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Hey y'all 👋 This is the 10th LaunchLetter! Each week a founder, business owner and/or CEO answers the same five questions about problem solving and incremental progress while they build their respective companies. Each letter has a few relatable gems to share while you're getting started on your own goals.
I wanted to write this short note to say thank you so much for reading. Now that you know what LaunchLetter is about, I'm going to spend the next 10 issues experimenting a little with building on top of stories, creating different paths, revisiting some of the entrepreneurs and revealing more connections that tie each of us together. The next 10 issues will be more analytical and expose more depth to each person’s journey. Of course you can always email me with feedback: kelley@southernalpha.com.
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Jamie Cox,
Founder and Owner of
The Ruby Cookie
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The slogan says it all. No diets, just cookies. The Ruby Cookie is a bakery in Nashville, TN that focuses on custom cookies and baked goods. This interview sits at a bit of a crossroads, since it covers a few recurring LaunchLetter themes (side hustles and funding). Last week, we covered another business, Haven Lock, whose founders mentioned in their 'unpopular opinion' that committing full-time to building a business isn't always necessary. Jamie shares with us an example of a side hustle that is turning small batches of custom cookies into a big (self-funded) business. Meet your five minute mentor, Jamie Cox.
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I've been working on things like my licenses, business taxes, etc., and the overall user experience for most state websites is just awful and confusing! Luckily I have a lawyer who can navigate all of that for me, but it seems like it should be easier than that!
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Limiting my product offering by saying no. I absolutely hate doing custom sugar cookies, but people always want them and always ask for them. Last time I got an order for them, I realized that I'm the boss and I don't have to take on jobs that I don't want to do (or be known for).
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Waking up at the same time every day and sticking to a schedule! Waking up every day at 6 a.m. has allowed me to have some me-time while working a full time job and running a start up cookie company. I've been able to take control of my schedule and maintain a better work-life balance.
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I have this (maybe crazy) idea that my business needs to be completely self-funded. I think that comes from the way I was raised and the fact that I don't really want to answer to anyone else. I'm starting this business for me because it makes me happy. That opinion may change as I grow, but we'll see!
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If you're not having fun with your side hustle, stop doing it. I've gone on so many random paths when it comes to side hustles because I felt like I needed the money. I've ultimately only stuck with one - The Ruby Cookie - because it's brought me so much joy.
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Jamie Cox is the Owner of The Ruby Cookie, a pop-up custom cookie shop and bakery in Nashville.
Instagram: @TheRubyCookie
Email: Jamie@TheRubyCookie.com
Recent Achievements:
I got a new full time job, which seems crazy since I'm running a cookie business, too. But it's allowed me to have more flexibility in my schedule and increase my take-home pay to help fund The Ruby Cookie.
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We partnered with Otterbase to bring you high demand/quality jobs in Nashville. All of the following jobs have a salary of over 100K.
Think you are great for one of these roles? Send Hunter from Otterbase an email at hmitchem@otterbase.com.
- C#/ .NET Framework Job in Nashville TN
- Well-funded startup backed by a Silicon Valley VC
- Nashville award winner for Startup of the Year
- Heading to becoming cash positive within the first year of being funded
- Full Posting: https://southernalpha.com/?p=730
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Corelley Ventures handles the heavy lifting of software development for any sized business. (Full disclosure, Corelley Venures owns Southern/alpha).
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Cicayda is comprised of data experts and litigation strategists who are personally committed to helping you secure a winning position.
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LaunchLetter got a nice little shout out yesterday in Lookfar's Southern Startup Report. Presented by LookFar, A New Orleans Software Development Studio, and written by Mallory Whitfield, the report covers businesses around the South twice a month. You can subscribe here.
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Spur, a Huntsville, AL based startup, raised an $8M Series A. Spur connects hourly workers in the hotel and restaurant industries. They just added Mark Bezos (Brother of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos) to their board.
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Know someone who will bring perspective and insight to LaunchLetter?
Nominate a founder or CEO who inspires you and we will do our best to invite them to a LaunchLetter interview.
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LaunchLetter is a weekday newsletter from Southern/alpha, a website that features collections of stories and resources for underestimated startup communities.
LaunchLetter is for founders getting started on an idea or business. Our goal is to share the perspective, habits and positive messages of more experienced founders and CEOs. We hope you find it relatable and delightful as you get focused for the day on your own goals. Enjoy the ride.
🚀✉️
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