Hello, I am Donna Squissato and have been a Whitby resident for 28 years. 15 years living in Williamsburg. I grew up in Pickering as did my husband Patrick. I was in the Insurance Industry for 30 years. A Broker for many years and then an Underwriter. When the pandemic hit I was working a contract job and sadly this came to an end. It gave me time to figure out what did I want to do going forward. I have my daughter at home doing online learning and I needed to be present. In the Fall of 2020 I decided to get creative and reinvent myself. I have always known how to bake but never had the time pre pandemic. Life was running to hockey arenas for travel or practice and it was hectic. Hello Cookie was created and started with DIY Cookie kits and has been evolving every step of the way.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a husband who is fantastic and a beautiful daughter. We have 2 black labs, Charlie and Ozzy (Prince of Darkness), he lives up to this name.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Insurance Career for 30 years. Hello Cookie has been more then making cookies. There have been so many feel good stories that have come from my cookies. This is what I love the most. The smile or reconnection.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Antonio’s on Byron is my go to for Italian when hosting parties or gatherings. The Greek Tycoon is always a favorite.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
28 years I have lived in Whitby.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy and Australia. I have always wanted to travel to Italy. My Brother in Law lives in Australia and would be nice to see him and his family again.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
TV-This is Us but I am a reality TV girl. Survivor is my favorite.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
How you treat people is how you will be remembered. Be the kind person. A little kindness goes a long way.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Travel through Europe. I have many countries that I have not visited and would like to see more of this world.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Hmm, tough one. Tragically Hip has been a favorite. Classic Rock through high school is something that never leaves you. Led Zepplin is on top. 80’s music cannot be overlooked.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
North End Burger is one that comes to mind. Inside the restaurant is filled with photo’s of local hockey players that made it to the NHL.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would be happy to have lunch with any veteran. To hear the stories that they have to share. They are the reason we have our freedom.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the community spirit of Whitby. Amazing local businesses that support the community.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope for continued success for Hello Cookie and to be happy doing what you enjoy.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Fun Fact-I was born the day the Toronto Maple Leafs won their last Stanley Cup
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Lake Louise and Banff but I also really loved Nova Scotia. Canada is beautiful.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October with the change of the leaves. Christmas is my favorite holiday.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Watching the sunset sitting on a dock in Kawartha Lakes
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daughter
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Baked goods, bacon and fresh cut grass
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Cozy, laughter and friends
