At just 17, Pedro Florez has turned his love for baking into a successful business. What started as a hobby has grown into a thriving cookie business, with a loyal following of customers who can’t get enough of his treats.

Pedro first got the idea for his cookie business during the pandemic. “I’ve always enjoyed baking, but I never thought it could be a business,” Pedro said. “One day, I baked some cookies for my family, and they loved them so much I thought, why not share them with others?”

What started as a few batches sold to friends and family quickly grew into something bigger. Word spread, and soon Pedro’s cookies were in high demand. “I spent a lot of time perfecting my recipes,” Pedro said. “I wanted my cookies to stand out, so I focused on making the flavors unique and delicious.”

Pedro has found a balance between running his business and keeping up with schoolwork. “It’s all about managing my time,” he said. “I don’t sleep much, but it’s worth it because baking is my passion. My friends and family have been really supportive, and I always make sure my schoolwork comes first.”

Pedro’s customers are just as enthusiastic. “I’ve been buying cookies from Pedro for a while now, and they’re always amazing,” said Susana Pertuz, a loyal customer. “They’re different from store-bought cookies because you can tell he puts a lot of care into them. The combination of sweetness and a little bit of sea salt makes them perfect.”

Pedro’s cookies are becoming well-known in the community, and he’s starting to see the benefits. “I recommend his cookies to everyone,” Susana added. “Whenever I give someone a box, they always ask for more!”

Of course, with success comes competition. One of Pedro’s competitors, Camila Gutierrez, runs her own cookie business. “Pedro’s cookies are really good, and he’s a tough competitor,” Camila said. “But we each have our own style. I focus on different flavors, while Pedro has perfected his classic cookies.”

Pedro agrees that competition is healthy. “It motivates me to keep improving,” he said. “We all learn from each other, and in the end, it’s about giving customers the best experience possible.”

Looking ahead, Pedro has big plans. “I’d love to open a small shop one day,” he said. “But for now, I’m working on creating new flavors and maybe offering cookies for special occasions.”

Pedro reinvests most of his earnings into his business, using it to buy better equipment and ingredients. “I don’t keep much for myself,” he said. “I want to keep growing the business.”

Pedro’s cookie business may still be young, but it’s already growing quickly. Whether he’s baking, managing his time, or facing competition, Pedro’s dedication is clear. “I never thought it would get this big,” he said. “But I’m really grateful for everyone who’s supported me. This is just the beginning.”

For his customers, one thing is certain: Pedro’s cookies are here to stay.