Haleigh Tatko took a wedding gift and used it to help her form her own cookie company. The Ponte Vedra resident’s business slogan is “pharmacist by day, cookie queen by night,” as she shares her “day job” with being the owner of Tatko Cookie Company. She quickly learned that she had a knack for decorating cookies and prides herself in making them look there best for any occasion out there.
Tell us about your background and where you are from?
I’m originally from South Carolina, having lived in the Greenville-Spartanburg and Charleston areas. I moved to Jacksonville in 2019 to finish my Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. My husband and I quickly considered Ponte Vedra to be our new home, and we moved to Nocatee last year.
What led to the idea behind and creation of Tatko Cookie Co.?
Tatko Cookie Co. came about rather unexpectedly!
I received a KitchenAid mixer and some baking supplies as wedding gifts in 2021. After dabbling in cupcakes, cookies and cakes, I decided to attempt decorated royal icing sugar cookies on a whim.
To my complete surprise, the skill of creating these decorative treats came naturally and brought me so much joy. I created Tatko Cookie Co. in order to channel my creative hobby and help others celebrate special occasions with customized cookies.
What are your goals and approach for the business?
My primary goal for Tatko Cookie Co. is to stay true to why I started this business from the beginning by finding joy in each project that I pursue.
Whether it’s custom orders or holiday cookie sales, I want each client interaction and order fulfillment to support my creative freedom and bring happiness to myself and others.
What are the most rewarding parts of the business?
The most rewarding aspects of my business are working with repeat customers and receiving pictures of clients’ family and friends enjoying my creations at their celebratory events.
There is something so special as a small business owner about a client trusting you to be their “cookie lady” on multiple occasions and sharing their experience with you with photos and feedback.
I also had the opportunity to be a vendor at the Nocatee Christmas Market this past holiday season. I met so many wonderful locals who took delight in my festive creations and have worked with me again since the event.
What kind of cookies do you specialize in?
I specialize in decorated royal icing sugar cookies, and I also enjoy making macarons.
What do you enjoy most about living in the Northeast Florida area?
Northeast Florida offers a beautiful and relaxing coastal atmosphere that reminds me of my time spent in Charleston, South Carolina, but what makes us feel at home in Ponte Vedra is the people.
I love getting to meet people from different backgrounds at various walks of life, and learning why they chose Northeast Florida to be their home. I feel very lucky to be a part of a community that enjoys supporting each other in their small businesses and specialized crafts.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My business “slogan” is ‘pharmacist by day, cookie queen by night,’ so Tatko Cookie Co. is a lot of what I do in my free time! I also enjoy going to the beach and taking golf cart rides with my husband and fur daughter, Bella.
