We had the good fortune of connecting with Alison Kuo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alison, what principle do you value most?

Quality over appearance matters to me the most.

We’re easily deceived by the glamorous, trendy cover of a product in this digital world. Everything is about catching people’s attention within the first 5 seconds because no one has time to “learn more” while scrolling through their phones.

But I’m tired of it. I’m tired of purchasing products for their beautiful packaging, then soon find out the products are trash. People need to understand that the quality of a product should be more important than its packaging.

What should our readers know about your business?

I started SALT butter cookie because I want people to understand that using minimum high quality ingredients is all you need to make amazing products. And I named my brand “salt” because people tend to underestimate the importance of salt in desserts, but when used properly and carefully “salt” plays a big role in every dish including sweets!

Here at SALT butter cookie we focus on classic, timeless and quality products with modern twists. Our butter cookies are made with top quality ingredients only with no artificial flavorings/ colorings. We believe good food shines within its original self.

Our packaging is simple and minimal so customers can focus on the products with no distractions!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

The newly opened rykn cafe in the Art district is my new favorite spot to hang and start my day. The aesthetic is amazing and their drinks are unique and delicious. Ideally I’d sit there all morning with a cup of matcha paired with a yuzu pound cake and just enjoy the peacefulness. Then I’ll walk around ROW DTLA and browse around the eccentric boutiques.

The Getty Villa is a must go when my friends visit me in LA. To see the collection of arts and sculptures that were carefully selected and walk around the fountain and garden outdoors is a perfect way to spend the evening.

As for dinner I strongly recommend Little Sister in DTLA where they serve amazing modern Vietnamese food!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

There are many people in my life who’ve helped me, inspired me, and shaped me to the person I am today. But I’d like to shout out to my previous boss/ chef who not only trained me professionally at work but also inspired me in life.

Chef Fabien Brunet was my head pastry chef in Laduree LA where I learned something new from him everyday within the 3 years I worked with him.

At work he’s professional and highly competent. No products will be sent out if they were not done to perfection. But he’s also patient and kind and would spend extra time explaining the science behind pastry and the differences between mediocre vs. perfection.

Outside of work he is generous and compassionate. I’ve seen him providing homeless people clean water, food, and sometimes a place to clean themselves without hesitation.

And he never asks for credit.

I’m honored to have worked with him and I’d like to shoutout to this amazing Chef!

Website: saltbuttercookie.com

Instagram: @saltbuttercookie