Today we’d like to introduce you to Shay Sanchez.
Hi Shay, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, I’m Shay. My journey started in my quiet kitchen during one of my husband’s deployments back in 2020. As a military spouse, solo parenting isn’t always easy. I’ve spent a lot of time alone—juggling responsibilities, managing emotions, and trying to create moments of joy in the midst of uncertainty. Being in lock down during the pandemic, I had to think of ways to keep my son and I busy. He would always ask me to make him fresh baked thick and crunchy cookies. He would often help me in the kitchen and he was the cookie taster/tester. We found a popular recipes online but I would often burn them. It took months for me to perfect the recipe I use now especially getting the height and thickness right. I treated it as my own little chemistry class, and created my own cookie recipe that worked for my allergies and lived up to my son’s standards (haha). Baking cookies with my son was a great way to bond and spend time during the pandemic.
Drive by parties was a way to celebrate a birthday with loved ones during the pandemic. At the time sugar cookies would often pop up in my instagram feed. I ordered sugar cookies as a party favor to give out for my son’s 5th birthday. I ordered custom sugar cookies from talented cookier: Mary from Sunbaked Cookies. Her artistry and attention to detail in decorated sugar cookies completely captivated me. I remember seeing her work and thinking, “I want to create something that beautiful, that joyful.” Her designs gave me the courage to try new techniques and push my creativity further than I ever thought possible. After the drive by party, I sent Mary an email complimenting her how good the cookies were and referred her to my loved ones. From there she became my sugar cookie mentor. She gave me useful tips, and suggested what tools and equipment to get me started. It took me years to perfect decorating sugar cookies. I didn’t realize how much time, effort and patience it took for each cookie. I also finally realized why they can be pricey.
As the world opened back up, I started bringing my cookies to family gatherings. My cookies caught attention and was referred to my aunt’s and mother in law’s church groups. People started ordering cookies but I was a bit nervous to sell because I didn’t have a license at the time and didn’t want to get in trouble. In 2021-2022, I saved up money to take online baking classes, San Diego food safety classes, San Diego county permit and Cottage License but I didn’t have the time to complete it because of my busy work schedule and being a parent after work. At the end of 2022 I was fired from work because I had a severe allergic reaction. I was rushed to the ER and had appointments after to see ENT, Allergist and Cardiology specialists to find what I was allergic to. My results came back that I was allergic to certain plants, pet dander, tree nuts and certain environmental allergies. I emailed my boss at the time if there was a way to be sat somewhere else to avoid allergies or to be able to work from home. With the amount of absences and another allergic reaction I was let go from work– I was told they don’t want to be responsible for my allergic reactions. I had a hard time looking for work from November 2022- February 2023. During the time I was going through depression due to the fact I was getting rejected left and right from applying to jobs and going through a friendship break up. I felt lost. In March, I called my sister to vent and she brought up that I was talented with baking cookies so why not open your small business to get your name out there? The day of filing my business license and obtaining my Cottage Food Operations ran so smoothly. No traffic and no lines at the County offices I visited. – I swear it was meant to be to open my small business. In April 2023, I officially opened my small business.
Baking cookies became my outlet and quiet escape—a way to express myself without needing words. I often struggle to speak up or feel heard especially when it comes to social events. But in the kitchen, I found a rhythm that made sense. Being allergic to tree nuts pushed me to get creative. I wanted to make cookies that were safe for people like me but still indulgent and exciting. That challenge turned into a passion for inclusive baking—treats that everyone can enjoy without worry. Baking and decorating also gave me a sense of control, creativity, comfort that I couldn’t find anywhere else and smiles to my son’s face. Now, I run a small cookie business that reflects who I am: thoughtful, resilient, and a little unconventional and cookies that are nut free! It’s not just about cookies—it’s about connection, comfort, and finding joy in the little things. Every batch I bake is a quiet celebration of growth, courage, and the joy of creating something sweet in a world that isn’t always kind.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? More like a rocky road. There were plenty of struggles along the way.
Being allergic to tree nuts pushed me to experiment with safe ingredients and develop recipes that are both delicious and inclusive. I wanted people like me to enjoy treats without fear or compromise. That challenge became my passion.
