Today we’d like to introduce you to Mik Marrujo.
Mik, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Mik & Cookies began less than a year ago, while I was working as a buyer assistant for an off-price retailer you might know of, TJ Maxx, Marshalls & HomeGoods. For over a decade, I had always wanted to be a buyer for retail merchandise; and was on my way to do just that! But near the end of 2017, I came to a point where I was feeling uninspired & lost in the career and life choices departments. Overall, I was unhappy and craving a fresh start. To take off the stress of “what am I doing with my life?” I started to bake & decorate cookies. I would come home from work and create until I was too tired, and then bring my treats to the office to share. I LOVED greeting everyone on a Monday morning with a cookie, it made me so happy to make someone’s day. I was making so many cookies that my co-workers began to ask me when I was going to sell them. I would usually laugh, brush it off, and say, “well, maybe someday!” Only three months after I decorated my first cookie, a co-worker asked me to make favors for her wedding.
I agreed without hesitation, my heart doing somersaults. The stars were starting to align. I could hear the Universe telling me what I needed, and it was saying, “Cookies.”
My happiness was there all along. Right under my nose and in my oven. I just knew this was the change I was looking for. I acted rather quickly after that because the sales didn’t stop! January 2018 was my first sale, and by March, I was taking days off work in order to work on cookie orders. I was daydreaming about baking while sitting at my desk, so I took the plunge and quit my job at the end of the March. I’ve been doing cookies full time ever since.
I have my friends, family & customers to thank for allowing me to have such a successful & fun first year! People are so supportive of this cookie dream of mine and are constantly spreading the cookie love; so that new people can find Mik & Cookies. It’s a wonderful community I’ve found myself in, I’m seriously living the dream everyday!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My Mik & Cookies journey has been smooth sailing for the most part, but we all have our days. I was a nervous wreck in the beginning when first deciding to do this. I was constantly in my head asking myself, “are you sure you can afford this?” “will you regret this in six months?” “what if the orders just stop coming in?” I have to say I am 100% my own worst critic and that’s a big struggle. When I was in an office, I had managers there to advise me & remind me that what I was working on was going to work out great. I was my own boss now, so I had to give myself the pep talks!
My mom is also an entrepreneur, running an incredible marketing & advertising company all while being super mom. I am so glad I have her to look up to! She is who I strive to be as a businesswoman: smart, resilient, patient & risk-taking.
I love being a woman and running my own business. It’s daunting but always worth it. My motto is: do what others say you cannot do.
We’d love to hear more about Mik & Cookies.
Mik & Cookies specializes in custom decorated sugar cookies. Some may have noticed a recent spike in decorated sweets on the dessert table at events & parties. They’re incredibly popular at the moment, and I am so stoked to be a part of this craze! I’ve been able to create something sweet for many baby showers, birthday parties, weddings, charity events & even PR boxes.
I hold so much pride in my customized sweets & pay very close attention to the details. I love adding embellishments, hand-piped lettering, gold accents & beautiful florals to my cookies. I would say what sets me apart is that no cookie is too challenging for me. I love hearing every idea my customer has and finding new techniques to turn their ideas into a cookie. They’re beautiful, edible works of art & I want to ensure that each set tells its story.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Make sure you’re happy & that you’re having fun! Yes, starting a new career is a big task that needs to be taken seriously. Even with the many learning curves to get through & unforeseen bad days, it should never be taken too seriously. You should be able to look back on your career someday and say that you had fun in the path that you took. If you look back and don’t feel that way… what was the point?! My advice, just have fun in whatever you do.
Pricing:
- Custom cookies start at $50 per dozen
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mikandcookies.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikandcookiesco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikandcookies\
Image Credit:
all photos are owned by Mik & Cookies 🙂
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
