What motivated you to start your business and what is your vision for the future of the company?

The journey that led to the creation of BAK’D Cookies was both unexpected and deeply personal. As the pandemic reshaped our lives in 2020, Andy, a high school senior at the time, found himself unemployed when the local pie shop where he was working part-time had to unfortunately let him go. At the same time, Jess, who had just graduated from SFU, saw her job offer fall through. With our spirits low and the future uncertain, we found solace in something simple yet meaningful—baking. Andy began experimenting in our home kitchen as a way to pass the time and lift Jess’s spirits. He focused on perfecting Jess’s favorite treat—massive, ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies. Through trial and error, adjusting ingredients and techniques, we eventually crafted a recipe that became our signature. As Jess documented this baking adventure on Instagram, we were amazed to discover a growing interest from friends, family, and even strangers. What started as a small, heartfelt project quickly gained traction. Our friends and family asked how they could get their hands on these cookies, and soon enough, our customer base expanded beyond our immediate circle. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and we began to see a steady stream of new customers who shared our enthusiasm for these delightful cookies. Over the past four years, we have worked tirelessly to ensure every batch of cookies meets the high standard that ignited our passion for BAK’D. From navigating countless farmers’ markets and managing deliveries to fulfilling corporate orders and working with wholesalers, our journey has been both challenging and rewarding. This year, we reached a significant milestone by opening our very own storefront. From our humble beginnings—baking cookies in our mom’s pho pot, the largest bowl we had at the time—we have grown into a team of 27 dedicated individuals. Our new storefront allows us to serve our customers with the freshest, most delectable cookies directly from the oven. Looking ahead, our vision is to build on this success and expand our presence in the Metro Vancouver area. We plan to open three additional stores, each one reflecting our commitment to quality and community. Our goal is to establish BAK’D Cookies as the premier destination for cookie lovers, making a lasting impression on Vancouver’s culinary landscape. We are excited about the future and the opportunity to continue sharing our passion for cookies with even more people.

Why do you deserve to win the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award?

As young entrepreneurs, we believe that the heart of entrepreneurship is the journey of constant learning and growth. Winning the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award would be a validating recognition of our dedication to evolving, not just as individuals but also as business owners who aim to bring our beloved company, BAK'D Cookies, to new heights. Our adventure began when Andy and Jess were just 17 and 22, brimming with dreams but with little experience in running a business. In fact, Andy was not even old enough to legally own a business. This inexperience didn't deter us; instead, it fueled our passion to learn and adapt. We went through every resource we had, from seasoned entrepreneurs and mentors to diving into online courses and programs. Our enthusiasm for learning became the backbone of our entrepreneurial journey. Starting BAK'D Cookies during the pandemic was an immense challenge, as we were thrown into a world of uncertainty and rapid change. Businesses everywhere faced unprecedented obstacles, but as a up and coming venture led by eager dreamers, we had to be especially adaptable. We quickly learned to pivot, finding creative ways to meet our customers' needs and ensure their safety. This experience not only tested our perseverance but also taught us invaluable lessons about flexibility and innovation, making us smarter and more resourceful. We were also incredibly fortunate to draw on our academic backgrounds in business. Jess graduated with honours from SFU, specializing in marketing and managing information systems. Her involvement in clubs like Enactus and Young Women in Business provided her with inspiring industry professionals who offered invaluable guidance and support. Her leadership experience from serving in student government helped us build a solid organizational structure at BAK'D Cookies and an incredible team culture. Similarly, Andy's participation in high school entrepreneurship programs like YELL Canada and TYE Vancouver gave him a solid grounding in business fundamentals. As he pursued post-secondary education at UBC, studying accounting and operational logistics, he continued to apply the theoretical concepts learned in the classroom to real-world business challenges. This dual commitment to academics and entrepreneurship enabled us to overcome changing obstacles and continuously grow BAK'D Cookies. Even though Andy has recently completed his undergraduate studies, our eagerness for knowledge and growth continues to flourish. Both Jess and Andy are excited to delve deeper into the intricacies of entrepreneurship and the food industry. Our recent venture into opening a storefront has brought a new wave of excitement and learning opportunities. Despite feeling a bit daunted by the unfamiliar territory, we embrace this challenge with open minds and attitudes, ready to grow and learn all that we can. Our journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and an unyielding pursuit of our dreams. We believe that our dedication to learning and our ability to adapt in challenging times make us deserving of the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award. This recognition would be a celebration of our past achievements and a signal that we are on the right path, inspiring us to continue our adventure of growth and innovation.

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

We believe we deserve to win the Premier's People's Choice Award because our journey with BAK'D Cookies has always been about more than just delicious treats—it's about building and nurturing a community. Jess often says, in her own heartfelt way, that these cookies symbolize community. This belief has driven us to create a strong, supportive network around our business, where we both give and receive support from those around us. Together, we have worked tirelessly to foster a sense of belonging and togetherness through our company. We engage in numerous community initiatives, such as fundraising and sponsorships for local organizations. We've supported university groups, PACs for elementary schools, young entrepreneurs in Vancouver, sports teams, and many more. Each of these efforts reflects our commitment to giving back to the community that has embraced us so warmly. Our involvement goes beyond mere business transactions; it's about building lasting relationships and making a positive impact. Whether it's sponsoring a local sports team or partnering with school events, we aim to create opportunities for growth and connection. Jess's vision of "baking the world a better place" isn't just a slogan—it's the guiding principle behind everything we do. Winning the Premier's People's Choice Award would be a validation of the love and effort we've poured into our community. It would celebrate not just our business success but also the vibrant, caring community we've helped cultivate. This recognition would inspire us to continue our mission of spreading joy and unity through our cookies, making every bite a reminder of the strength and warmth of community spirit.