Today we’d like to introduce you to Maagan Hillman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Maagan, the owner and cookier behind Caakiies Custom Cookies. I am a 33-year-old Marine Corps Veteran, wife and mother of three beautiful blessings. Since I was a young girl I have always had a heightened creative nature, love for DIY and sweets. My older sister and I always dreamed of opening our very own sweets & bakery shop with a life-sized sprinkle ball pit, a giant gumball machine you can actually get in and lickable wallpaper like the Willy Wonka factory haha.
Dreams do come true, and I will achieve my goals! I have worked in Healthcare for the past nine years and I needed a new creative outlet. That was when Caakiies was born! I made my first set of cookies in April 2019 and fell in love with the endless possibilities of cookie decorating. I take so much pride in how much I have grown as a self-taught baker, honing my skills and knowing I’m only getting better. I’m no stranger to hard work and I have no intentions of slowing down. Being able to bring a smile to faces young and old, hear the gasps and the “wows” after seeing their cookies truly makes it all worth it! I look forward to spreading sugar cookie joy throughout Central Florida one sprinkle at a time!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Absolutely not, to say the least. COVID 19 has created so many hurdles and issues for everyone. Being a mother was my first priority and to make the best decision for my family was easy but the road was not… having two children at home for virtual schooling proved to be difficult, putting more pressure on myself as I now juggled having to add an assistant teacher to my already long list of daily duties. I now had to adapt to the craziness not only inside of my home but outside, the social isolation and now the fear that my business may have to take a backseat. I was fortunate and maintained a great customer base. I ensured I took every safety precaution, created the comfort of contact, less pickups keeping myself & customers safe and was able to keep my business going.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Caakiies is a custom cookie business that offers fresh cookies with that bomb icing! My cookies are handcrafted works of art that are as delicious as they are beautiful. I can bring your vision to life on an edible canvas, adding a special touch to any event. I also offer the fun to smash breakable chocolate hearts and delicious hot chocolate bombs. I never settle for anything less than my best and that will always come through in my work! I am committed to customer satisfaction and always deliver quality products. My countless 5-star reviews are just small reminders that I’m doing something right.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The biggest lesson I have learned is life is short. I have sadly experienced loss during this time and have realized now more than ever that tomorrow is not promised. It has been an eye-opener and forced me to be present in the moment. Tell those you love how much you care, make time, do what you love and appreciate everything that you’ve been blessed with.
Pricing:
- Custom cookies basic – $48/dozen
- Custom cookies detailed – $60/dozen
- Custom cookies elaborate – $75/dozen
- Breakable hearts – start at $30
- Hot chocolate bombs – start at $5 ea
Contact Info:
- Email: Caakiies@yahoo.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Caakiies
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/caakiies
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomCookiesByMaagan/
