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For Brooklyn-based small business owner Carmen Ladipo, her passion for baking began in the beginning. "I've always had a craving for sweets since the time I recall," Carmen tells . "In the middle of school, I took an class that was similar to Home Economics, where we were taught how to make cookies. Once I figured out the ability to sustain my craving for sweets on my own I was done."

But it wasn't until several years afterwards that Carmen was able to earn money from that passion through a small-batch cookies ecommerce business on the side. "I'd just moved into New York City, and tried to recall the best ways to connect with friends once I became an adult," Carmen says. "I got a membership at the local climbing club and brought cookies to members of the gym and climbers, which was an effective friend-making strategy." After being "fervently incentivised" numerous times to sell cookies, Carmen took advantage of some extra time in between jobs to register her food-related business Brooklyn.

"It began as an excuse for me to earn money to bake cakes for my local customers occasionally," Carmen jokes. "But in the past 5 years Carmen's Cookies has grown into an online shop that has me shipping cookies throughout the United States to strangers and friends alike."

We spoke with Carmen about how she prioritizes environmental and social impacts of her business, how she manages her one-woman operation with her other duties, and about the equipment that helps Carmen's Cookies run smoothly.

Local community development and social impact

Customers who go to the Carmen's Cookie website and social media are immediately welcomed by the warm and welcoming nature of the brand. Its tagline is: "Providing happiness for your closeness." The selection of Carmen's Cookies includes experimental seasonal flavors like the ras el-hanout and matcha lemon. They also have favorite classics such as brown butter chocolate chip and orange clove. Just a brief look at the reviews of her cookies to appreciate the happiness her cookies bring to customers everywhere.

But right from the start that Carmen's Cookies was about much more than simply selling cookies. "I feel like food business owners are accountable to the environment and their local communities to think about their impacts," Carmen says.

"There are many sources that go into creating and selling foods that require attention and consideration in order to do minimal harm unto the planet. To this end, I pay attention to what my ingredients come from and how their manufacturers have a view of their own environmental and social impact." Carmen is transparent on her site regarding where she responsibly sources her ingredients. There is even an interactive tool to find out where her baking chocolate comes directly from.

But her dedication doesn't stop there. "It's essential for me to discover ways to help support the continuing efforts for food justice across the Brooklyn neighborhood," Carmen says.

"Every every year I choose an organization working directly with its community members in order to promote economic growth and sustainable food production. I contribute a percentage of revenue from the year's sales to these charities as I believe that Carmen's Cookies to create a positive impact in the place it calls home." Customers can always visit the about page to learn where Carmen has been donating a portion of sales.

"As to our Carmen's Cookies community," Carmen adds, "it's an inspiring experience to watch people come together to supporting different causes over time. Facilitating the donations of hundreds of dollars for different national and local charities for food justice and marginalized communities via cookie sales is a major high point."