Welcome to The Truth In This Art. I'm your host, Rob Lee. In this episode, we have Kelly Simmons from Aunt Kelly’s Cookies as well as Kris Fulton of Sophomore Coffee. Both businesses are operated by unique, artsy folks, Kelly at Aunt Kelly’s Cookies and Kris at Sophomore Coffee, that chose to set up shop in Baltimore. These are real people who are doing something positive in Baltimore and want to succeed here.The highlight of this episode:Kelly's signature buttercrunch cookies that hit among her customers, and how she started her business after receiving positive feedback from friends and customers.Why giving away products and getting feedback is crucial for improving and developing a successful business.How essential creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere is for both Aunt Kelly and Chris in their respective businesses.Kelly Simmons, the owner of Kelly's Cookies, shares her journey of how she started her bakery in Baltimore. She talks about her love for buttercrunch cookies and how she perfected her recipe over the years. Kelly emphasizes the importance of giving away her cookies to get feedback and improve her product. She also advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on quality and product before chasing money. Rob Lee then interviews Chris from Sophomore Coffee, who shares his passion for coffee and his experience in the coffee industry. Chris discusses the importance of creating a comfortable and inclusive space for customers and the significance of representation in the industry. He also provides tips for coffee enthusiasts to explore and learn more about coffee.Mentioned in this episode:Check out Aunt Kelly's Cookies and tell them MTR Podcasts sent you – 857 N. Howard Street Baltimore, Maryland 21201. Check out Sophomore Coffee and tell them MTR Podcasts sent you –  2223 Maryland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21218🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★