In a unique conversation with PEOPLE, Ashley Fields and her mother, Debbi Fields, reflect on a childhood filled with cookies and the shared legacy of baking that they are now set to carry forward into a modern era. Ashley is preparing to launch her own cookie brand, Fields Good, inspired by her mother’s renowned enterprise, Mrs. Fields.
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Debbi, who founded the iconic cookie brand, created a warm and inviting environment for her five daughters, immersing them in the baking world from an early age. Ashley, now 38, reminisces about this upbringing in rural Utah, where she was acutely aware of her mother’s pioneering spirit. “You see your mum going to work and doing all these things, but it wasn’t until later in life that I realised what an enormous deal it was that I had an entrepreneur as my mum,” Ashley stated, reflecting on her mother’s impact on her life.
The ethos of following one’s passion has deeply influenced Ashley. “My mum would always say, if you do what you love, you never work a day in your life,” she noted. This philosophy has guided Ashley as she embarks on her entrepreneurial journey with Fields Good, a cookie brand that aims to evoke joy rather than feel like a grind. She describes her efforts in the project as a blend of love and enthusiasm, aiming to please others through her creations.
Growing up in the Fields household, Ashley and her siblings became the centre of attention among friends, in part due to their mother’s delicious baked goods. “Our house was the favourite,” she recalls, with friends delighted to find an endless supply of cookies and sweets available. This tradition continues today, as their mother always has jars filled with candy scattered throughout her home.
Debbi Fields shared her experience involving her daughters in the baking process, despite their youthful tendencies to munch on the raw ingredients. “When I was making recipes, Ashley would often be sitting on the counter,” Debbi remembered, amused at how her daughter would sneak chocolate chips while she wasn’t looking. This lively interaction not only established a deep connection between mother and daughter but also planted the seeds of entrepreneurship.
The stirring stories continued with a fond memory of Ashley surprising her mother on live television by proclaiming Oreos as her favourite cookie, much to Debbi’s amusement. “I gave her a look that I’m just like, ‘How could you say that?’” Debbi laughed, highlighting the playful dynamic between them.
Debbi’s journey as a cookie innovator began in her teens. She created her soft-baked cookie recipe at 13 while trying to navigate her mother’s curiosity about her cookie consumption. Avoiding guilt, she crafted a large cookie to simplify her answer and found that the biggest cookie was in fact a clever solution to her dilemma.
Though Debbi sold Mrs. Fields in 2000, her passion for baking has not waned. Ashley recalled how her mother continues to surprise friends with her cookies, which became particularly popular during her time at Stanford University. “You’d send it to the group chat and be like, ‘Hey, we’ve got cookies,’ and it would just be a zoo,” Ashley shared, describing the enthusiastic response from friends, eager for freshly baked treats.
Ashley affectionately labels her circle of friends as “Camp Debbi,” noting that her mother has become a cherished figure in their lives. “She’s the nucleus for so much of us,” Ashley said, reflecting on the warmth and connection Debbi fosters within her community.
With the launch of Fields Good, Ashley aims to bridge the gap between indulgent snacks and less appetising health foods. The brand features innovative cookies, like a mocha dark chocolate variety packed with caffeine and a relaxing oatmeal raisin cookie laced with L-theanine designed for better sleep.
Debbi expressed pride in Ashley’s endeavours, noting her daughter’s growth and confidence as she navigates her entrepreneurial path. “I love the fact that she’s out there, she’s facing her fears, and more importantly, she’s not giving up her dreams,” she remarked.
Reflecting on her past struggles, Debbi shared her own journey of self-discovery. Having grown up in difficult circumstances, she realised that her true challenge was proving her worth to herself. “I was always trying to prove to others that I was worthy of their attention,” she explained, recognising the evolution of her own self-belief as she watched Ashley forge her path.
Through their shared experiences, both Debbi and Ashley Fields embody the spirit of entrepreneurship. As they enter this new chapter together, they remain tethered by a love for baking and a deep familial bond. Fields Good not only represents a future filled with delicious possibilities but serves as a tribute to their lasting legacy in the world of cookies.