Connie McDonald and Pam Weekes of Levain Bakery – Building a Cookie Empire!

March 30, 2020
Kate Previte_LevainBakery_UESJuly2019_WebRes_122

Imagine building a company that makes you happy every day, makes other people happy every day, and is considered the gold standard of what you do? That’s the story of Connie McDonald and Pam Weekes, co-founders of Levain Bakery. If you’ve ever munched on one of their extraordinary and generously huge cookies, you’ll quickly know and taste why they’ve made the business a tremendous success. Connie and Pam join Socialfly Co-Founders Courtney Spritzer and Stephanie Cartin for a conversation about building their business and careers, and describe their journey to success, including: how a chance meeting in a swimming pool inspired a bakery more than 20 years ago; the origin of the company name, and why the name itself is a conversation starter and great marketing; the importance of being nice; how a surprise featured video from Business Insider pushed the business into a new level of success: the process and challenges of transitioning a brick and mortar business into the reality of digital commerce; Pam and Connie’s sacrifices that came with building a successful company, and the decision to reclaim their personal lives and find balance; and, the cookie co-founders tell us their favorite cookies, and a cookie tasting claims a new fan! Plus, a surprise!

Share it!

Posted in
Tags

Leave a Comment





Alenka Kyslik’s Business Matches Users With Holistic Providers

A brief introduction about Alenka and her business: A Canadian, now living in Los Angeles, Alenka has spent almost 15 years in the corporate world as an overachiever. Eventually it caught up with her and she burnt out. A year later, just as she was recovering mentally, she tore apart her ankle and has spent…

Lana Wear’s Journey to Founding a Real Estate Flipping and Staging Company

A brief introduction about Lana and her business: Lana is Founder and CEO of HomeWear Designs, a real estate flipping and staging company in New York City, the Hamptons, and St. Petersburg, FL. Lana’s career began in Sales, first as a Real Estate Agent in NYC and later as a Sales leader for multinational corporations.…

Addie Gundry is Innovating Diaper Changing for Parents on the Go

“My biggest regret is [that] I kept this so close to the chest for a while, because a lot of people think, ‘Someone will steal my idea. People think it’s a bad idea.’ You almost want to wait to announce what you’re doing until it’s totally complete. And I always say, ‘If you’re not embarrassed…

Cindy Dodd Connects Companies With Key Decision-Makers

A brief introduction about Cindy and her business: Cindy Dodd is an award-winning marketer and global speaker who has emerged as a trailblazer for Black women in the lead generation industry. As the Co-Founder and COO of PEMA.io, Cindy has transformed the company into a global powerhouse, executing over 100 million reach-outs and serving over…

Kathryn Shah, Spring & Mulberry, is Making the World a Sweeter and Healthier Place

“I don’t know that we’ve cracked the right mix yet, but gifting has gone a long way, and I think the more you gift, the more people see your product, and the more you can collaborate on content, the more views you’ll see on your content. And ultimately, what you’re wanting is just this feeling…

Rita Richa Helps Businesses Tell Their Stories Through Podcasting

A brief introduction about Rita and her business: Rita Richa is the founder and executive Producer of Reignite Media. Rita has an extensive background in developing B2B podcasts, content-based networking, and brand strength capitalization. Her clients have been known to classify her as an innovator/visionary, passionate about developing podcasts, scripts, storyboards, social media content, and…

Courtney Todd’s Marketing Agency Increases Brand’s Visibility

Hi, Courtney! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business: Hi, I’m Courtney, Fractional CMO + Creative Director of Umlaut Agency. I help brands drive top-line growth and reduce cost per customer by increasing brand visibility and building stronger customer relationships. I also run a creative agency that focuses on branding and website…

Amy Rees Inspires Women Through Art With Personality Plates

“Find somebody to work with as a small business owner. I’m not taking out loans. I don’t have big funding. You really have to pick and choose where you want to invest in your business, but you do have to invest somewhere.” Struggling with feelings of neglect and loneliness in an unhappy marriage, Amy Rees…

Ramy Brook Sharp’s Journey to Building and Scaling a Fashion Empire

“As the leader, it all starts at the top. If you want a culture where people are kind to each other and people are understanding, you have to be that person.” Ramy Brook Sharp is the founder and CEO of Ramy Brook, a contemporary women’s fashion brand known for its chic and versatile designs. Launched…

Sharon Ringier’s Magazine is Curated Exclusively for Women Entrepreneurs

A brief introduction about Sharon and her business: Sharon Ringier is a highly accomplished and influential entrepreneur, speaker, mentor, and philanthropist who has dedicated her life to empowering and supporting women in their personal and professional pursuits. With over 20 years of experience in the events planning industry, Sharon has become widely known for her…

Beth Nydick Amplifies Media Exposure Into Profitable Opportunities for Businesses

A brief introduction about Beth and her business: Beth Nydick, the founder of The F.A.M.E. LAB, is the go-to media expert for coaches, experts, and authors seeking to amplify their brand presence. Known for her strategic approach and media expertise, Beth transforms media exposure into lucrative opportunities, ensuring her clients don’t just shine in the…

Michelle Hsiao’s Consultancy Firm Helps Product-Based Businesses Thrive

A brief introduction about Michelle and her business: Michelle Hsiao is the CEO/Founder of Revenue Growth Advisors, a consultancy for product-based businesses in retail, e-commerce, and wholesale/DTC brands. Previously she led merchandising teams as a Senior Vice President with Boscov’s Department Store, Group Vice President for Macy’s and Chief Merchant/Head of E-commerce for an online…

Networking Without the Nerves: Tips for Authentic Connections

“The power of networking, you never know. There could be just that one person that you connect with who then has somebody else that they know and it’s a snowball effect.”- Richelle Pena  Today’s Startups in Stilettos has a very special minisode dedicated to the power of networking. Tune in to hear Carlyn Bushman and…

Mary Seats Fosters Community With Her Co-Working Space for Women, The Bakery CoWork

“I needed support, community, someone to reach their hand down and pull me up. And now I’m always reaching my hand down to pull someone else up.” Mary Seats is the founder of The Icing Agency and The Bakery CoWork, a co-working space designed for women entrepreneurs. From a young age, Mary showcased her entrepreneurial…

Masi Chukwuemeka’s Businesses Are All About Social Media Management and Storytelling

Hi, Masi! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business: My name is Nmasichi Chinenye Chukwuemeka, but I go by Masi. I am the founder of Masi Brands and TribesAndHistory. Masi Brands is a digital branding agency located in Atlanta and our services include web design, social media management, and graphics design. Our…