The Shippensburg University Small Business Development Center is spotlighting alumna Jen Acuna as part of Shippensburg University’s 250th America the Entrepreneurial initiative.
Acuna, a graduate of Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, earned a degree in mathematics with an economics concentration and a minor in psychology. She is the founder and owner of Bessie’s Best Lactation Cookies in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Acuna founded Bessie’s Best Lactation Cookies to support breastfeeding mothers with small-batch lactation cookies designed to nourish and encourage mothers. She described herself as an “accidental entrepreneur” after working in roles outside her field before starting the business.
As the company expanded, Acuna sought guidance and resources from the Shippensburg University Small Business Development Center. She received business insight and strategic support to help scale operations sustainably.
Acuna said owning a small business presents challenges, particularly serving mothers who are sleep-deprived and often overlooked. She credited her psychology coursework with helping her relate to customers and focus on their needs. She also cited her background in math and economics as instrumental in managing analysis, problem-solving, and organization within the business.
Bessie’s Best Lactation Cookies now reaches families nationwide through retail partnerships with Walmart, Amazon, and grocery stores. The company continues its mission to support mothers while expanding its national presence.
Bessie’s Best Lactation Cookies is based in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. More information is available at www.bessiesbest.com and on the company’s social media platforms.
Photo credits to Shippensburg University Small Business Development Center
