CobblerWorld 2024: We Specialize in Nostalgic & Unique Desserts!
In the realm of culinary delights, there exists a rare alchemy that transcends mere sustenance—it's a fusion of tradition, passion, and the indelible imprint of familial heritage. Terina J. Hicks, Founder & Chief Baker Officer of CobblerWorld LLC, embodies this ethos with a fervor that ignites the senses and warms the soul. Born into a bustling household of nine, Terina's journey into the world of baking traces back to her roots, where the aroma of her mother's legendary peach cobblers wafted through the air on every holiday. Spellbound by the magic of these delectable creations, Terina's curiosity and palate were ignited at a tender age of 14, as she eagerly sought to unravel the secrets of her mother's culinary prowess. With a resolute spirit and a heart brimming with love for her craft, Terina birthed CobblerWorld LLC, a testament to her culinary ingenuity and the enduring legacy of her mother's recipes. Join Delivery Rank as we delve into the tantalizing world of CobblerWorld, where each bite is a symphony of flavors, a homage to tradition, and a testament to the unwavering spirit of its visionary founder, Terina J. Hicks.
Can you share more about your journey from being laid off to founding CobblerWorld LLC? How did you navigate this transition and decide to pursue entrepreneurship?
From a young girl, I knew that I would have a company of my own. How it would come to fruition was beyond me. Yet, as fate would have it, I got laid off, and this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I was working in a new department, BRAND NEW, for Carnegie Mellon University. Funding had run out and that was that. Fortunately, those of us in the department were given enough time to figure out what would be our next move. Transition to another department, look for work outside of the university, etc. I knew that this was my defining moment, it was time to step out on faith and start my own thing. I had to figure out what kind of business I wanted to start. After weeks of pondering and researching, I thought why not smoothies? So, Heaven's Nectar was born!
What inspired you to transition from the smoothie business to specializing in cobblers?
Smoothies were not a huge thing at the time. Remember, this was 10 years ago before the healthy juice craze started. I was doing ok, but nothing substantial. That's when I heard a voice say go back to your first love. BAKING! I prayed and asked God, what do I name my company? I heard clear as day, CobblerWorld. I learned to make cobblers from my mother at the age of 14. Every holiday she would make these amazing, scrumptious peach cobblers, so it was only natural that I would transition into this field. However, it is worth noting that although I specialize in all kinds of cobblers, I also specialize in the nostalgic confection that most bakeries or bake shops no longer make. Things like banana bread, coconut cream pies, pineapple zucchini bread, to name a few.
With CobblerWorld's focus on traditional desserts like peach cobblers, how do you balance honoring tradition with innovation in your recipes and business practices?
That's easy, I will always honor my mother's recipe of peach cobbler, which is now called Mamie Lou's Peach Cobbler. I named it in honor of her when she passed three, almost four years ago. Creating various other fruit cobblers has been a tradition down South for many, many, years. Nonetheless, introducing apple cobblers, cherry cobblers, blueberry cobblers and so forth, has allowed my company to expand our reach to those customers who are not fans of peaches, yet, the tradition of making them, (taught to me by mom), remains exactly the same. Bottom crust, fruit, middle crust, more fruit and then top crust.
What challenges did you face in the early stages of founding CobblerWorld, and how did you overcome them?
When I started CW, I bootstrapped my business, so working and start-up capital was a huge obstacle. Finances are still an issue, 10 years later. It takes money to purchase equipment, rent space, hire employees, pay for insurances, etc. In order to keep my business going I drove for Uber and Lyft to make ends meet. Throughout my years in business, I was afforded some loans from the URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority), and Kiva, grants from the YWCA, and forever. However, they were not substantial enough to allow them to hire full-time employees as needed. I don't even pay myself!
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for CobblerWorld LLC? How do you envision the company growing and evolving in the future?
It's in the name CobblerWorld. My goal is for my brand to become a household name. Regionally, nationally and internationally. I am currently in talks with a couple of co-packers who will be able to mass produce my products for a greater distribution!
If you would like to find out more about CobblerWorld, visit https://cobblerworld.com/
