1 - From Corporate Life to Cookiebird: Building a Sweet Little Dream in St. Augustine

Send us Fan MailTucked into the heart of Uptown St. Augustine, Cookiebird Ice Cream Bar was born from a dream Mike and Kate Alfieri never imagined would fully come to life. With no formal restaurant background and years spent in corporate careers, creative work, and family life, the couple took a leap into entrepreneurship fueled mostly by instinct, passion, and a love for community. Along the way, they learned everything from staffing and customer service to soft serve recipes, machine repairs, and the delicate balance of running a family business together. What they created is more than an ice cream shop — Cookiebird has become a nostalgic gathering place rooted in connection, wellness, creativity, and the simple joy of slowing down for something sweet.Follow Mike and Kate: @Cookiebird_IceCreamBarThis episodes Founding Sponsor: www.anastasiadesigngroup.com and find them on social media: IG @AnastasiaDesignGroup and on FB @AnastasiaDesignGroupChapters 00:00 – Behind the Scenes & Starting Over 00:44 – The Dream Behind Cookie Bird Ice Cream 02:51 – From Corporate Careers to Entrepreneurship 05:04 – Learning to Lead, Pivot & Build a Team 07:30 – Why St. Augustine Inspired the Business 09:48 – Creating Clean, Nostalgic Soft Serve for the Community 12:08 – Building a Local Gathering Place & Family Memories 16:09 – Entrepreneurship, Personal Growth & Morning Routines 23:05 – Balancing Marriage, Parenthood & Business Ownership 39:12 – Advice for Young Entrepreneurs & Dreaming BiggerConnect with Host Leandra Sweet: @TheSoulLedSessions