Nancy Russell’s first business venture was making and selling love beads to earn enough money to see teen heartthrob Davy Jones. By age 15, she had sold enough beads to buy a Volkswagen bus, but a faulty transmission ultimately kept her from ever making it to see Davy. That early jewelry making launched her into a retail career that led to her being the owner/operator of Cookies n’ Cards, a gift shop and bakery located in Norman.
Campus Corner
Those familiar with Nancy’s store may remember it from Campus Corner. Cookies n’ Cards originally opened in 1984, showcasing handmade jewelry, cards and an assortment of baked goods handmade by Nancy herself. It was here that Nancy met her husband of 28 years. She married him on Valentine’s Day a short time later, and her crush on Davy Jones became a thing of the past.
New Location
After leaving Campus Corner in 2011, Nancy re-opened Cookies n’ Cards in its current location (on 12th Avenue) in February 2012, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The new location offers ample parking, seating for 25, a wide array of cards and gifts, and a bakery serving gourmet coffee and cold drinks. “Parking is our biggest blessing,” Nancy says. “It’s been quite a journey, but it’s getting better all the time.”
Baked Goods
For customers who were accustomed to visiting the old Campus Corner location for a sweet treat before OU football games, Nancy says her goodies are packaged and ready to go, making it easy grab a tasty desserts on the way to the game. You can also find Nancy’s baked goods at Eskimo Sno (1228 N Interstate Dr.), the Classen Convenient Store (2760 Classen Blvd) and Campus Corner Market (211 W Boyd). Cookies are only $2 after tax and custom cakes range from $12–$28.
Cake Eaters Club
Cake lovers will enjoy Nancy’s Cake Eaters Club, which meets at 8:00pm on the first Thursday of every month. For $3 (tax included), you can enjoy a slice of one of six different cakes, warm from the oven, topped with a scoop of custard from The Custard Factory. “You don’t need a membership card or anything,” Nancy explains. “It’s come one, come all!”
Cake flavors vary by week, but popular favorites include Cookies-n-Crème, Jamocha Almond Fudge, Peanut Butter and Cinnamon Swirl (which Nancy says is the one that her regular customers “won’t let her stop baking.”). The best part about Cake Eaters Club? “I take requests,” Nancy says.
Cupcakes
Within Cookies n’ Cards, you’ll also find Nancy Cupcakery, where Nancy takes special care to match her signature cupcakes with homemade icing. “Our big difference is that our cupcakes are individually wrapped and kept cold.” Russell explains. Nancy’s cupcakes are $3, and customer favorites include strawberry with strawberry cream-cheese icing, sour cream fudge with chocolate butter-cream icing, and carrot pineapple with vanilla cream-cheese icing.
Don’t-Miss Items
Cookies n’ Cards also features greeting cards for all occasions, plus unique gift items including Willow Tree Angels, wind chimes, picture frames, jewelry, movie star memorabilia and more. The store is also expanding into OU merchandise, just in time for football season.
“Closer to Christmas, I will also be featuring more gourmet baked goods for holiday goodie baskets,” Russell adds. “I have gifts of all sizes and shapes, but sometimes baked goods just make the best gifts!”
Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor and Online Content Manager of MetroFamily Magazine
