From one chapter to the next: A mother’s path to sweet success

OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) — There’s a new sweet spot in town — The Milky Cow Bakery.

There’s a new bakery bringing sugar, joy, and a story of perseverance to Ooltewah.

The Milky Cow Bakery has officially opened its doors, and behind the counter is a woman whose journey is as sweet as her treats.

Alex Frick, the owner and heart behind the business, began her entrepreneurial journey in the most humble of places—her kitchen.

“This all started in my kitchen,” Frick explained. “I was scrolling social media and saw a woman up north who had an ice cream bike. I thought, I can definitely do that. So I reached out, asked if I could pick her brain. She had a whole program, but I didn’t take that route. She told me, ‘You’ve already got this going.’ She just kind of guided me. And that’s how it started.”

What began as a side hustle selling safe-to-eat cookie dough out of her two-bedroom apartment in 2017—just after giving birth to her second child—quickly became something more.

“I made cookie dough by the pint so I could stay on maternity leave a little longer,” she recalled. “That extra income helped me stay home with my baby, and I think that’s when my love for side hustles and small businesses really took off.”

At the time, Frick was a single mother—navigating early motherhood while dreaming bigger than her circumstances.

“Being a single mom definitely can put a damper on things,” she shared. “It makes you feel like you’re stuck. But once I got started, I realized that wasn’t true. It’s been fun showing my kids that no matter your circumstances, you can do more. You don’t have to be the statistic—you can open your own business if you want to.”

Frick began attending events with a “Milky Cow” cart, dishing out ice cream sandwiches at weddings, corporate events, and birthday parties.

The name, which drew laughs at first, has now become a community staple.

“I told my husband—back when we were just dating—I wanted to call it ‘The Milky Cow,’” she said with a smile. “He thought it was funny, but said, No, I like it. I think it’ll stick. And it did.”

Now married, Frick said her husband’s support has been vital to the business’ growth.

“When I told him I wanted to open a storefront, he didn’t hesitate. He said, ‘I’ve never seen you do anything that hasn’t worked. If this is what you want to do, go for it.’ Having someone who believes in me—who tells me I’m doing a good job at the end of the day—that’s been everything.”

Frick said word of mouth has been the foundation of her success.

“What was supposed to be a once-a-month gig turned into something much bigger. I’ve made so many relationships, both personal and professional. The community really built this business by sharing it with others.”

Opening a storefront came with its share of hurdles—but also divine reassurance.

“I saw my now landlord putting up a ‘For Lease’ sign and called him right then while he was still on the ladder,” she recalled. “I came and looked at the space, and honestly, I wasn’t sure. So I prayed, asking God for a hard stop if this wasn’t meant to be.”

But that stop never came.

“I met with building inspectors, the health department, electricians, plumbers. It was overwhelming at times. But the last thing the building inspector said to me was, ‘I’m not going to stop you.’ That was my green light. I knew then—we were moving forward.”

Throughout the journey, Frick never lost sight of who she hoped to inspire.

“If you’re a woman—whether you’re a mom or not—if you have an idea, run with it,” she encouraged. “Even if you fail, the process is worth it. You meet so many awesome people and realize what you’re capable of.”

Her long-time friend Bonnie Arnold has watched Frick’s dedication firsthand.

“I’ve been friends with Alex since we were little kids,” Arnold expressed. “She’s always had a passion for baking and has always been amazing at it. I’ve used her for my events for years.”

Arnold marveled at Frick’s drive and ability to balance everything life threw her way.

“It’s honestly exhausting to watch,” she said with a laugh. “I don’t know how she’s done it—especially during the years she was a single mom. I don’t think she’s slept in the last ten years. She’s raised her kids while building a business, and I’m just so proud of her.”

With a passion rooted in motherhood, community, and resilience, Frick hopes her bakery becomes more than a place for treats—but also a source of inspiration.

“I want people to know that if you feel like you’re in a bad place, it’s not permanent,” she said. “You can be or do anything with a little effort and support. If you have an idea that can better your life or your kids’ lives, then try. It won’t be handed to you—but it will take you somewhere.”

The Milky Cow Bakery is now open in Ooltewah, ready to serve up ice cream sandwiches, joy, and a reminder that sometimes the best ideas really do start in your own kitchen.

You can visit The Milky Cow at 5906 Main St #116, Collegedale, TN 37363 or explore more of their sweet offerings online at www.themilkycow.com.