The List: Lowrider Cookie Co.’s Emily Allport

While some measure success in milestones, Lowrider Cookie Co. owner Emily Allport has a different view.

“I don’t like thinking about ‘I made it’ because it makes it sound like the journey is over,” she said. “The journey is the best part. Sitting back and thinking ‘I made it’ sounds very boring to me.”

“It has been my dream since I was a kid to open my own bakery,” she added.

Before opening Lowrider, Allport worked as a pastry chef for almost seven years. Allport launched Lowrider as a one-woman operation at the Burien Farmers Market. Since then, the company has expanded into a regional business with four storefront locations: the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Burien, and Seattle’s Greenwood and Central District neighborhoods.

“When people come into our stores, I hope we provide a moment of escapism for them,” she said. “Everyone has stress in their lives, so I hope we can provide a happy moment and a delicious cookie.”

The name Lowrider Cookie Co. is a reference to Allport’s dachshunds, Smokey and Riley — her “lowriders” — and reflects the brand’s mission to remain close to home and community-focused. Allport makes a point of partnering with fellow local businesses whenever the opportunity arises. According to the company’s website, everything from packaging to apparel is produced by local partners.

For Allport, finding inspiration is as easy as visiting the local grocery store or farmers market. She also shared her go-to baking songs, dream customers, and some local dining recommendations.

Sources of Inspiration

• The grocery store — I love looking at products and being inspired by nostalgia.

• The Sally’s Baking Addiction website

• The farmers market — seeing all the produce and being around people who are passionate about what they’re selling is always inspiring.

Songs You Listen to in the Kitchen

• “Baby” by Justin Bieber

• “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift

• “Please Please Please” by Sabrina Carpenter

People You Would Love to Bake for

• Guy Fieri — he is my small business hero.

• Mary See

• Ina Garten

Recommendations for Visiting Friends and Family

• Centro Neighborhood Kitchen in Burien

• Stevie’s Famous in Burien

• Bar del Corso in Seattle

Comfort Foods

• Pepperoni pizza with hot honey from Stevie’s Famous

• Cheeseburger and fries with lots of ketchup for dunking

• See’s Candies