One Smart Cookie
Written by Megin Potter | Photos Provided
People say they are the best brownies they’ve ever had!
When 11-year-old Isla Davis won second place at the 8th Annual Ballston Spa’s Chocolate Festival in February, she was disappointed.
Competing against more than 20 area chefs, restaurants, and bakeries, Isla, a fifth-grader at Gordon Creek Elementary School, had launched her budding business, Isla’s Divine Desserts, in September.
In just six months, demand grew so much that to keep up, lsla’s mom, Alyson, quit her job as a home health aide to don an apron.
They distributed 750 Mocha Choco Latte brownie samples at the event.
“It was a lot of work and Mom did a lot,” said Isla, adding, “I was sad I got second place, especially because we lost by only two votes, but it was a really good first experience.”
Whipping Up Excitement
Isla was inspired to start the business after a trip to Proctor’s where she saw Waitress, the story of a small-town baker following her dreams.
Beginning by selling her baked goods from a table on their Ballston Spa front lawn, Isla’s Divine Desserts has now expanded into a self-serve shed out of which they sell cookies, brownies, pies, cakes, cupcakes, and energy bites.
“It’s completely off the beaten path on a very country road. It’s not convenient at all. That this is working, and so many people are coming, is amazing,” said Alyson.
Mounds of Support
After selling products to her neighbors, at the school’s homecoming game, and drumming up support on social media, a spark ignited the surge of public interest to follow: Helen Christopher, the owner of Galway’s Brookledge nature retreat, wanted to serve Isla’s Divine Desserts to her guests.
Local media picked up the story, followed by national coverage of the young entrepreneur on Fox Business News “Mornings with Maria.” Customers began dropping off donations of cake pans, cooking supplies, and cookbooks.
Isla’s Divine Desserts obtained their NYS Home Processor permit and started shipping products within the state.
The Icing on the Cake
In addition to baking, Isla enjoys cheer and drama club. She is still learning about things like spreadsheets and margins.
After saving the majority of what she earns, Isla recently splurged and bought a hoverboard. It is a reward that keeps her motivated, said Alyson, as she happily keeps the home ovens burning.
Isla’s Divine Desserts, 301 Hop City Road, is open Monday–Friday,
8 am – 6pm, Saturday & Sunday, 9 am – 6 pm. Order online at islasdivinedesserts.godaddysites.com. For updates, follow them on Facebook.
