In this episode of That Was Delicious, host Brooke welcomes the iconic Debbi Fields, the founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies, to discuss her journey from a young cookie enthusiast to becoming America's Cookie Queen. Debbi shares her story of growing up in a modest household, the challenges she faced while building her cookie empire, and how her determination and passion for quality ingredients led to her success. Listeners will gain insights into Debbi's entrepreneurial spirit, her innovative approach to overcoming business challenges, and the importance of perseverance. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply love a good success story, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiration. Key Takeaways

• [07:58] The Power of Passion and Quality Ingredients: Debbi shares how discovering butter as a key ingredient transformed her baking and led her to commit to using only the best ingredients.
• [13:01] Facing Rejection and Persevering: Despite numerous rejections from investors, Debbi's relentless pursuit of her dream helped her secure the funding needed to start Mrs. Fields.
• [21:20] Innovative Marketing Techniques: On the first day of business, Debbi's innovative approach of giving away free cookies to attract customers helped her turn failure into success.
• [25:01] Building a Brand Around Customer Experience: Debbi focused on creating a memorable customer experience, believing that customer satisfaction would naturally lead to financial success.
• [29:18] Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges: Balancing her role as a mother of five and a businesswoman, Debbi talks about the importance of finding support and staying true to one's personal and professional goals.
• [36:34] Empowering Employees and Creating a Positive Culture: Debbi discusses her unique hiring process, emphasizing the importance of passion for the product and the ability to create a fun and engaging environment.
• [44:58] Adapting to Change and Knowing When to Let Go: Debbi reflects on the difficulty of selling her company and the importance of staying true to one's values, even when faced with challenging decisions.

Notable Quotes

• (08:15) "Butter changed my life. At 13, I decided I would never use margarine again. Quality is affordable."
• (16:30) "The chance will never come if you give up. Keep knocking, keep asking, because someone out there wants to say yes to you." 
• (25:10) "I never focused on money. The only register that matters is you want to register happiness."
• (39:25) "When you're building a company, you need people willing to move mountains, to do something fun, different, and even embarrassing." 

Resources:

• Visit the official Mrs. Fields website
• Purchase Debbie’s Cookbook, Mrs. Fields Cookie Book
• Follow Debbi Fields on Instagram
• Follow Female Foodie on Instagram