When their mom taught them to bake with all natural ingredients and the cookies kept disappearing when they took them to events, the Billingslea brothers had a great idea: Let’s start a cookie company! SFL had the opportunity to ask them all about their delicious business.
How did you get started?
Joshua (age 13): Our recipes were inspired from our great grandmother, who taught our grandmother how to cook; then our grandmother taught our mom to cook, and then our mom taught us to cook and bake. Furthermore, we approached our dad with our sights on getting the business started and it took off from there.
Isaiah (age 11): We actually used to bake cookies and take them to gatherings and bring them as gifts and people would go crazy about them.
Who had the initial idea to start the cookie company?
Caleb (age 9): The idea came from Josh and Isaiah, then we added our ideas and roles and the rest was history.
How is it working together? Do you all get along?
Micah (age 7): We love working together because we get to travel a lot, visit really nice cities, and stay in awesome hotels. We’re together all the time!
Isaiah: We actually mesh pretty well with each other. We definitely hold one another accountable and we have high standards set for everyone and the business. We also know that we have to get along because the last thing you would want is employees seeing division between brothers and the business.
What’s the most fun part of having a business?
Joshua: Everyone part is fun to us. That’s how we all got our roles.
Micah’s role is Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He really likes counting money and paying for things we need for the company.
Isaiah’s role is Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). He really likes the idea of creating marketing materials to get people to make a buying decision. He also loves being hands on with the website, banner designs, and tent designs.
Caleb’s role is Chief Operating Officer (COO). He makes sure that all the cookies are properly packaged and he makes sure everyone has on hair nets and gloves.
My role is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). I make sure everything is running like a well-oiled machine. I oversee day-to-day activities. I have meetings twice a day with everyone to see how we can consistently improve our image, our taste, and our delivery. My goal is to make sure we create a solid foundation that can last for years to come, to create a winning culture.
What are your plans for the future?
Isaiah: Our plan for the future is to open stores in Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Detroit!
Joshua really likes the weather, so I could see him being a weatherman.
Caleb wants to be an engineer like mom and he also wants to become a scientist.
Micah really likes the financial part of the business, so I could see Micah owning a bank.
Any advice for young entrepreneurs?
Micah: Don’t get discouraged when people say no to you. Just ask someone else!
Caleb: Make sure you’re smiling and have a very positive attitude.
Joshua: Don’t expect to be great at something if you’re not willing to put in long hours and make a commitment to succeed.
Isaiah: Make sure that you keep your customers in mind in everything you do. Don’t be afraid to be different and make sure you follow up. Do what you say you’re going to do for your customers.
Though I asked about young entrepreneurs, the brothers’ sage advice can be applied to any business owner. The boys are bright, poised, mature, and serious about their business. I know they make their parents proud. They also make South Fulton beam with pride.
Visit YummyBrothers.com to order delicious cookies and healthy treats for dogs!
