Photographer / Christina Cochran
When Emily Austin swapped her first-grade classroom for cookie cutters, she never imagined how sweet the journey ahead would be. A former teacher turned stay-at-home mom and now local entrepreneur, Emily is the creative force behind EA Cookie Co., a Franklin-based bakery known for its beautifully detailed, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
“I’m a former 1st grade teacher turned stay-at-home mama and cookier,” Emily explains. Emily and her husband, Kent, moved to Franklin in 2017 before starting their family. “It was the perfect middle ground when we first got married, between our two jobs.”
Emily’s husband, Kent, 5-year-old son, Noah, and 3-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Norah, are her biggest helpers in the taste-testing department. “They take their job very seriously,” Emily jokes.
Now, what began as a creative outlet during the challenges of early motherhood and the pandemic soon became a thriving small business.
“After having two kids only 19 months apart and navigating life during COVID, I was desperate to use the ‘teacher’ and creative side of my brain again,” Emily says. “I tried a wide variety of hobbies and spent a lot of time praying that the right passion would come along. Oddly enough, that turned out to be cookie decorating.”
Those first batches — shared with her church small group — quickly drew praise and encouragement. On Oct. 1, 2022, Emily officially launched EA Cookie Co., naming it after her initials.
“By the time I started, all of the cute, punny cookie names were taken,” she says. “EA stands for my initials, and Cookie Co. says exactly what I do. It felt right from the start — simple, classic and true to me.”
What makes EA Cookie Co. stand out isn’t just the artistry of Emily’s hand-decorated cookies, but the heart behind them.
“Each cookie is a reflection of my belief in using the gifts God has given me to serve others,” she says, referencing 1 Peter 4:10. “Whether it’s a custom set, a holiday treat or one of my cookie classes, every cookie is created with the intention to bring joy and make someone feel celebrated.”
Among her best-sellers are her deep-dish chocolate chip cookie cakes and her festive Christmas Porch Pop-Up cookies, which draw lines down her driveway each year. Emily also leads cookie decorating classes, held monthly at Millie’s Ice Cream Co., incorporating her passion for teaching.
“As a former teacher, it’s such a full-circle moment,” she says. “These classes allow me to combine my love for creativity, community and connection all in one place.”
Emily has baked for all the special moments over the years, making each celebration a little sweeter.
“I create cookies for just about any occasion you can imagine — birthdays, weddings, baby showers, graduations, corporate events, holidays and everything in between,” she says.
She’s even made cookies for some memorable people like the governor of Indiana and other state leaders, the current Colts head coach, Shane Steichen, and his family, and the annual Colts wives and kids’ party.
Emily credits the Franklin community for much of her success.
“Franklin truly feels like home,” she says. “The way people show up for small shops here is incredible.”
She expresses gratitude for fellow local business owners like Samantha at Millie’s Ice Cream Co. and Tracy at Farm Girl Mercantile, whose support helped EA Cookie Co. grow.
Discover Downtown Franklin also does such an amazing job of giving small business owners opportunities,” Emily adds.
Throughout the year, you can find EA Cookie Co. at the Franklin Farmers Market, Vintage Fests and other local events. To place custom orders or join a decorating class, visit mycustombakes.com/eacookieco or follow @eacookieco on social media.
Reflecting on her journey, Emily sums it up.
“It’s been such a rewarding journey — one that I never could’ve imagined when I started,” she says. “At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to spread God’s love and cookies, one sweet bite at a time. I hope to bake for you soon!”
