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For Brooklyn-based small business owner Carmen Ladipo, her passion for baking began at an early age. "I've had a sweet tooth since the time I recall," Carmen tells . "In the middle of school, I was in a class like Home Economics, where we learnt how to bake cookies. After I realized I could sustain my craving for sweets in my own way I was done."

It wasn't until a few some time afterwards that Carmen was able to earn money from that passion through a small-batch cookies-related e-commerce company on the side. "I'd been moving 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 club and would bring cookies for climbing members and staff--indeed an effective friend-making strategy." After receiving "fervently encouraged" several times to sell her cakes, Carmen took advantage of the time between jobs to register her own business for food in Brooklyn.

"It honestly started out as an excuse to be paid to bake cookies for friends in the area occasionally," Carmen jokes. "But in the past five years Carmen's Cookies has blossomed into an ecommerce site which has me shipping cookies throughout the United States to friends and strangers alike."

We spoke to Carmen about the ways she prioritizes environmental and social impacts of her business, how she manages this single-woman operation alongside other work and obligations, as well as the tools she uses to help her make Cookies operate smoothly.

Local community development and social impact

Customers who go to the Carmen's Cookie site and on social media will be greeted immediately with the warm welcome of Carmen's brand. Its tagline is: "Providing happiness for your closeness." Carmen's selections include the latest seasonal flavor combinations like ras el hanout or matcha lemon. These are in addition to her beloved classics like brown butter chocolate chip and orange clove. It takes only a quick look at the cookies' product reviews to see how much joy these cookies bring to customers everywhere.

But right from the start, Carmen's Cookies has been about more than just selling cookies. "I feel like food business owners are responsible towards the planet and to their local communities to consider their impact," Carmen says.

"There are a myriad of resources that go into creating and selling foods that require attention and consideration in order to minimize environmental harm. To this end, I pay attention to the source of my ingredients from and how their manufacturers consider their environmental and social impact." Carmen is transparent on her website about where she responsibly sources her ingredients. She even includes an interactive way to find out where the baking chocolate she uses comes from.

But her dedication doesn't stop here. "It's crucial for me to discover ways of supporting the ongoing efforts of food justice within the larger Brooklyn neighborhood," Carmen says.

"Every year, I pick one that is directly working with the local community in order for economic development as well as food sustainability. I contribute a percentage of the profits each year to these groups as I believe that Carmen's Cookies to have an effect on the place it calls home." Customers can always check the business's website's About Page for more information about the places Carmen has donated part of the profits.

"As for the Carmen's Cookies community," Carmen adds, "it's been moving to see people come together to supporting different causes over time. The ability to facilitate donations of hundreds of dollars for various local and national organizations for food justice and marginalized communities with the help of cookies has been a high point."