Monstrous Cookies: Sweet success with a big mission
By Debbie L. Sklar
A booth full of oversized cookies is drawing big attention every Thursday at the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market – and not just for the OG Chocolate Chip, Sweet Lemon Crisps, PB Delight, Rocky Road Brownie, and Sugar Daddy aromas wafting through the air. Behind the booth is JT Bigelow, a 23-year-old entrepreneur with autism, proudly sharing his passion project with the community: Monstrous Cookies.
JT co-founded the business alongside his parents, Julie and Devin Bigelow, with a vision that’s as bold as the cookies themselves.
“The flavor is big,” JT said proudly, explaining how they chose the name. “They are special because of the recipe; homemade and from my grandma.”
What started as a small family endeavor is quickly becoming a source of inspiration, empowerment and purpose.
Julie and Devin said the idea of Monstrous Cookies began as a way to give JT a meaningful outlet. Diagnosed with autism later in childhood, JT had faced the all-too-common barriers in the job market.
“He applied to so many jobs and never heard back,” Julie said. “After a while, it was discouraging. But then one day, he got angry – and decided to take matters into his own hands.”
With support from the San Diego Regional Center’s Self-Determination Program, the family began building a business plan tailored to JT’s strengths and interests. Devin, a former engineer, stepped in to help with organization, licensing and day-to-day operations when Julie’s health declined. Julie, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, was part of the original inspiration and remains a guiding force.
“The peanut butter’s my favorite,” Julie said. “Especially with coffee.”
But there’s more to it than taste.
“Each cookie represents a step toward independence,” she said. “Watching JT now – making eye contact with customers, taking orders confidently, standing tall – it’s a transformation we never imagined during the harder years.”
Indeed, JT’s progress has been remarkable. His self-confidence has soared since starting the business.
“He used to be very shy, struggled with communication and rarely initiated conversation,” Devin said. “Now, he greets people, handles transactions and shares his story proudly.”
The cookies are baked at home in a licensed kitchen, with production ramping up to meet growing demand. Currently, the San Diego-based family bakes most days to keep up with market sales. While they hope to have their products in stores at some point, for now, they’re focusing on expanding within the farmer’s market scene and potentially hiring others with special needs in the future.
That mission – creating opportunities for people with disabilities – is at the heart of Monstrous Cookies.
“JT doesn’t just want to run a business,” Julie said. “He wants to offer jobs to others like him who are often overlooked.”
The family credits the Self-Determination Program not just for sparking the idea but for giving them the tools to make it happen.
“They helped us map out the steps, set goals and track progress,” Julie said. “Without that support, I don’t know if we’d be here today.”
The local community is cheering them on, too.
“The customers at the Scripps Farmer’s Market have been amazing, as well as the management,” Devin said. “They’ve welcomed us like family.”
What’s next for Monstrous Cookies? JT doesn’t hesitate: “I want to go worldwide,” he said.
From humble beginnings to a growing enterprise with heart, Monstrous Cookies is more than just a sweet treat – it’s a story of resilience, family and a young man taking charge of his future, one cookie at a time.
Monstrous Cookies also partners with the Autism Society of San Diego and donates 5 percent of its sales.
Visit them on Instagram at Monstrous_Cookies_SD.
Visit Monstrous Cookies in person at the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market, held each Thursday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 10045 Carroll Canyon Road.