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Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Rona Bachour of Rona’s Cookies

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rona Bachour. Check out our conversation below.

Rona, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Absolutely! Just last week, a customer sent me a picture of her little girl hugging one of our Back-to-School cookie like it was a prized toy, saying, “This is the best day ever!” It made me laugh and melt at the same time. Moments like these remind me why I started Rona’s Cookies — to bring sweet, joyful moments into people’s lives. Seeing our treats spark that kind of happiness (and sometimes even happy tears) makes me feel so proud of what we’re building.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Rona Bachour, the Artisan Baker and heart behind Rona’s Cookies and More. What started as a simple love for decorating cookies at my kitchen table has grown into a brand known for its custom-designed cookies, Puerto Rican almond cake, baklava, gourmet drop cookies and fun cookie decorating classes. My Lebanese roots and years in Puerto Rico inspire a unique blend of flavors and creativity in every treat we make. Beyond baking, Rona’s Cookies is about connection—whether it’s celebrating life’s big moments, teaching someone a new skill, or donating to local schools to give back to the community that supports us. Right now, we’re focused on expanding our seasonal cookie collections and offering more interactive classes to spread joy—one cookie at a time.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was simply Rona — a creative, joyful soul who loved bringing people together with food and laughter. Even now, as a wife, mom of two amazing kids (13 and 9), and someone who’s working in healthcare insurance for over 15 years, I still hold onto that young me who loved to create something from nothing and make people smile. That passion eventually led me to Rona’s Cookies, where I get to bring that same joy to others every single day.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. Just a few months ago, I hit a point where balancing everything felt impossible — working full-time in healthcare insurance, raising two kids, wife, household and running Rona’s Cookies. The late nights, back-to-back orders, and constant feeling of being stretched thin made me question if I should step back. But then I thought about why I started: creating joy through my treats, teaching my kids about perseverance, resilience, and serving a community that has supported me so much. I took a step back, reorganized, and pushed forward. That moment reminded me that sometimes rest and reflection are part of resilience, and I’m proud I didn’t give up.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is family, community, and creating meaningful connections. They know I value showing up for the people I love—whether it’s cheering on my kids, supporting my husband, or being there for a friend in need. They’d also say I care deeply about spreading joy, whether through a heartfelt conversation, volunteering, or something as simple as warmful baked goods that makes someone’s day brighter. At the end of the day, they know I measure success by the happiness I bring to others, not just by achievements.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
They’d miss the personal touch behind every order—the joy, care, and love that goes into each cookie. More than just treats, Rona’s Cookies celebrates life’s special moments and makes people feel seen and cared for.

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