Perseverance: Was Laid off, but she Regrouped! Her Cookies are now sold in 4,100 stores nationwide and Canada.

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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Shica Little.  

Founder of Dr. Shica's Bakery, a rapidly growing plant-based cookie and cookie mix brand. Dr. Little shares her inspiring journey from educator to entrepreneur after losing her job during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as baking in her kitchen and hosting local pop-ups has grown into a national retail brand available in thousands of stores across the United States and Canada.

The conversation highlights entrepreneurship, resilience, faith, product innovation, retail expansion, and building a legacy-driven business.

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Purpose of the Interview

The purpose of the interview was to:

• Share Dr. Shica Little's journey from educator to successful entrepreneur.
• Demonstrate how setbacks can create opportunities for reinvention.
• Discuss the growth of a plant-based food brand from a kitchen startup to national retail distribution.
• Inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities even when they are unplanned.
• Highlight the importance of branding, marketing, community engagement, and preparation.
• Showcase how passion, persistence, and faith can create extraordinary business success.

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Key Takeaways

1. Her Entrepreneurial Journey Began After a Layoff

Dr. Little never planned to own a bakery.

She spent her career in education, earning multiple degrees, including a PhD, and working in education management. After losing her job during the COVID-19 pandemic, a former colleague encouraged her to turn her baking talent into a business.

Key Point: Sometimes entrepreneurship begins when circumstances force you to explore talents you didn't fully recognize.

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2. A Hidden Talent Became a Business Opportunity

Although baking had always been part of her family tradition, Dr. Little initially viewed it as a hobby rather than a career.

After the layoff, she began selling baked goods through pop-up events in Los Angeles and quickly discovered strong market demand.

Key Point: Skills developed informally can become profitable businesses when paired with opportunity and confidence.

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3. Plant-Based Doesn't Mean Sacrificing Flavor

Dr. Little intentionally created vegan cookies that appeal to everyone, not just people following plant-based diets.

Her goal was to develop products that:

• Taste great
• Serve people with dietary restrictions
• Appeal to mainstream consumers
• Offer a healthier alternative without compromising flavor

Key Point: Inclusive products often reach larger audiences.

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4. Customer Feedback Helped Build the Brand

Early pop-up events and mall kiosk locations allowed Dr. Little to test products directly with consumers.

Those experiences helped shape:

• Cookie recipes
• Product offerings
• Packaging decisions
• Future retail opportunities

She continually refined products until they met her standards.

Key Point: Listening to customer feedback accelerates product development.

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5. Celebrity Support Helped Create Momentum

During her Los Angeles pop-up events, several high-profile supporters discovered her products.

These supporters included:

• Doug Ellin, creator of Entourage
• Television producer Teri Weinberg
• Celebrity customers such as Jessica Simpson

The positive feedback helped build confidence and brand credibility.

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6. Innovation Led to Cookie Mixes

As customers asked how to share her products with family members outside California, Dr. Little created cookie mixes.

The mixes allow customers to:

• Ship products nationwide
• Bake fresh cookies at home
• Easily replicate the bakery experience

The idea emerged directly from customer demand.

Key Point: New products often evolve from solving customer problems.

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7. Marketing Begins Before Products Reach Stores

One of Dr. Little's most valuable business lessons involved retail distribution.

She emphasized that entrepreneurs cannot wait until products appear on shelves before promoting them.

Successful launches require:

• Early awareness campaigns
• Consumer demand
• Retail enthusiasm
• Brand visibility

Key Point: Marketing starts before distribution, not after.

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8. Massive Retail Expansion Requires Preparation

The company grew from availability in roughly 200 stores to more than 4,100 retail locations.

Products are being distributed through major retailers including:

• HomeGoods
• TJ Maxx
• Marshalls
• Canadian retail outlets

This expansion transformed the company from a local bakery concept into a national brand.

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9. The Brand Is Expanding Internationally

Dr. Little's business growth has extended beyond North America.

She was selected to:

Speak in Dubai

At a major international snacks and sweets event, she will present on:

• Green snacking
• Plant-based desserts
• Consumer food trends

The event includes thousands of buyers from dozens of countries.

Participate in Canada's Minority Supplier Program

The program connects suppliers directly with buyers interested in innovative and plant-based products.

Key Point: Small businesses can become global brands when founders are prepared for opportunity.

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10. Community Impact Remains a Core Mission

Dr. Little created a fundraising initiative that allows schools, churches, and organizations to raise money through cookie and cookie mix sales.

The program:

• Gives organizations a percentage of sales
• Handles product fulfillment directly
• Reduces logistical burdens for schools and nonprofits

Her goal is to support communities while growing the business.

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11. Legacy Is Bigger Than Sales

When discussing her long-term vision, Dr. Little explained that she wants to build a household brand similar to iconic baking companies.

Her dream is to create:

• A nation