From High School Side Hustle to a Flourishing Business: The Story of Lyssie Lou’s Cookies

Have you ever had that moment when something you love to do just clicks and becomes a bigger part of your life than you ever imagined? That’s exactly how Lyssie Lou’s Cookies came to be. What started as baking sugar cookies with her mom for fun turned into a thriving business—a true testament to how sometimes, the things we do for joy can grow into something much more meaningful.

It all began when Alyssa Gallion and her mother were trying to perfect their sugar cookie recipe and baking for friends and family. Soon after Alyssa needed some extra cash for an overseas trip. She could’ve just taken on a part-time job like most people, but instead, she took the cookies she loved making with her mom and started selling them to classmates. There was just one problem: her school eventually implemented a sugar ban. Did that stop her? Nope. With her teachers turning a blind eye to her sweet crime, she kept selling cookies, sneaking them under the radar in an unmarked box. Alyssa ended up making $5,000—talk about a hustle!

Looking back, Alyssa says it was her mom who really sparked the love for baking. “My mother taught me how to surprise and delight people and go out of your way to make their day,” she remembers. And it’s not just about making cookies; it’s about creating something that brings joy to others. Her parents were also a huge influence, showing her the importance of doing the right thing, treating people with respect, and creating a sense of community. “Everyone in my childhood poured into my life in some way,” she says, “but the most influential people were my parents.” After spending almost two decades working in Customer Success and Product Management, Alyssa also dabbled in event planning for ten years on the side. But it was always the cookies that tugged at her heart. Nearly 17 years after selling cookies at her high school, she decided to open Lyssie Lou’s Cookies, using the same principles her parents taught her: respect, kindness, and dedication.

If there’s one thing she’s learned from running her own business, it’s the importance of community. “It takes each and every person in a community supporting a small business repeatedly for it to succeed,” she says. That’s why every order, every repeat customer, and every positive review feels so personal. It’s not just about selling cookies; it’s about creating something that people come back for—because they believe in what you’re doing.

Along the way, there have been challenges. For one, she’s been dealing with undiagnosed health issues that limit her energy and what she can eat. Inspiring her to make the first and only change to the cookie recipe in 18 years. “Although cookies aren’t healthy, I want them to be the best version of themselves,” she explains. That’s why every cookie at Lyssie Lou’s is made with organic ingredients, natural dyes, alcohol-free vanilla, and locally sourced butter. These aren’t just cookies—they’re crafted with care, with every detail thought through to make sure they’re the best cookies can be.

And the future? It’s looking bright. Lyssie Lou’s Cookies isn’t stopping anytime soon. “One of our key aspirations is to partner with boutique hotels and small businesses to provide sugar cookies as a perk to enhance their hospitality,” she shares. They’re also looking to expand by offering regional shipping in 2025, which will involve moving into a commercial kitchen—a huge step forward. And there’s even a cookie cart in the works, bringing the cookies directly to more people. It’s all part of her dream to share her cookies with as many people as possible and help create new memories around them, just like she did with her mom. She has big dreams, but what’s even more inspiring is her belief that success isn’t just about the business—it’s about the people. “Investing in people is never a waste of time,” she says. In a world that’s constantly moving fast, this reminder to slow down and really invest in the people around you feels like a breath of fresh air. Whether it’s a smile on a customer’s face or the joy of creating something meaningful, the goal is always about connection.

Sweeten up your life, give Lyssie Lou’s Cookie a try! Follow them on Instagram to keep up with Alyssa’s story and Lyssie Lou’s Cookie Journey.