Today we’d like to introduce you to Miranda Guiles.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in the Midwest, raised by my father and my Korean-American mother. In college, I went to Webster University, where I studied abroad Osaka, Japan and Leiden, Holland. After I graduated, I went back to Japan and worked for an advertising start-up in Tokyo and participated in a research program after the big earthquake and tsunami in Japan. When I returned, I moved out to San Francisco. I lived and worked in start-ups there for 7 years and eventually moved down to San Diego.
When I lived in San Francisco, my close friend, Roy, invited me over to make French macarons. I fell in love with perfecting that hard-to-master cookie. I guess that’s where I fell in love with baking. I would make macarons and fail, then try again until they came out perfect. After that, I began making more desserts and experimenting with tons of different flavors, especially popular flavors from Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. I love ube, sweet potato, and kinako, so I try to incorporate those flavors into as many sweets as I can!
My sister, Michelle, noticed my talent and gave me the nudge to start my own business. I have a start-ups background, so I thought it was time to give it a shot on my own, and I always listen to my big sister. So when I moved down to San Diego, I started Mirami’s Cookies!
Has it been a smooth road?
In the beginning, everything is very exciting, and it sometimes feels like things aren’t moving as quickly as you would like. I’ve had to overcome lots of challenges like figuring out the best product offerings, getting my first customers, and streamlining my production process. Every day has a new challenge, and I’ve absolutely learned from each experience. I’ve found that the key is to keep trying new things, put yourself out there, talk to others who are masters in your field, volunteer, and learn.
We’d love to hear more about Mirami’s Cookies.
Absolutely! I’m the Owner and Head of Sweets Science & YUMology at Mirami’s Cookies. At Mirami’s Cookies, I specialize in high-quality, color burst buttercream cakes and cookies with Asian-inspired flavors. I use flavors like matcha, passionfruit, ube, pandan, and more and mix it up with American-style classics like delicious sea salt dark chocolate chip cookies. One of my most popular cookies is a white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookie stuffed with ube cookie dough! I love doing celebrations and events of all kinds, birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and local events.
I am most proud of my customer experience. I absolutely love making my customers happy! My time spent in Japan really contributed to how I treat my customers with care and importance, while also serving delicious treats that make everyone smile. I wanted to bring that specialness to my company with thoughtful handwritten messages, small gifts, and beautiful, delicious desserts. I pour my heart into every project so that my customers can feel the care and love too! It fills me with great joy when I see how happy someone is with my sweets.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
My sister, Michelle, she’s always been my rock. She’s helped me move forward with important life decisions and pushed me to do things I didn’t think I could do. She encouraged me to travel the world and experience as much as possible. I don’t think I’d be where I am today without her love and support.
My friend, Sachiko-san, she’s such strong woman. I look up to her so much. She has overcome so many life challenges with grace. She has been a sounding board for many of my life decisions as well. She’s taught me a lot about never giving up, finding inner strength, and treating everyone with kindness and care.
I’m always inspired by my friends, Nambus and Song Hee Eun. I met them abroad while studying in Japan. Even though we’re separated, I can see that they are continuously improving themselves, working hard, and becoming strong women. They inspire me to keep going and remind me to be strong and happy.
And, my mom, Mihee, she raised three daughters, Michelle, Melissa, and myself, and took care of us, always with love and support. If I wanted to do anything, she’d find some way to make it happen. She supported me through my studies, travel, and especially when I first started my adult life in San Francisco. She’s always been there to listen to me when I needed it the most.
Pricing:
- My cookies are $15-$36 a dozen depending on the cookie.
- My cakes start out at $90+ depending on the size and design.
- Readers can receive 5% off using the code: SDVOYAGER until Oct. 31, 2019
- October Promotion: Purchase a cake and get a FREE dozen cookies!
Contact Info:
- Address: 1440 Columbia St.
San Diego, CA 92101 - Website: https://miramiscookies.com/
- Phone: (619) 786-3022
- Email: miramicookies@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miramimarie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miramiscookies
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/miramimarie
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