Some of our most personal triumphs are transmuted from tragedy. In the case of Stephanie Wiley, tragedy struck when her teenage son Tommy Saliamonas passed away in 2020 from an accidental fentanyl overdose. As an avid snowboarder, hiker, and nature enthusiast, Tommy was another unwilling victim to the opioid epidemic with an entire life of exploration ahead of him.
While the loss of her child was earth-shattering, Stephanie was determined to channel grief into something that gave people joy. After baking in the years following Tommy's death for a fulfilling escape, Stephanie's brother encouraged her to make her passion a business. The result of that is Fat Kid Cookie Company. Available online and spreading through stores across the country, Stephanie's vision is truly taking shape.
In anticipation of Fat Kid Cookie Company hosting a booth at our Mobilize Recovery bus tour launch event on September 20th, we spoke with Stephanie about her company's inspiration, evolution, and a fitting name change arriving in 2025.
You’ve always had a passion for baking. When did you start to realize that it was a possible career path?
Yes, I've always loved baking, but I never saw it as a career path until I sent some of the cookies to one of my brothers in 2021. He called and said, "Steph, you could really do something with these." That was sort of a light bulb moment! I had taken some time away from working after Tommy died and was trying to figure out what was next, so I just decided to go for it. It was a sense of, "What do I have to lose?"
You officially founded your company after the tragic death of your son Tommy. How were you able to channel your grief into something that brings joy to others? I feel like grief can cause many people to retreat from the world.
I did take time off for myself after Tommy died. It was the first time I'd experienced unfathomable grief and I do understand how it can make people retreat. Peter, Tommy’s older brother by two years, also needed my support during this time, so he gave me a reason to stay present in the world as much as any of us could during Covid. I started writing a blog that allowed me to share my experience. It gave me the space I needed while still maintaining connections with others.
I wanted to do something that would help me to make something meaningful out of something so horrible, I just didn't know what it would be. Tommy died so young, he didn't have a chance to create a legacy for himself. I knew early on I wanted to do something to create a legacy for both of us.
My family and I were determined to be open about the truth surrounding Tommy's death. I saw Tommy in so much pain and a lot of it was shame. As his mom, I would've done anything to help him get out of that negative space. I knew I wanted to create a place that not only welcomed vulnerability, but brought joy to others. Fat Kid Cookies are extremely delicious, and they are a product we sell with the hopes of making a difference by giving back.
You’ve done a lot for End Overdose. Why do you think it’s so important for resources like naloxone to be readily available?
I'm so grateful I was introduced to End Overdose. I think normalizing talking about overdose, teaching people to use naloxone and having it available are critical in saving lives. Before Tommy died, he overdosed at home a few times. Until then, I had no idea what an overdose looked like or what to do if someone was experiencing an overdose. I really wish I'd known more at that time and that I'd had the chance to save him. End Overdose is a fantastic organization and I'm very happy to support in any way that I can.
What can other members of the community do to help prevent overdose deaths?
Talk about it. Be knowledgeable and not afraid to normalize this conversation. Try to take the shame out of it by opening up the dialog and being willing to listen. Educate your kids and your friends about the dangers of fentanyl and other drugs. Start these conversations early. If someone you know is struggling, don't judge - listen. Learn the signs of overdose and have naloxone on hand. No one is immune to being touched by this and you never know when you may save a life.
What are you most excited about for the Mobilize Recovery launch event in LA?
Honestly, I am excited for the people who are going to be saved because of Mobilize Recovery. I just wish Tommy had been able to benefit from organizations who are working in the addiction and recovery space. It's all so important and I just want so badly to help and to make a difference.
Since I live in Montana, I won't be there that night, but my amazing niece, Ariana (Tommy’s cousin), will be there in my place, representing Fat Kid Cookie Company, which is currently going through a rebranding and in 2025 will officially be called Tommy’s Cookie Company.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A couple of extras:
- A huge thank you for all that you at End Overdose and Mobilize Recovery are doing to help. I truly love seeing the announcements of more college chapters and the excitement about the events that you are attending.
- I really encourage people to be open and honest in conversation about addiction, recovery, etc. It's scary, often because of fear of being judged. Being vulnerable and open allows others the freedom to also be open and vulnerable and that's when humans truly connect and know that we're not alone.
- I’ve heard from people that it’s been helpful, so I’d love to share a link to my blog: www.lifeaftertommy.com. I’m also always open to anyone reaching out if they want to.
- I’m very excited about our rebrand and going forward as Tommy’s Cookie Company. Emotionally, I’m finally ready to say his name over and over. I know that it will be a positive change and it just took time to get there.
Follow Fat Kid Cookie Company on Facebook here, Instagram here, and purchase from their website here