In our article series “Facts” we’ll be talking with members of the coffee shop ecosystem that inspire us, from bakeries to manufacturers, consumer products, and everyone else in between. We want to get to know these folks, and we want you to, too. We’ll be asking everyone the same three questions—the answers, though, will be wildly different.

We recently caught up with Danielle Sepsy, founder of bakery and catering company The Hungry Gnome. “I started the business when I was 13 years old, making and selling scones out of my parents’ home,” Sepsy says. That early start stood her in good stead as she worked her way up through New York’s elite hospitality scene, won the Chopped Challenge on Anderson Cooper Live, and started the Gnome. “If you want something, you have to go after it!” she adds.

‍

What is The Hungry Gnome known for?

Our scones. Our scones are special because they commonly turn non-scone lovers into scone LOVERS. Why is that? That is because our scones are buttery and moist on the inside, with a crisp, sugary exterior. More recently, we have received a lot more buzz about our Nutella Banana Bread. The name is enticing on its own, but the super moist decadent texture makes this loaf simply sinful.

What is the first scone you ever baked?

The first scone I ever baked was Chocolate Chip, and it is still my best seller and my personal favorite.

What are you working on that no one knows about yet?

I am working on a cookie for wholesale. On my website I sell a cookie called "OTC" which stands for "One Toff Cookie." It is packed with big chunks of dark, white and milk chocolate as well as homemade salted toffee. The name not only signifies what the cookie is all about, it’s also a little tidbit of who I am as a person—sweet, but someone who doesn't take “No” for an answer.

‍