North Phoenix Community Spotlight
The Living North Phoenix Community Spotlight is our way of celebrating the people and small businesses that make our community unique.
Each month we highlight a neighbor’s story — their journey, their challenges, and the passion that drives them.
Community Spotlight: Jessie Morse – Sugar Mamas Cookies
a life changing moment
In September of 2022, Jessie’s long struggle with alcoholism came to an abrupt end after a serious car crash. While everyone involved was mostly physically okay, Jessie faced surgeries on her tibia and fibula — and a long road of recovery, not just physically but from her substance abuse as well.
She remembers it as the turning point that set her on an entirely new path: a commitment to sobriety, growth, and finding something meaningful to pour her energy into.
And thus Sugar Mama’s Cookies North Phoenix was born!
From Recovery to Cookies
During those early months of healing, Jessie realized she needed something to keep her grounded. “One can only do so many virtual AA meetings and phone scrolling in bed with a messed-up ankle,” she recalls. Out of that boredom and search for purpose, Sugar Mama’s Cookies came to life.
She officially launched her cookie business in March of 2023, putting in long days and nights experimenting with recipes and honing her craft. Jessie estimates she spent countless 16-hour days baking, practicing, and perfecting every detail.
What started as a small project quickly became a passion. Sugar Mama’s Cookies is now a thriving business that reflects her resilience, creativity, and determination.
A New Chapter in Life
Now at 2.5 years sober — and just one month shy of celebrating three years — Jessie looks back at the transformation with gratitude.
“Sobriety and this business go hand in hand in every way. I’ve learned to set boundaries, reinvent my circle of friends, and outgrow my old skin. I think it’s safe to say I’m in it for the long haul, and I couldn’t be prouder or more excited about it.”
Through her cookies, Jessie has found not just a new career but a new life — filled with purpose, confidence, and a supportive community that continues to grow alongside her.
Order your cookies from Jessie here
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Living North Phoenix, at its core, represents Community. We highlight local Business Owners and in our Together Toward Tomorrow Series we also highlight individuals making a positive impact in North Phoenix on our local Communities. Make sure to read about Evan in one of our posts.
Did we stop there? No. We also have a fabulous blog series from a School Adminstrator, Megan, in our Straight As Series: Advice, Answers and Announcements. Read some of the latest North Phoenix school tips here.
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