Today we’d like to introduce you to Mokina Vazquez.
Hi Mokina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’ve always had a passion for making people smile with good food and I’ve always enjoyed the art and chemistry of baking and decorating.
I started baking and selling my baked goods in high school and started making artistic cakes after college. When Covid hit, I realized how much can change so quickly and decided that it was time to start my business journey.
It was during this time too I learned about the various food allergies I had and realized just how difficult it was to find little treats I could enjoy. I started experiments with a variety of ingredients and flavors and found that people with allergies like myself can still enjoy a gourmet sweet without compromising flavor or their dietary restrictions.
I took inspiration from various “build your own” style restaurants and decided “well if they can do it with pizza and ice cream, why can’t I make custom cupcakes? Sometimes you don’t want a whole cake, just a fun treat” and thus Mokinas Munchies took to the markets, building allergy-friendly sweets and treats everyone can enjoy!
We’re coming off a short hiatus but we’re in the midst of working on a baker’s truck or even a shop! For now, you can custom order cakes or pastries on our social media or meet us at local markets!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think every market and order has been a new learning experience
I’m constantly adjusting my approach, my ingredients, my set up, everything! It’s been challenging learning what works, what doesn’t, dealing with whether, and working full time while working on building my dreams
But I’ve been so fortunate to have friends, family, and a community that supports me during this learning curve
We’ve been impressed with Mokina’s Munchies, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At markets, Mokina’s Munchies is a custom cupcake experience! You starting by picking your cake flavor, a filling, your frosting flavor, and a topping to finish your personal cupcake creation! We also offer a variety of Oreo Truffles and seasonal pound cakes! All market goods are vegan with some gluten-free options and it’s all from scratch!
Outside of markets, we making custom cakes, cookies, cake pops, pies, and more for special events and occasions! We also offer party classes with themed decorations (also available over zoom) as well as a very special catering options: have your guest customize their cupcakes! You choose what flavors you want at your event and we do the rest!
We deliver all over central Florida and can ship many of our items!
We accept all and any dietary restrictions and specialize I’m gluten-free and vegan treats.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I find that being friendly and helping your fellow businesses flourish will help yours flourish as well! I have several INCREDIBLE market friends and business owners that have helped me find ways to grow my business and promote me and I always do the same! I hand out their cards, recommend them to passersby, rock their wares, and post about them! Orlando has such a wonderful connection of people always ready to help one another out!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeqTnbqhNzH/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MokinasMunchies
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MokinasMunchies?t=C817hwfKfCNfVWygRUWh0w&s=09
