Meet Jill Harp | Owner & Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jill Harp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jill, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is pretty basic: being a genuine human with a quality product. The way you portray yourself translates into the kind of business you run. I want every one of my customers to feel assured that they’re receiving a quality product from someone who genuinely cares they have the best experience possible.

What should our readers know about your business?
I think what sets me apart from others is that “down home-Grandma’s kitchen” vibe. I focus on classic flavors and put my own spin on them, while still keeping that nostalgic feel. I’m honestly so proud of how much the bakery has grown since I opened. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but a lot of learning experiences have come from it. There’s always going to be challenges, like marketing or the economy itself, that can become bumps in the road. I always tell myself that you just need to keep going, because you have something amazing to offer people, and perseverance always prevails. I just want the world to recognize The Little Chip as an overall experience. I focus on flavor with a rustic approach, but ultimately want to evoke those emotions of “home.” Whether it’s a memory from childhood or just a feeling that makes you all warm and fuzzy from the inside.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There’s too many to list! Honestly, all of downtown Janesville is such a melting pot of shops and restaurants. I would probably try and stop in every single one. Not only does it have a great mix of offerings, but the store owners are so down to earth and helpful.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I feel like this is a two-part shoutout. First and foremost I have to recognize my amazing husband. He never wavered in his support of opening my own home-based bakery, and encouraged me every step of the way. He’s also my toughest critic and has no issue telling me if a recipe needs some adjustments! Without his love and encouragement I wouldn’t have been able to make the leap.

Secondly, the wonderful community I’m apart of. Without them I wouldn’t have a business, so a huge shoutout goes out to everyone who took a chance on a girl with a small bakery at home, and then in turn spread the word.

Website: https://www.thelittlechipcookieco.com

Image Credits
Jen Madison Photography
Jill Harp