlemen, I'm just telling you about the dreamer here Doctor Chica's Bakery Cookies Canada Minority Program. You were selected to be part of the trade show for the Minority Supplier program in Toronto.

Wow. Okay, that's one place, ladies and gentlemen, I'm just telling you about the dreamer here Doctor Chica's Bakery Cookies Canada Minority Program. You were selected to be part of the trade show for the Minority Supplier program in Toronto.

Yes, that's in Toronto, Canada. That's the first week of September.

Yes, that's in Toronto, Canada. That's the first week of September.

Again, do what you want to do?

Again, do what you want to do?

To me?

To me?

Is like, m no, no, this is amazing stuff you just said to buy. Now you're in Canada and you and you just the cookie lady.

Is like, m no, no, this is amazing stuff you just said to buy. Now you're in Canada and you and you just the cookie lady.

Okay, yes, I'm the cookie lady. Yes. And there are very few brands that are plant based, but there are a lot of people in Canada that are plant based, and so they have an initiative to bring as many products, even if they have to import them into the country. And we were selected for this program and being a minority female, oh my gosh, that really just floored me to be a part of this program in general to bring more plant based products to Canada.

Okay, yes, I'm the cookie lady. Yes. And there are very few brands that are plant based, but there are a lot of people in Canada that are plant based, and so they have an initiative to bring as many products, even if they have to import them into the country. And we were selected for this program and being a minority female, oh my gosh, that really just floored me to be a part of this program in general to bring more plant based products to Canada.

And so when you go there with your product, you told about the number of buyers that are going to be in the buy potentially internationally. What is the Canada Minority program. What are you presenting to them? And who's going to see your product?

And so when you go there with your product, you told about the number of buyers that are going to be in the buy potentially internationally. What is the Canada Minority program. What are you presenting to them? And who's going to see your product?

Okay, So we have appointments, they already have appointments set up with buyers that are already ready for our products. They're already ready. They're going to be closing deals in Canada.

Okay, So we have appointments, they already have appointments set up with buyers that are already ready for our products. They're already ready. They're going to be closing deals in Canada.

Congratulations, you know, just an idea. You didn't think you was a cook. I just got to keep rehashing your story got laid off COVID, one of the most one of the darkest moments in the history of this country. And then you just start doing pop ups in LA And when somebody asked you to do something, you didn't hesitate. If you if you didn't do it right, you learned how to do it. If that cake didn't taste good, you threw it in the trash. You was not going to deliver a cake that didn't taste good. And now some major corporations speaking, let's talk about that.

Congratulations, you know, just an idea. You didn't think you was a cook. I just got to keep rehashing your story got laid off COVID, one of the most one of the darkest moments in the history of this country. And then you just start doing pop ups in LA And when somebody asked you to do something, you didn't hesitate. If you if you didn't do it right, you learned how to do it. If that cake didn't taste good, you threw it in the trash. You was not going to deliver a cake that didn't taste good. And now some major corporations speaking, let's talk about that.

Kelloggs Yes, Mars Yes, on.

Kelloggs Yes, Mars Yes, on.

The green snacking. Now, this is a young lady, ladies and gentlemen. Doctor Shika didn't even have a passport in January. And I'm not saying that as a putdown. I'm just saying that it could all. It can happen for anyone who's listening to this show if they believe it. If they don't, let Na says step in the way up their opportunities. Don't let negative moments. See this is it. I'm going back to whatever I was supposed to do. This is not going to work. And now you are being presented to youself. So what's the what's the endgame for this? When you when I'm when I'm saying all this information to you, you you're having fundraising opportunities presented for your product. You're going to be in Dubai, You're going to be in Canada, Calloggs Mars, You're going to be in forty one hundred stores. What is the ultimate blessing for your future? My frame, because you are definitely being blessed.

The green snacking. Now, this is a young lady, ladies and gentlemen. Doctor Shika didn't even have a passport in January. And I'm not saying that as a putdown. I'm just saying that it could all. It can happen for anyone who's listening to this show if they believe it. If they don't, let Na says step in the way up their opportunities. Don't let negative moments. See this is it. I'm going back to whatever I was supposed to do. This is not going to work. And now you are being presented to youself. So what's the what's the endgame for this? When you when I'm when I'm saying all this information to you, you you're having fundraising opportunities presented for your product. You're going to be in Dubai, You're going to be in Canada, Calloggs Mars, You're going to be in forty one hundred stores. What is the ultimate blessing for your future? My frame, because you are definitely being blessed.

Yes, God is good, all glory to him. My goal really is to be like the Betty Crocker or the Nabisco of plant based cookies. So whenever you walk into your grocery store, whether you're looking for a cookie mix, brownie mix, cake mix, you're looking for cookies ready to eat, whatever you're looking for, we're able to provide that. But to also be able to have my face is the logo on the product, you know, for my kids and grandkids legacy. I mean, that's that's my goal, as well as to be able to give back to the community.

