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“Just get started” is what Olivia Carpenter, founder of “Via’s Cookies” said when we asked her how to navigate the world of owning a small business. This past week, Her Campus at Ithaca had the pleasure of talking to Via over Zoom, ranging in topics from how she began her small business, how she navigated the pandemic, inclusivity to many communities such as the BIPOC and LGBTQ+, and much more. Since June is Pride Month, we thought what would be better to support these communities than hearing from a queer, BIPOC business owner herself, Olivia Carpenter.
ithaca made
An Ithaca College graduate herself, Carpenter spoke highly of the local community and their consistent care towards her business. Beginning in Ithaca and building from the ground up, Via’s Cookies messaging as more than just a sweet treat is inspiring. While attending college, Carpenter often found herself balancing jobs and coursework to stay afloat. She was participating in the now disbanded ICNYC program when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Sent home to her small town in Ohio, Via was forced to find new ways to earn income, allowing for her longtime passion for baking to inspire a new business idea.. Post-pandemic, she returned to Ithaca with a new perspective and an eagerness to share her sweets that the community welcomed. With her sister’s encouragement, Carpenter applied for two business grants, one through the college and one outside, earning enough to start-up her new business. Her kindness and presence within Ithaca’s community allowed for business connections to thrive in her early years. Even though the first Commons cafe her cookies were featured in no longer exists, Via emphasized the importance of maintaining connections within your professional network.
inclusivity
“I’ve felt empathy so deeply…since I was about three years old,” Carpenter confessed when asked about the donations side of her company. Growing up as a woman of color who was beyond proud to gain her degree, Via felt the need to give back to other individuals within her community who may struggle with the financial stress of a collegiate education. Beyond this, Via’s Cookies shows love to those with restrictive allergies and dietary needs. Beginning initially as a marketing angle to gain the Ithaca Bakery cookie slot, Via’s Cookies has made the official shift to solely gluten free and vegan cookies. This decision came with careful consideration, after the recipe was perfected and the company came to a conclusion that this best befit their message. “Still trying to figure out how to go sugar-free,” Carpenter joked as she explained her process for the switch.
Highlighting pride
Growing up in Ohio, Via explained to us how she was never fully out to the world regarding her sexuality. So when she came to Ithaca, NY, and built her business from the ground up, she saw what could be possible: promoting queer-owned businesses and queer pride through something just as sweet, cookies! By branding Via’s Cookies as an inclusive space for all LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, she found that her business selling vegan, gluten-free, and overall accessible treats allowed her to reclaim who she is, both in being a queer woman, but also building herself into the strong, independent business owner of an incredibly successful cookie chain. From Via’s Cookies’ beginnings as a company, the logo was imprinted with a pride flag, as a symbol of support. Carpenter admitted, however, that it wasn’t until recent years that she felt confident claiming the queerness within her identity and her company. Her business became a greater way to open up possibilities for herself, something she is adamant about promoting in her mission.
advice from via
Her Campus at Ithaca is made up of a majority of women majoring in business, marketing, communications, digital media, and fields within the media industry. With this audience in mind, we sought to ask Via firsthand what her message is to students trying to break out into the business industry. “Just do it,” was her response. Many industries require one to jump in and get started. Via stated that while getting right to it can be frightening, the most important piece is just laying your foundation. Carpenter also emphasized that you will be told “no” many times, but to take rejection in stride, because it will ultimately help business owners learn what to work towards. But one of the most important pieces of advice she gave is a familiar phrase in the business and communications industries, because it is that crucial to building a career: “build a network and community”. She emphasized the importance of connections, especially with peers working in similar fields. The business industry relies greatly on team work and communication with colleagues, so while it may seem redundant, finding connections is an essential piece of becoming successful and content with the career you want to build!
How to find via’s cookies
Via’s determination, leadership, and generosity have stretched beyond her cookie company. For those looking to try a taste of gluten-free vegan goodness, she is reachable through her Instagram, @Viascookies, as well as her website viascookies.com, which provides shipping anywhere. With products spread across several states and a home location in Ithaca, Via’s success is merely a hallmark of what IC grads are accomplishing.