Today we’d like to introduce you to Cookie Santiago.
Cookie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’d like to start by saying thank you, Voyage, for this opportunity. I am truly grateful and honored. Baked by Cookie started ten years ago when I was celebrating my birthday and wanted a cake. Custom cakes were definitely the latest trend and I was obsessed with watching cake boss. I called a few places and prices were just out of my budget. I’ve always been pretty crafty and dabbled in baking when I was younger, so I figured why not make my own cake? From there things, just kind of took off. I was hooked! I enrolled in YouTube and Google university (lol) and whenever I wanted to try a new trend, recipe, or baking technique, I would bake for fun or for a friend and gift cakes like I was Oprah just to get the practice in.
When I first started, I would bake from a cake box mix. I had zero confidence baking from scratch, it all felt too intimidating. My husband kept in my ear, “just try,” and so I did. I tested a few recipes and bought books, till I finally found out I could bake from scratch! It took patience and practice but it was well worth it. I take pride in knowing that my customers are getting a cake made with fresh ingredients.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. So, 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?
Like all small business owners, there are rough roads. Running a small business takes a lot of work, sacrifices and many sleepless nights. I’m a one-woman show wearing many hats. I struggle with how I want to run my business without burning myself out and still loving what I do. Perfecting a craft in a competitive industry can be challenging. Time management, and balancing life and business has been a struggle. Fortunately, I’ve learned to accept things that are beyond my control and give 100% everyday.
We’d love to hear more about Baked by Cookie. What else should we know?
Baked by Cookie specializes in one of a kind custom treats such as cakes, pops, cupcakes, and cookies. We strive to stand out from your grocery bought cakes we had growing up. If you want a sneaker cake, we can do it. Just about anything can be made into a cake!
We take pride in creating a cake that fits the customer’s needs and wants without replicating another cake artist’s work. I love putting a customer’s vision to life in the form of cake. My proudest moment would be being able to compete on Netflix’s first-ever baking competition Sugar Rush. Truly one of the most memorable and proudest moments. Spoiler alert, we didn’t win but that honestly didn’t matter. I felt like a winner just being on Netflix. You can watch me compete in season 1, episode 8.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Honestly, I don’t believe in luck. I believe in busting your butt to get what you want. I’ve worked very hard to get my small business to where it is. Nothing was given to me. I didn’t have a mentor to help me along the way. I had to figure it out. That’s what I am most proud of, the fact that my little business was truly built from scratch. (no pun intended).
Contact Info:
- Phone: 5617030027
- Email: bakedbycookie@GMAIL.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baked_by_cookie/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/bakedbycookie/
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
