Turning Health into a Small Business
At 27, Memphis native Hannah Mooney is balancing a growing business, a daily fitness routine, and life as a single mom of two. But just a few years ago, she never imagined she’d be known for protein-packed cookies that sell out week after week.
Hannah’s journey began with her own health transformation. Three years ago, she decided to prioritize fitness and nutrition, eventually losing 70 pounds and dramatically improving her quality of life. “I wasn’t raised eating healthy, but I always loved cooking,” Hannah says. “I thought working out was embarrassing for some reason,” she laughs. At age 25, Hannah felt the need to get back to herself and found herself in the gym for the first time.
Determined to learn more about fitness, Hannah began researching workouts and nutrition on her own. Without a trainer, she developed a disciplined routine centered on weightlifting and structured meals. These days, she trains like a bodybuilder by lifting heavy weights with light cardio mixed in, and rarely misses her 9 a.m. workout at Lifetime Fitness, where her two children, ages five and six, often tag along.
Her commitment to nutrition quickly became a passion for Hannah, and she began meal-prepping high-protein foods for family and friends and experimenting with healthier baked goods like muffins and cookies. One day while experimenting in the kitchen, Hannah developed a protein-packed cookie recipe that she knew would be a hit. “It was way too good to be so high in protein,” she remembers.
Encouraged by friends, she started sharing the treats more widely. What began as a hobby quickly evolved into “Busy Little Baker”, her small baking business built entirely through word of mouth and social media. Since launching in late December, Hannah has sold more than 3,000 cookies without running a single advertisement.
The overall mission of Busy Little Baker is to create indulgent treats that still align with health goals. Her baked goods are high in protein and made without dyes, additives, or preservatives, an appealing option for fitness enthusiasts and busy moms like herself. “I love sweets, and I know a lot of people do,” Hannah says. “I wanted something you could enjoy without guilt while still hitting your macros.”
Orders are currently placed through direct messages on social media, with pre-orders offered several times each week. Hannah also hosts pop-ups at local fitness studios, gyms, and wellness spaces around Memphis. Hannah hopes to bring Busy Little Baker products to Nashville soon and eventually make them available for nationwide shipping.
Find Hannah on Instagram @TheBusyLittleBaker to place an order and learn about upcoming pop-ups!
By Zoe Harrison
Photo by Tindall Stephens
