February 19, 2021
BBW MEMBER INTERVIEW: Nanci Gelb + Terri Tsagaris, Co-rockers, Off Our Rocker Cookies
What are your names?
Nanci Gelb + Terri Tsagaris
What is your occupation?
Co-rockers
What is your business name?
How long have you been a Boston Business Women’s Member?
Less than a year
What is your instagram handle?
@offourrockercookies
What is your linked in URL?
Were you born and raised in Boston? If not, what brought you here?
Nanci: Born and raised in NY and became a converted Red Sox and Pats Fan when I moved here in 1990 for marriage! Terri: Born in NC and raised in Utah and converted Red Sox and Pats Fan when I moved in 1982 for Northeastern Law School.
Tell us more about your job or company and what led you to your career?
We, The Co-Rockers, like to call ourselves “Seniorpreneurs,” starting a business at 50 plus in the food industry just when we should be sitting it out on our rockers! When we first came up with the moniker, “Off Our Rocker” we chose a name that embraced our zaniness and our creativity. Picture Lucy and Ethel at the helm, lacking professional baking and packaging skills but armed with humor, tenacity and serious taste buds. Our goal, to prove to the world (ok, maybe just the county proper) that we needn’t envision a future on our rockers knitting and drinking Gin & Tonics on the front porch. At the same time, understanding the value of doing just that – pausing to enjoy the sunset and recognizing that our experiences as mothers, as well as our professional backgrounds, has provided a backdrop to this new chapter. How many times have we told our children that they could “be what and who they wanted to be” (except for President of the US) and how often have we invoked the “follow your passion” line. What better example than to do it ourselves. Entrepreneurship isn’t just for the young, but the young at heart. We want Off Our Rocker Cookies to signify more than just a baked goods company-to show women in their 50’s and up that reinvention is possible, attainable and rewarding. We are most proud of starting a business at 50 plus, for having the courage to reinvent ourselves and to persevere in the food industry. Above all we have made incredible connections with likeminded women and men who are eager to help one another and have found this to be empowering, energizing and fulfilling.
What would your clients say about you and your company?
Delicious plant based cookies made by carnivorous and funny Co-Rockers!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
One Day at a time
What is currently your favorite book?
Nanci: Holes (loved reading it to the kids) Terri: Prayer for Owen Meany
What is your secret weapon? An app, a tool, a organization method, anything?! (Can be a personal or professional life tool)
Nanci: Laughter & Music / Terri: Reiki and laughter
What is your most recent WIN? How are you slaying it in your career or business?
Showing up everyday
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Nanci: Wear sunscreen and skys the limit/Terri: Get back on your bicycle
How do you enjoy your free time?
Nanci: With Terri Terri: With Nanci
What is something that not many people know about you?
We aren't vegans but we love making vegan food!
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