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For Brooklyn-based small business owner Carmen Ladipo, her passion for baking took root early on. "I've always had a craving for sweets since I recall," Carmen tells . "In middle school, I took an class that was like Home Economics, where we learnt how to bake cookies. When I realized that I could sustain my craving for sweets in my own way, it was a wrap."

It wasn't until a few several years afterwards that Carmen began to monetize that enthusiasm by starting a small batch cookies-related e-commerce company in the background. "I'd recently moved to New York City, and I was trying to figure out how to meet new people as an adult," Carmen says. "I joined the local climbing gym and would bring cookies for members of the gym and climbers, which was an effective friend-making strategy." After being "fervently encouraged" repeatedly to market cookies, Carmen took advantage of the time between jobs to register her food-related business Brooklyn.

"It honestly started out as an excuse to get paid to bake cakes for my local customers at times," Carmen jokes. "But in the past five years Carmen's Cookies has grown into an online store which has me shipping cookies throughout the United States to friends and strangers alike."

We talked with Carmen about how she prioritizes social and environmental impact of her business, how she manages this single-woman business with other tasks and responsibilities, and the tools she uses to help her make Cookies operate smoothly.

Local community development and social impact

People who visit the Carmen's Cookies website and social media will be greeted immediately with the warmth of Carmen's brand. The tagline reads: "Providing happiness for your togetherness." Carmen's selections include experimental seasonal flavors like matcha lemon, alongside her beloved classics like the brown butter chocolate chip as well as orange clove. Just a brief look at the reviews of her cookies to see the happiness her cookies have brought to consumers across the globe.

Since the very beginning that Carmen's Cookies was about much more than just selling cookies. "I believe that food-related business owners have a responsibility towards the planet and to their local communities to be mindful of their impacts," Carmen says.

"There are so many resources used in the production and sale of food products that require attention and consideration so that they do the least harm unto the planet. To this end, I am always aware of what my ingredients come from and also how the manufacturers have a view of their own environmental and social impact." Carmen is transparent on her site regarding how she sources her ingredients from. There is even an interactive tool to find out the source of her baking chocolate from.

And her commitment doesn't stop at that point. "It's crucial to me to find ways of supporting the efforts to ensure food justice in the greater Brooklyn community," Carmen says.

"Every year, I choose one that is directly working with its community members to empower economic development and food sustainability. I give a small portion of my annual proceeds to these organizations since I wish for Carmen's Cookies to create a positive impact in the area it has chosen to call home." Customers can always check the business's about page for more information about the places Carmen has been donating part of the sales.

"As for the Carmen's Cookies community," Carmen adds, "it's an inspiring experience to watch the customers unite in the support of various causes throughout the years. Helping facilitate the donation of hundreds of dollars for different national and local charities for food justice and marginalized communities via cookie sales was a great high point."