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

Hi Nofar, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
What makes me truly happy is connection. There is nothing better than spending quality time with my family, and I carry that same warmth into my shop, Ali’s Cookies Emory, that is located in Emory village, Atlanta GA. I find so much joy in baking cookies and custom cookie cakes that become part of my customers’ celebrations. Seeing a customer’s face light up when they take that first bite – knowing I’ve provided them with the best possible experience – is what keeps me inspired every day.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets us apart is the incredible variety and the ‘scratch-made’ quality. My husband and I manage every detail together, ensuring we offer something for everyone. We take pride in our massive selection—we have over 35 different varieties of cookies baking daily. We also know how important inclusivity is, so we’ve perfected six different gluten-free flavors and two vegan options that taste just as indulgent as our traditional recipes.

Beyond cookies, we’ve grown into a full dessert destination. We offer 12 flavors of premium ice cream, creamy milkshakes, and a full beverage menu including coffee, tea, and soft drinks. We are also known for our customized cookie cakes, which have become a staple for celebrations in the Atlanta area.

The journey to where we are today wasn’t easy. Because my husband and I do everything ourselves, the workload can be intense. From mastering the logistics of 35+ flavors to being the ones behind the counter every day, it’s a 24/7 commitment. We overcame the challenges by staying organized and never compromising on quality. We’ve learned that in a small business, your greatest asset is your partner. We divide and conquer, and our shared passion for the brand keeps us moving forward even on the longest days.

We are most proud of being a ‘one-stop shop’ for joy. Whether someone is stopping in for a quick coffee and a cookie, or a family is ordering a custom cake for a major milestone, we love being the place where the community comes to treat themselves. We want the world to know that Ali’s Cookies Emory is a true labor of love. When you walk in, you’re being served by the owners who personally care about every scoop of ice cream and every chocolate chip in that cookie.

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.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want them to see the Atlanta I love – a mix of beautiful nature, hidden gems, and, of course, incredible food!

Day 1: The Emory Village Welcome We’d start right in my neighborhood! We’d grab coffee and a fresh cookie at Ali’s Cookies Emory, then walk through the beautiful Emory University campus. It feels like a park! For dinner, we’d stay in the Village and eat at Falafel King or Double Zero for some great atmosphere.

Day 2: The Beltline & Ponce City Market You can’t visit Atlanta without walking the Eastside Beltline. We’d start at Ponce City Market for the skyline views from the roof, then walk down to Krog Street Market for some local snacks and people-watching.

Day 3: Nature in the City I’d take them to Lullwater Preserve. It’s right near us and feels like a secret forest with a lake and waterfalls. It’s the perfect place to clear your head. Afterward, we’d head to Virginia-Highland to browse the cute boutiques.

Day 4: Culture & History We’d head downtown to the Georgia Aquarium – it’s world-class. Then, we’d visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park to show them the deep history of this city.

Day 5: The “Jewel” of Midtown We’d spend the afternoon at Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The ‘Earth Goddess’ sculpture is a must-see. For dinner, we’d go to The Optimist for some of the best seafood in the city.

Day 6: Westside Vibes I love the Westside Provisions District for the industrial-chic vibe. We’d grab drinks at a rooftop bar and enjoy the sunset over the city.

Day 7: A Sweet Goodbye We’d end the week back at the shop! I’d have them help me box up a Cookie Cake to take home. We’d grab a late lunch at General Muir (best pastrami in town!) before heading to the airport.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my husband, who is my partner in both life and business. We are in the trenches together every single day making sure everything at Ali’s Cookies Emory is perfect. There’s something so special about building a dream with your best friend. We also owe so much to our customers; they are the reason we get to do what we love together. Seeing the same faces come back week after week makes us feel like we’re part of the fabric of this community.

Website: https://aliscookiesemory.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliscookiesemorylocation/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aliscookiesemorylocation?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@aliscookiesatemory?_r=1&_t=ZP-93QgAGMh2ty

Image Credits
Beth Rabinowitz Intro Photography, and Melissa G Photography.

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