In the heart of Santa Ana, there’s a story that blends passion, resilience, and a love for the perfect Snickerdoodle cookie. Meet David J., the founder of Brothas Cookies, a business born from a personal mission to bake a better cookie and inspired by a chance encounter that changed everything.
David's journey started humbly. As a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, with degrees in both Electronics & Computer Engineering and Management & Human Resources, David spent his days working full-time in the engineering field. Baking wasn’t even on his radar until a love for Snickerdoodles—and an unfortunate breakage of a cookie—set him on a completely new path.
“One day, I bought a Snickerdoodle from 7/11, and when it broke apart, I thought, ‘I can make my own!’” David recalls. His first attempt? Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly a success. But what started as a failed experiment quickly grew into a passion project. David began making cookies for family gatherings, determined to perfect his recipe. He kept at it, constantly improving and experimenting.
Inspiration hit hard after a surprising interaction with Jordan Bentley, the founder of the anime clothing brand, Hypland. David remembers assuming that Jordan was just a photographer because of his age and car, only to later discover that he was the successful business owner. “That moment made me reflect on my own assumptions, and I thought—why not me? Why couldn’t I start my own business?” And so, the seeds of Brothas Cookies were planted.
Despite launching in the challenging environment of a pandemic, David used the time to refine his baking skills, making his cookies better than ever. What began as a small idea has grown into something much larger: a place where cookies and community come together.
The Santa Ana Spirit
Living in the vibrant community of Santa Ana for the past five years, David has found inspiration all around him. “I love the energy here. The food options, the activities, the convenience of being close to everything—it’s all so great.” He envisions Brothas Cookies becoming a go-to spot in Santa Ana, a place where people can hang out, study, and of course, indulge in some delicious cookies.
Dreaming Big for Santa Ana’s Future
David has big dreams for Santa Ana and for his business. His ultimate goal? A storefront right in the heart of the city, where cookies can be freshly baked and enjoyed on the spot. “Right now, it takes a couple of days to complete orders, but I want to offer a space where people can come, relax, and enjoy the vibe—just like the feeling I get from other local spots in town.”
Challenges, Lessons, and Growth
Running a business has come with its fair share of challenges. Without a clear roadmap or a mentor to guide him, David has had to navigate everything from taxes to inventory management. But one thing that’s been consistent is his love for learning and adapting. “It’s like a video game,” he says with a smile. “As your character gets stronger, you unlock new abilities. Business is the same way—you learn, grow, and level up.” His biggest takeaway? Don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary and take advantage of better resources as they become available.
What’s Next for Brothas Cookies?
With his seasonal market now behind him, David has been busy experimenting with new cookie flavors, fusing his love for geek culture, anime, and video games into his brand. “I always ask myself, ‘Is this a business I would shop at? Would I think it’s cool?’ If the answer is yes, I’m on the right track.” He’s focused on building a business that not only delivers amazing cookies but also resonates with the community in an authentic, relatable way.
Stay Connected
Want to keep up with Brothas Cookies? Follow along on Instagram (@brothascookies), where David hosts Chit Chat Wednesdays, sharing updates, business insights, and even manga reviews! It’s a fun, casual way to stay in touch with this ever-growing, geek-inspired cookie empire.
As for David’s message to the next generation of entrepreneurs? “Chasing your dreams isn’t easy, but if you love what you do, you’ll find success. You just need opportunity, ability, and motivation. With those three, you can achieve anything.”
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