Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Chov
Hi Sara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey began with my parents, whose resilience and persistence helped them escape the Pol Pot regime, also known as the Killing Fields. After several attempts to flee, they were finally sponsored by a family in Holland, Michigan. From there, they moved to California and opened a humble donut shop. My siblings and I spent a lot of time there after school, but my favorite memories were waking up early during summer breaks to make donuts and bake cookies with my dad. One of my favorite tasks was topping big cookies with extra chocolate chips.
When I was in middle school, we moved to Houston, and I’ll never forget trying my first thick, soft chocolate chip cookie—it felt like receiving a warm hug from Grandma. From that moment, I was determined to recreate that same feeling. Over the years, I baked for family and friends, constantly refining my chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Fast forward to 2020, when the world shut down, and vanilla extract became scarce. I dove into researching how it’s made and discovered that a double-fold vanilla extract aged for a year created the perfect flavor profile for my cookies. My recipe felt complete, and while many people encouraged me to sell them, I dismissed the idea, thinking no one would actually want to buy them.
Everything changed after my father-in-law, whom I lovingly call my bonus dad, passed away. He had the biggest heart and always lived life to the fullest. During that time of reflection, I felt this nagging question: ‘If not now, when?’ With the support and encouragement of family and friends, I decided to take a leap of faith.
At Chovie’s Treats, we focus on premium ingredients and personal touches to create treats that feel as special as the moments they’re made for. What started as a cottage bakery has become a dream in the making, with hopes of one day growing into a brick-and-mortar shop.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Running a cottage bakery has been a huge learning curve, with something new to learn at every turn. Each market and custom order teaches us valuable lessons and often leads to refining our processes. Working in small batches takes more time, which makes time management crucial. If we fall behind schedule, it can create a domino effect, sometimes leading to sleepless nights to meet deadlines.
As a cottage baker, I wear many hats: baker, marketer, salesperson, and accountant. Balancing these roles can be challenging, but I always stay focused on why I started this journey and the people I create these treats for. That motivation keeps me moving forward, even on the toughest days
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We handcraft our own double-fold vanilla extract, aged for a full year to bring out its rich, complex flavors, which shine in every bite of our small-batch baked goods. With a focus on premium ingredients and a personal touch, we strive to create treats that feel as special as the moments they’re made for.
We offer soft seasonal drop cookies, paint your own cookies, decorating cookie kits and customized soft bite vanilla sugar cookies.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe resilience is the most important quality for achieving success. Running a business comes with inevitable challenges, from unexpected setbacks to balancing multiple roles. Resilience allows you to adapt, learn from mistakes, and keep pushing forward, even when things don’t go as planned. It’s about staying focused on your goals, finding solutions, and continuing to show up for yourself and our cookie fans every day. With resilience, challenges become opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chovieseatsandtreats.myshopify.com
- Instagram: @choviestreats
- Facebook: @chovie.s.eats.and..treats..llc
