SOUTHFIELD –

Crystal Scott’s transformation from Chrysler assembly line worker to cookie

entrepreneur is one of determination, focus and confidence in her ability to

realize a dream that began when she was seven.

After taking

a buyout from the automaker during the depth of the recession, Scott finished

her bachelor degree studies, applied and was accepted into Walsh College’s

master’s program. While studying at Walsh, she learned of her college’s LaunchPad entrepreneurial

initiative and soon joined the cost-free program that welcomes students and

alumni from any major.

“I wanted to

see if they could enhance or help me move my business along,” said Scott, owner

of Cookies by Chris.

“Crystal

already had a fabulous product when she came to us for guidance and advice,” said Walsh LaunchPad Director Carol Glynn. “Our focus was to create exposure

for her product, research and recommend competitive pricing and help her

develop a scalable business plan.”

When quotes

for liability insurance proved confusing and prohibitive, Glynn put Scott in

touch with a Walsh alumnus who owned an insurance agency. 

“He offered to take a

look at an out-of state-policy I was considering and advised me to take

it,” said Scott. “The camaraderie evident throughout the membership of this

program makes me realize I have a strong support network.”

Such

support was evident this past winter when Scott’s cookies were featured for

sale during a special holiday event at the Birmingham boutique “other FUN

Stuff!” Owner Denise Kulak opened the specialty shop in 2012 after being

mentored by LaunchPad.

Offering

more than 30 varieties of cookies from the standard chocolate chip and oatmeal

raisin to the inventive lime white chocolate chip, honey brown butter sugar,

bourbon pecan with cinnamon cream cheese chocolate and margarita with tequila

lime glaze – her smores sandwich cookie has been an especially huge seller

this summer on Sundays at her Eastern Market stall. 

“I like it when a customer

eats the cookie in front of me, Scott confided. I wait for the second yum.”

Scott said

she was able to acquire a coveted Eastern Market spot after several attempts.

“They were impressed that I operated under Michigan’s Cottage Food Law,

regulations that my LaunchPad team informed me about and recommended.”

Inspired by

her grandmother, who began baking pies in her late 70’s and selling them to her

church members – Scott advises other would-be entrepreneurs to do their

research, develop a good business plan and take baby steps. “Don’t try to bite

off more than you can chew. Once you have made the commitment, trust your

instincts and ride it through.”

Moving

forward, Scott would eventually like to create a slice and bake cookie product

and perhaps own a food-truck offering cookies, shots of milk and water. For

now, Cookies by Chris is primarily providing cookies for events and showcasing

at fairs, farmer’s markets and special venues.

Customers

reach Scott by email at[email protected]or

by calling 248-672-7436.