It’s not uncommon to not know what you want to be when you grow up, even after you are grown up. 

 

 In fact, most people try several careers before they find the one that makes them look forward to work. In an odd twist of events, the pandemic led local baker Hali Phares to her dream job. She opened C&H Expressions last summer and is now known as one of the region’s premier bakers.

 

“I had enrolled in a nursing program, worked in a childcare facility and in a dermatology office, but it wasn’t until I was furloughed during the pandemic that I found what I love to do,” she said.

 

In May, Phares decided to focus solely on being a wife and mother, homeschooling her children full-time.  When she had a minute to relax, she would browse and pin her favorite confections on her Pinterest board. It simply brought her joy. The more she looked, the more she considered trying some of the recipes herself and honing her drawing skills, which were already impressive.

 

When she announced that she wanted to make cookies, her husband fully supported her and the duo began researching what to do to become a West Virginia Cottage Industry. What started as a hobby and an escape from the pandemic led her to her dream of becoming an entrepreneur, with orders streaming in ever since.

 

“I started out making a set of Chick-fil-a themed cookies for my friends since we loved to eat there,” she said.  “That first batch really inspired me and I started to get the necessary tools to create sets for friends and family.  After seeing pictures on social media, orders started coming in from all over the community.”

 

Right now, Phares works out of her home in Bridgeport with the help of her husband and some very supportive friends.  The team effort has allowed her to explore options and expand her products beyond the signature cookies to doughnuts, DIY Cookie Kits and Paint-Your-Own Cookies. She hopes to continue developing holiday specials and exploring new cookie options as well.

 

C&H Expressions is an online business at this point, with pictures and descriptions of the items found at www.chexpressions.com.  

 

The newly launched website offers customizable goods and a platform on which to build strong customer relationships.  Phares also cross-promotes with Sam Hall, her friend who owns Eighteenth Avenue, a local online boutique.  

 

“Being able to collaborate with friends, family and other businesses keeps our creativity flowing and allows us to bounce ideas off each other,” said Phares. “This business has truly been a dream come true and we can’t wait to watch it grow in the future.”