Meet Nekeshia Lake: Owner and Operator of The Puddin Cookie Company

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nekeshia Lake and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nekeshia, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
When all is said and done, I want The Puddin Cookie Company to have two locations open to the public and also have products on the shelves of other small businesses; specifically food trucks.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a woman who wears many hats. Professionally, I am an Environmental Ecologist and a business owner. Neither journey has been easy but the journey has been well worth it. I’ve had to overcome financial hardships while in school, working full-time and at times multiple jobs while attending both undergraduate and graduate school full time. As I learned how to navigate life and make things work, I have gained experiences and skills that have taught me how to be flexible, manage multiple projects and lead others. I’ve learned to think on my feet, to say, “No” to opportunities that are conducive to your short or long term goals, and to always have more than one route to arrive to your destination. I want the world to know that my brand is associated with patience, quality, and love. The same characteristics I look for in a business is what I aim to provide for my customers.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since my best friend and I both love the outdoors I’d take her to locations that would show off the diverse beauty of the city. Places that have nice sights and sounds and you’re free to take a stroll. We’d go hiking at Stone Mountain Park, eat brunch at Thumbs Up Diner in Atlanta, and visit the Georgia Aquarium the first outing. The second day of sightseeing would include a stroll along the Atlanta belt line Eastside where we could stop for smoothies at Arden’s Garden prior to walking through Piedmont Park, that evening we could hang out in Little five points to check out the shops and bars and then hit Fellini’s for pizza. The last day of her visit we would grab a burger and fries from Slutty Vegan (Edgewood) and go browse the boutiques in downtown Decatur. It’s a nice area to browse and stroll. We’d end the night enjoying some ice cream at Butter and Cream after we had drinks and burritos at The Raging Burrito. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shout out to my husband and biggest supporter John Lake Jr. He has always encouraged me to chase my dreams and do what makes me happy. He enhances the approach to my visions and give great input and honest feedback. My friends and family are also due credit. Thank you for taste testing, patronizing, and advertising my business. I am so grateful for you all.

Instagram: the_puddincookieco

Linkedin: Nekeshia N. Lake MPH, E.H.

Facebook: the_puddincookieco

Image Credits
Crown photography by Dame Nekeshia Lake John Lake Jr