If there’s one area in my life where I have a hard time showing discipline it is desserts. My sweet tooth knows no bounds and when presented with a sweet treat it’s like the word “No” drops out of my vocabulary! So last year when I got wind of a company mixing up cookie dough you could eat out of the jar without baking, I was instantly game to test it out. Cookie DO was love at first bite.

Founder Kristen Tomlan grew up with a love for baking and decided to deliver one of the best perks of baking on demand: cookie dough with all sorts of delicious mix-ins and inventive flavor combinations all ready to eat upon arrival. And her cookie dough just so happens to be the most delicious I’ve ever tried (my favorites are the Cake Batter and Signature Cookie DO but her seasonal concoctions are also AMAZING).

So in the latest installment of Witty Conversation With, get to know Kristen’s sweet touch to making her business a success and how she makes it all work!

Tell us about yourself in 3 sentences.

If nothing else, I’d like to be remembered for being thoughtful – about others, about the work I do, about people and things I choose to surround myself with. I’m passionate, hard-working, and most of all determined… Just a Midwestern girl trying to make the world a little bit sweeter.

How was the idea of Cookie DO born?

I’ve always loved baking, but I found myself enjoying spoonfuls of cookie dough even more than the fresh-baked cookies. I wanted to create a fun, playful brand that celebrated that nostalgic “no-no” of eating cookie dough straight from the bowl. I set out on a quest to create a product that was safe to eat unbaked, AND bake-able! Dreams really DO come true!

You were baking on the side of your 9-5 gig as a designer at a brand consultancy. What made you finally take the leap to start Cookie DO and run your own business full time?

I decided to launch the concept online to test the market, and things took off quicker than I could have ever hoped or imagined. My husband and I were running on 2-4 hours of sleep a night for the first few months until I decided to make DO my full-time gig.

What’s been the most challenging thing about running your own company? What’s been the most rewarding?

The most rewarding has definitely been the ability to make others happy by sharing my passion and edible creations with them! The most challenging has been the never-ending to-do lists… work literally never ends.

What does a “typical” day look like for you?

There’s no such thing as a “typical” day! I’m usually up at 6am answering emails and running a million miles an hour until my head hits the pillow somewhere around midnight. Some days I’m in the kitchen with the team, others I’m in back to back client meetings / calls, dealing with HR issues, designing various experience elements, and/or working on expansion plans. Every day brings a new set of challenges, that’s for sure!

What inspires your flavors?

So many things! Everything from trendy ingredients and innovative desserts to travel, the holidays and the changing seasons!

Which flavor is your personal favorite?

Heavenly! It’s our Sugar Cookie base and has Nutella, caramel bits, chocolate chips and sea salt swirled throughout. It lives up to its name. I also really love our seasonal Coffee Toffee flavor because I’m addicted to espresso and Toffee is one of my absolute favorite candies.

You have a gluten intolerance, what are some of your favorite g-free things to eat?

My favorite breakfast is something quick – like a Kind Bar, a piece of fruit or a greek yogurt. I’ve been snacking on Trader Joe’s Quinoa chips non-stop lately, and for lunch, I’m a big salad kind of gal. The more veggies (and cheese) the better! As for my sweet tooth, luckily, most of our cookie dough can be made gluten-free, so there’s always something I can sneak a bite of.

Time to spill your secrets…how do you stay fit when you own a company all about cookie dough?

Ha! Stress and Espresso??? But in all seriousness, I’m trying to figure that out…. I think I lost at least 10 pounds after starting the company, which was the opposite of what I expected. Cookie dough is certainly my favorite food group (yes, I consider it a food group), but second to that would have to be veggies. Outside of the kitchen, I’m actually a pretty healthy and balanced eater. I also will go on a run any opportunity I have!

3 apps you swear by (and why!)?

Gmail app for iPhone because I’m always on the go and it makes my life SO easy, FaceTime because it’s the best way to connect with my family and friends from afar, and DropBox because I can access any file I need at any time!

Favorite spots to eat & drink in New York?

What’s a piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Pick and choose your battles. It’s ok to say no.

What’s next for Cookie DO?

We have some expansion plans in the near future, so stay tuned for exciting updates about our new location and experience!

Many thanks to Kristen for participating in Witty Conversation With! If you’re looking for a sweet addition to your Instagram, I highly recommend following Cookie DO on Instagram and of course if your mouth is watering at this point, order Cookie DO right this way.

p.s. Witty Conversation with Cuyana’s head of marketing and Witty Conversation with the co-founder of Stowaway Cosmetics.

[Imagery courtesy of Cookie DO]