A small local business in Emeryville is under pressure — and its owner needs community support.
Empress, founder of Chocolate Mama Cookie Co., is a mom and entrepreneur who built a wellness-focused cookie brand out of a live-work storefront at The Emery in Emeryville, California. Her cookies are gluten-free, low-glycemic, and keto-friendly — created for people who want delicious treats without compromising their health.
But despite following the rules and receiving approvals to operate, Empress now finds herself facing mounting legal pressure from neighbors and complaints filed with the city, forcing her business to pause operations and pushing her into unexpected legal costs.
She isn’t entirely sure why her business has become the target of these complaints. What she does know is that the situation is threatening both her livelihood and the small community-centered business she worked so hard to build.
Chocolate Mama Cookie Co. represents more than cookies. It represents:
• A woman-owned, Afro-Indigenous owned small business
• A health-conscious brand serving people with dietary needs
• A community gathering space created with intention
Now, instead of focusing on serving customers and growing her business, Empress is facing legal fees and housing stability challenges related to defending her right to operate.
She is raising $30,400 to help stabilize her situation and continue her business.
Funds will support:
• Housing and business stability
• Legal consultation and advocacy
• Restoring operations and reopening the business
If you believe small businesses deserve a fair chance to thrive, please consider donating or sharing her story.
Even sharing this post helps bring attention and support.
You can also learn more about Chocolate Mama Cookie Co. here:
Every cookie is still crafted with care in a licensed commercial kitchen — just as it has always been.
Let’s stand behind a small business owner who is simply trying to make a living and serve her community.
Organizer
