Happy August Philly and welcome back to our First Friday blog series. We recently interviewed Ashley, the amazing woman behind Kindness Kookies. Ashley bakes delicious, fresh cookies that ship nationwide. With every order, she also gives back to a different charity each month. How amazing is that?! Read along to learn more about Ashley and her amazing Kookie business.
PPRG: What motivated you to start your business, Kindness Kookies? What was the initial idea behind your business?
ASHLEY: I had just moved from New York City to Hoboken, NJ, and didn’t know anyone. I was going to the gym each morning before work and started to pass out cookies for a variety of reasons (yes, passing out cookies at the gym sounds very backwards). I did it as a way to introduce myself and try to make friends, as well as having gone through my own health issues at the time, I passed out cookies because a cookie could be the way to make someone’s day a little bit better. I was reminded that you never really know what someone is going through.
(Photo Credit: Kindness Kookies)
PPRG: How did you come up with the name, Kindness Kookies?
ASHLEY: Being kind is at the core of what we do. I wanted the name of the business to be a nod to why we started as well as something catchy that ties to the product! Every month we donate a portion of the proceeds from our flavor of the month to a new charity of the month. That’s how we keep the kindness going!
PPRG: We have to ask, what’s your favorite kind of kookie?
ASHLEY: That’s a tough question but if I had to pick, it would be the Slam Dunk, which is our twist on a Dunkaroo! It has rainbow sprinkles, stuffed with vanilla frosting, and topped with honey Teddy Grahams! I also love our Dirt Cup flavor too that we bring back every October!
(Photo Credit: Kindness Kookies)
PPRG: How do you pick the nonprofits that you support each month?
ASHLEY: It’s a mix of nonprofits that are very special to me personally, researching local non-profits, as well as some non-profits that have reached out to me directly to see if we could partner! I love coming across new organizations that I’ve never heard of before that are doing amazing things in the local community!
PPRG: Why do you think it’s important to support small businesses?
ASHLEY: There aren’t enough hours in the day to explain the importance of supporting small businesses. When you support or purchase from a small business, it’s helping people provide for their families, making dreams, big and small come true for the business owner, and helping create strong communities, especially if the small business is local to you.
PPRG: How has being based in Philly had a positive impact on your business?
ASHLEY: The Philly and Philly suburb communities are like no other. People are incredibly loyal in this area so once you’ve got a customer, it feels like you’ve got a customer and a cheerleader for life. Word of mouth is the biggest and best thing for a small business, so I truly appreciate all of the love and support that the customers in Philly have. Also, it’s always fun to have a sports-themed twist on our flavors! ‘Go Birds Slam Dunk’ anyone?!
PPRG: What goals do you have for Kindness Kookies in the future?
ASHLEY: The state of retail is a bit tough right now for small business owners, but I would love to someday have a small storefront or food truck that offers kookies, canned coffee, and other sweet goodies! I’d also love to collaborate with more charities and nonprofit organizations on a special kookie flavor!
Ashley’s story is a testament to the power of kindness and the impact one person can make. Through Kindness Kookies, she spreads happiness and generosity with a sweet twist. We hope her journey inspires you to find ways to incorporate kindness into your daily life, whether it’s through a small gesture or a grand initiative. Check out and follow her on Instagram to see what cookies she’ll be featuring in the upcoming months.
