Inspiring Conversations with Arkeisha Cox of KeKe’s For Real Dough

Today we’d like to introduce you to Arkeisha Cox.

Hi Arkeisha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
COVID-19 hit my family extremely hard… From November 2019 to May 2020 my income gradually decreased by about 90%. I knew I had to do something to help bring in some kind of income in these uncertain times, so I decided to bake! I felt like the cupcake market was so saturated and I always loved dessert and wine. So out of means of survival, KeKe’s For Real Dough was born!!! I wanted to stand out and give my customers options hence the tagline “Baked… Mixed… Frozen” My customers can order their cookies baked, get the mix and bake themselves later or pick up an order of cookie dough!

Once I finalized the concept, I had to figure out how I was going to get my name out to the masses. I signed up to become a merchant on Groupon and then I applied for AirBnB Experiences in which I was approved for both programs. To date, I am proud to announce I have acquired more than 600 vouches and experiences from people here in Nashville and all over the country!

It has truly been a humbling feeling to know that I am a part of people’s plans any given weekend as they support local businesses or travel to Nashville from another state.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with any new business, there are going to be bumps in the road and COVID-19 only heightened the situation. The first three months of my experiences kept getting canceled due to restrictions.

When meeting with new customers or guests for my experiences I had to account for social distancing and safety. I also took a lot of extra steps to make sure everything and every space were sanitized even more so than normal.

As you know, we’re big fans of KeKe’s For Real Dough. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
KeKe’s For Real Dough is a Luxurious Gourmet Cookie business founded in Nashville, TN. Customers have three options in how they would like to purchase their cookies. What sets me apart from other companies is that all of my dough and cookies are made the day of your order, I am most proud of the reviews I receive from Groupon and Airbnb Experiences.

I can feel the love my clients have for me and they all want me to do well and that says a lot! I invite all of your readers to try “The Tracey” which was inspired by my bestfriend, Tracey. It is my number one seller and absolutely divine!!!

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Absolutely!!! I’ve learned it is ok to pivot. If things don’t go as planned be flexible and keep trying!!!

Pricing:

• 1 Dozen Cookies $9.99
• 1/2 Dozen Jumbo $9.99
• Cream de la Crumb Pound Cake $19.99
• Brunch $30.00

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @kk4rd
• Facebook: @kk4rd
• Other: https://www.groupon.com/deals/keke-s-for-real-dough-1 | https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1491371