Georgia Magazine - August 2010 - (Page 28)

Cookies for a cause The Cookie Studio serves up goodies to benefit local shelter BY DEBORAH GEERING I f you had the opportunity to start a business doing something you love but were warned that it would be really hard work, would you do it? And would you give away a portion of that hard-earned money before you even paid yourself? Barbara O’Neill did. And still does, every day. From dawn to dusk, and then some. “I had an inclination that there might be long hours, but I had no idea,” says the founder and owner of the Cookie Studio in Decatur. The little shop sells 20 kinds of unique cookies, a variety of cupcakes and a few other baked treats to walk-in customers, caterers and corporate clients. Open since July 2007, O’Neill still hasn’t started collecting a salary—although she regularly donates a portion of revenues to her favorite cause, the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children. Check them out: Cookie Studio, 747 East College Ave., Decatur; (404) 373-8527; www.thecookiestudio.net DAVID H. NASH An information system specialist before moving from New York in 1996, O’Neill volunteered full-time at the shelter until she had the idea to launch a cookie business. “I’ve always loved to bake,” says O’Neill, who learned from her mother, an accomplished baker. “I read an article about these women who had a cookie business in Louisiana, and a friend said, ‘Oh, you Barbara O’Neill and her crew serve up delicious cookies should do that.’ And I and baked treats at the Cookie Studio in Decatur. said, ‘Yeah, right.’” ground and candied ginger), Coffee But the idea stuck with her, and Toffee, Peanut Butter Chocolate in 2006 she and a partner started Chip and the Cookie Studio Chocworking on their business plan—and olate Chip—the culmination of all the recipes. “It took me eight months that research and development. to develop the chocolate chip “Oh, that praline,” exclaims recipe,” she admits. “Chocolate chips Shirley Baker, Atlanta Day Shelter’s are the hardest cookies you could director of operations. “I love the ever want to make. They’re very praline; the praline is the favorite. I finicky.” like a cookie that’s a little chewy.” Her family’s sacrifice—O’Neill’s As much as her former colcollege-age son Nick claims his leagues like her cookies, they like mother has ruined cookies for him O’Neill even more. “We all love for life—is everyone else’s gain. Barbara over here, and we definiteTucked into a sagging shopping ly miss her—she always has an strip on the edge of town, the uplifting spirit,” Baker says. Cookie Studio advertises its wares “Although she left us to become the with a simple “Cookies” sign out Cookie Lady, she’s never that far front. But once inside, shoppers are away that we can’t call her if we greeted by a well-lighted, clean need something. … I don’t think space, a cheerful hello and tidy disshe’ll ever be that far away from us.” play cases stacked with temptations. Now that O’Neill’s husband, The generously portioned cookies Jimmy, has retired from his career as range from old-time favorites to a securities trader and can get more exotic originals like Cherry Ginger involved in the cookie business, Explosion, Blueberry Granola and they’re setting their sights on the Key Lime Sugar. Popular flavors next challenge. include Spicy Ginger (made with More online at www.georgiamagazine.org GEORGIA MAGAZINE 28 DAVID H. NASH / DHNASHPHOTO.COM http://www.DHNASHPHOTO.COM http://www.thecookiestudio.net http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - August 2010

Georgia Magazine - August 2010
Contents
Viewpoint
Mailbox
Picture This?
Georgia News
Calendar
Festival Guide
Currents
Warner Robins Hits a Home Run
More Little League Action
For the Birds
Around Georgia
My Georgia
Georgia Gardens
Georgia Cooks
Cookbook of the Month
Snapshot
Additional Snapshot Photos
Bonus Recipe of the Month

Georgia Magazine - August 2010