Yes, God is good, all glory to him. My goal really is to be like the Betty Crocker or the Nabisco of plant based cookies. So whenever you walk into your grocery store, whether you're looking for a cookie mix, brownie mix, cake mix, you're looking for cookies ready to eat, whatever you're looking for, we're able to provide that. But to also be able to have my face is the logo on the product, you know, for my kids and grandkids legacy. I mean, that's that's my goal, as well as to be able to give back to the community.

Yeah, and that's really important. So the flavors are do you have any like are you gonna do any seasonal stuff? Because time of the year. Some people do, like you know, Little Chick Fi lady, they got the seasonal stuff and a lot of products do that. We are what are your seasonal products you have coming up?

Yeah, and that's really important. So the flavors are do you have any like are you gonna do any seasonal stuff? Because time of the year. Some people do, like you know, Little Chick Fi lady, they got the seasonal stuff and a lot of products do that. We are what are your seasonal products you have coming up?

Let me tell you a little bit about it. So, for like our holiday flavors. We have a really nice hot chocolate cookie. It kind of reminds you of a cup of hot chocolate. It has chocolate, dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips. But when you have one or primise, you can't eat just one. We have red building cookies coming down the pipeline. We also have our banana pudding cookies. So we have some really good flavors that are going to be around for the holidays. So yeah, get ready.

Let me tell you a little bit about it. So, for like our holiday flavors. We have a really nice hot chocolate cookie. It kind of reminds you of a cup of hot chocolate. It has chocolate, dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips. But when you have one or primise, you can't eat just one. We have red building cookies coming down the pipeline. We also have our banana pudding cookies. So we have some really good flavors that are going to be around for the holidays. So yeah, get ready.

And they've become popular, they become part of the regular. If they become that popular, you're just going to stay seasonal.

And they've become popular, they become part of the regular. If they become that popular, you're just going to stay seasonal.

Oh well, you know what, if we need to continue to we would like to roll them out as a permanent item. But we have a lot of plans for you know, definitely limited editions as well, so we'll see how it goes.

Oh well, you know what, if we need to continue to we would like to roll them out as a permanent item. But we have a lot of plans for you know, definitely limited editions as well, so we'll see how it goes.

Well. My friend, I can tell you how it's going right now. It seems like it's going fantastic and I'm so happy you took the time in your busy schedule because obviously you need a passport. And because you're about to go on your road show. You about forty one hundred and twenty stores, you going to Canada, you going to Dubai. And I've interviewed a lot of people on this show, and you know, everybody has a dream. I have a dream. And this show is about money making conversation master class and people tell their secrets to success. And if you have to see your secrets is to success? What would you say it is?

Well. My friend, I can tell you how it's going right now. It seems like it's going fantastic and I'm so happy you took the time in your busy schedule because obviously you need a passport. And because you're about to go on your road show. You about forty one hundred and twenty stores, you going to Canada, you going to Dubai. And I've interviewed a lot of people on this show, and you know, everybody has a dream. I have a dream. And this show is about money making conversation master class and people tell their secrets to success. And if you have to see your secrets is to success? What would you say it is?

I'm gonna say, stay prayed up. That's what that's that's the most important. Like before I start my day, when I sit in my chair, but in front of us computer, I'm like, Jesus, take the whill because like you're you're challenged the day. You're working with fenders, you're working with retailers, you're working with buyers, you're working with so many personalities, so many timelines. So you gotta have fans, you know what I mean. Because it's not easy. It's not an easy thing, and especially for you know Minardi female, it's even harder. It's even harder for us. And so you know, just stay prayed up. That's the best advice I can get.

I'm gonna say, stay prayed up. That's what that's that's the most important. Like before I start my day, when I sit in my chair, but in front of us computer, I'm like, Jesus, take the whill because like you're you're challenged the day. You're working with fenders, you're working with retailers, you're working with buyers, you're working with so many personalities, so many timelines. So you gotta have fans, you know what I mean. Because it's not easy. It's not an easy thing, and especially for you know Minardi female, it's even harder. It's even harder for us. And so you know, just stay prayed up. That's the best advice I can get.

And then follow that up with a lot of hard work.

And then follow that up with a lot of hard work.

Okay, exactly a lot of hard work.

Okay, exactly a lot of hard work.

Doctor. Thank you for coming on much your money Making Conversations master life and good luck, and I wish and send me some postcards you know, when you're in Dubai, when you're in Canada, you know, don't forget about a brother. This has been another edition of Money Making Conversation Masterclass posted by me Rashaun McDonald. Thank you to our guests on the show today and thank you listening to audience now. If you want to listen to any episode I want to be a guest on the show, Visit Moneymaking Conversations dot com. Our social media handle is money Making Conversation. Join us next week and remember to always leave with your gifts. Keep winning.

Doctor. Thank you for coming on much your money Making Conversations master life and good luck, and I wish and send me some postcards you know, when you're in Dubai, when you're in Canada, you know, don't forget about a brother. This has been another edition of Money Making Conversation Masterclass posted by me Rashaun McDonald. Thank you to our guests on the show today and thank you listening to audience now. If you want to listen to any episode I want to be a guest on the show, Visit Moneymaking Conversations dot com. Our social media handle is money Making Conversation. Join us next week and remember to always leave with your gifts. Keep winning.

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