Brenda Magaña of Ontario California on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brenda Magaña. Check out our conversation below.

Brenda, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
The time I felt the most love was when I was battling breast cancer 3 years ago. I took a little over a year off to focus on my health, endless procedures, & doctor visits. I wanted to be clear headed and fully focus on me with no extra distractions as I was unsure what the side effects would be. I will admit I was afraid my business could be forgotten, but to my surprise it was quite the opposite. All my regulars were there when I returned & throughout my journey. My friend Linda organized a GoFundMe for my microsurgery breast reconstruction and the amount of support I received from family, friends, customers, and strangers was quite beautiful. I connected with a lot of strangers that had fought their own battles or knew someone that was or had battled this ugly disease. It was very empowering and uplifting to feel so much support, and encouragement. To connect with people that knew and understood the battle, the ups, downs, frustrations, and the small victories. That love and encouragement is still very much present, and my goal is to share it with others and help them feel less alone in whatever struggle, battle they might be facing. It’s okay to take a break to face the unknown or when you’re feeling drained. Your customers and loved ones understand & they will always want you to be healthy and at your best.

I do believe I deserved this type of love. I hope everyone gets to experience feeling loved and empowered. I learned to love myself a little extra, give myself grace through and after the process.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello my name is Brenda Magaña. I am a self-taught vegan home baker, Mi Kasa Vegana was established 8 years ago, I ironically was really never into baking. One day I made cupcakes and shared with a few non vegan friends, they suggested I start selling them as they couldn’t believe they were vegan! I started making more flavors as practice and they kept encouraging me to make them available for others to try and so I did.

The feedback was incredible. With time I was getting a lot of cake request. Cakes have always been intimidating so I declined the request many times until I finally decided to give it a go. With the help of my friend Ruth my first cake was a success, from there I was able to do them all on my own. My craft has made a lot of improvements since the beginning & it continues to improve.

I make cupcakes, cakes, cake pops, sugar cookies and anything I may be challenged with. I mainly do popups and special orders. What makes Mi Kasa Vegana unique is the appealing, fun, beautiful looking cupcakes, what makes it special is the love my baked goods receive from vegans and non vegans alike. I take pride in creating delicious, allergy-friendly treats that are not dry, with a strong focus on quality and attention to detail.

I am working on new flavors and providing more sugar free options.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My current 13 year plus relationship with my partner Jon has shaped me the most in how I see myself. He sees the best in me, believes in me and sees my potential when I don’t. Jon anchors me and brings clarity and encourages me when I need it the most. We have done a lot of our life together, Jon has contributed to my growth as a person and small business owner. He’s a big part of me starting Mi Kasa Vegana, I had a lot of self-doubts and hesitations. At my first popup I started with vegan merchandise, since they already had enough dessert vendors. Jon encouraged me to start somewhere to put my name out, and share that I am also a vegan baker. This popup helped me get a feel of what a future popup with desserts could look like, and sure enough I was able to provide my cupcakes at the next popup and sell our merchandise as well. He recognized the opportunity, and rather than letting it pass, we adapted and took decisive action which helped shape Mi Kasa Vegana. I run my business with more confidence, challenges seem less scary. I am able to make quick improvisations when things might not go as plan.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering forces you to endure, adapt, and rebuild. Suffering unlike success softens our judgement and deepens our understanding. Rising from difficulty is both empowering and fulfilling. I feel like you are able to pause, look back and appreciate your will, adaptability and endurance in a time that you thought you would never see the light at the end of he tunnel. Stories that have inspired me the most rarely begin with comfort.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Quality time, being surrounded by loved ones & good energy. Creating memories with pictures and videos, hiking, taking time to travel and enjoy the “little” things in life. Ending animal slavery/entertainment, making kinder choices with food.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I fulfill my orders and receive positive feedback.
Also when I am around my dogs, Charlie and Jericho they truly make everyday so beautiful, bright and full of life, they are funny, and provide unconditional love.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mikasavegana

Image Credits
@photosbydutches