Dessert of the Month: The Dirty Cookie
Take a cookie in a shot glass form, and you have the Dirty Cookie. We’re talking about delicious cookies that you can fill with milk (or something stronger). This interactive dessert is so fun for Boomerangs and basically multiple desserts in one.
Shahira Marei, the founder of The Dirty Cookie, has participated in our last two Los Angeles dessert festivals, #dessertgoalsalumni. The beginning of the pandemic hit her hard; in March all of her event orders were cancelled, hospitality and theme park clients were shut, and she was forced to let her team go. She started fulfilling all of her orders herself. Now as she focuses on more shipping orders, she is spreading the cheer of The Dirty Cookie across the nation, and growing her team.
Read on to learn more about Shahira and her business. Don’t forget to sign up by October 15th to receive October’s box from The Dirty Cookie! Sign up here.
Our October vendor creates desserts that are sure to bring a smile to anyone, no matter the age. Meet Shahira, founder of The Dirty Cookie.
What is the origin story of The Dirty Cookie?
The Dirty Cookie was born from the desire to turn something small, into something meaningful. It was born from my personal aspiration to change lives. When I was 10 years old, on vacation in Egypt, I witnessed the devastation of hunger and homelessness first hand. I was shocked that children my age were living on the streets, that they were deprived of basic food and shelter. I begged my father to give them money, and he conceded, but not before engraving the single most important statement I would hear, to date.
“If you really want to help them, give them jobs, not money.”
It was monumental enough for me to decide to build a company. One that I vowed would be centered around the people I employ.
Tell us the most rewarding part about owning a business? Where do you believe you get your entrepreneurial spirit from?
The most rewarding thing about owning a business is to see the happiness and joy our products bring to people. I get excited when I receive emails and pictures thanking us for making their day or event memorable and fun.
I definitely get my entrepreneur spirit from my father. My dad is a retired entrepreneur who worked tirelessly for 20 years on several businesses.
What is your process of creating new desserts and themed treats?
We love to innovate and come up with new ideas. We usually look at upcoming events or holidays and see what we can come up with for it.
What is your favorite dessert recipe to make at home?
Cheesecake, I love everything about cheesecake!
Do you have any advice for others out there who are interested in starting a 'sweet' business?
I definitely would talk to people in the industry first before starting and get their lessons learned and experience.
In 3 words, describe your brand.
Unique, fun, delicious
