Memphis Baker Chloe Sexton Faces Legal Battle Over Business Name Using Her Own Name
Chloe Sexton, the owner of Chloe's Giant Cookies in Memphis, Tennessee, finds her small bakery embroiled in a contentious legal dispute over its very name. In a recent Instagram Reel that has since gone viral, Sexton revealed that a Florida-based company has filed a lawsuit against her, alleging that her bakery's name bears too much similarity to their established brand.
Overwhelming Timing and Immediate Public Backlash
Sexton received the formal legal notice on November 20, 2025—a mere three days after she announced on November 17 that she would be appearing on celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's inaugural baking competition show. "The timing felt completely overwhelming," Sexton confessed, describing the juxtaposition of career opportunity and legal threat.
Since making her situation public, Sexton has been inundated with massive online support from customers and advocates alike. Orders for her oversized cookies have skyrocketed, and a GoFundMe campaign established to cover her legal expenses raised an astonishing more than $33,000 within just the first few hours of its launch. The case has rapidly evolved into a broader online debate concerning the challenges small businesses face, the intricacies of brand naming, and perceptions of fairness in the marketplace.
Details of the Lawsuit and Sexton's Personal Defense
According to local news outlet This Is Memphis, the lawsuit was formally filed by Chloe's Cookies, a company based in Fort Myers, Florida, which reports indicate has been operating for several years. On its official website, the Florida brand states that its name was inspired by the owner's rescue dog, who is also a cancer survivor.
In her emotional Instagram video, Chloe Sexton provided critical context to her defense. Her legal team conducted research and discovered more than 25 businesses across the United States using some variation of "Chloe" and "Cookies" in their names. "They're not being sued, but I am. Furthermore, their name is not Chloe, mine is," Sexton asserted. This distinction has become a cornerstone of her argument, as "Chloe" is her authentic, legal first name.
Sexton also disclosed that she attempted to resolve the conflict amicably before legal escalation. "I did make the offer to meet, as just people, without lawyers present, and speak one-on-one on what we can do to make everybody involved happy," she shared. "It was expressed that they have absolutely no interest in speaking to me." She added that she bears no ill will toward the opposing party but had hoped for a more personal and direct resolution.
Personal Motivations and Community Rally
The Memphis baker opened up about profound personal motivations driving her decision to fight the lawsuit. After tragically losing her mother to brain cancer, Sexton took on the responsibility of raising her younger sister. "I'm not only responsible for what I want to do with my own comfort, but I'm also responsible for the example that I set for my little sister," she explained. "What you work your whole life for, what you've built is worth fighting for. Especially if it is your actual name."
Influencer Jen Hamilton later posted a supportive video backing Sexton's cause. Hamilton questioned the rationale behind a company suing a baker for using her own name and urged her followers to stand in solidarity with small business owners. Hamilton also claimed that supporters had mobilized to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in just a few days to assist with mounting legal costs.
Following the viral traction of both videos, Chloe's Giant Cookies experienced a significant surge in customer orders. More than 1,000 individuals contributed to the fundraising campaign, demonstrating the powerful and swift mobilization of online communities when a small business confronts a daunting legal challenge.