Opening a small business is rarely a smooth road, even with a supportive family. When friends aren’t on board, it adds a layer of emotional complexity that many entrepreneurs don’t anticipate. There were days I felt like I was walking this road alone, even with my family cheering me on. Starting my own business was one of the most exciting—yet terrifying—decisions I’ve ever made. What I didn’t expect was how differently the people around me would react. My family is and will always my biggest supporters. They were my rock. My mom with the late-night brainstorming sessions to helping me set up my first pop-up booth. My sister and sister in law signing up for the same event to make sure I am comfortable and lend a helping hand. My brother and brother in law helping me set up my pop up. My husband and son- my unpaid employees that stick with me for hours during my pop up events. They showed up in ways I’ll never forget. Their belief in me gave me the courage to take risks and keep going, even when things got tough. But my friends? That was a different story. Some of them pulled away. Others questioned my choices, subtly or not-so-subtly suggesting I was chasing a fantasy. I’d hear things like, “It’s a competitive market to be in.” “This cookie looks like mine!” “Do you really need my help at 8am for your pop up?” or “What do you want me to say? It’s just a cookie” At first, I brushed it off. But over time, the silence, the skepticism, and the absence started to sting. I struggled with self-doubt. I wondered if I was being naive. I missed the camaraderie I used to have.
I started baking cookies as a way to cope with feeling out of place. Social situations have always been hard for me—I often struggle to speak up or feel heard. But in the kitchen, I found my voice. Baking gave me a sense of control, creativity, and comfort that I couldn’t find anywhere else. Along the way, I’ve dealt with criticism from people I thought were friends. Some dismissed my work or made me feel small. It hurt, but it also taught me to trust my instincts and value the support of those who truly believe in me. BTS and Kpop has been a huge source of strength—watching them rise above doubt and stay true to themselves inspired me to do the same. Their music plays in my kitchen almost daily. Their music kept me company during long baking nights and reminded me to dream big and stay true to myself. I even started naming some of my cookie creations after their songs, shows or albums—like “Ube Anpandanman” which would be my best seller Ube Pandan Cookie and “I Purple U-be” Ube Oreo Cookies. My sister in law would often attend Kpop events that had vendors who sell BTS and other Kpop inspired merch and goods. She recommended me to sell my cookies at a Kpop events. Over the years I have vended for BTS Army events in San Diego which introduced me to some new life long friends that helped me be social again and I was able to reconnect with old high school friends. But here’s what I learned: not everyone is meant to walk every path with you. Some people will only understand your journey once they see the destination. And some may never understand at all—and that’s okay. I’ve grown stronger, more focused, and more resilient. I’ve met new people—mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, customers—who genuinely support what I’m building. And I’ve learned to celebrate the ones who stood by me from the start. This journey hasn’t been smooth. But it’s been real and it’s mine.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a cookie baker who specializes in nut-free, drop cookies and custom decorated sugar cookies. My designs are inspired by K-pop (especially BTS and other Kpop groups), seasonal themes, birthdays, and heartfelt moments from everyday life. I focus on creating cookies that are not only safe for people with tree nut allergies like myself, but also visually stunning and emotionally meaningful.
What I’m most proud of is how my cookies have become a form of connection. As a military spouse often navigating solo parenting during deployments, baking became my way of coping with loneliness and expressing love. I pour that emotion into every batch. My cookies aren’t just treats—they’re tiny pieces of comfort, celebration, and resilience.
I’m known for my attention to detail, especially in my decorated sugar cookies. I was deeply inspired by Mary from Sun Baked Cookies—her artistry showed me what was possible and encouraged me to push my own creative boundaries. I’ve since developed a style that blends playful K-pop energy with soft, elegant designs that speak to all ages.
What sets me apart is the story behind every cookie. I’m not just baking—I’m building a safe, inclusive space for people who feel overlooked, whether because of allergies, social anxiety, or life circumstances. My cookies are for the quiet ones, the dreamers, the fans, the parents doing it all, and anyone who needs a little sweetness in their day.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is baking Filipino treats with my dad in our cozy kitchen. He passed away in 2005, but those moments with him are etched in my heart like the scent of warm coconut and sweet rice. He was a chef and baker.
He had this gentle way of teaching—never rushed, always patient. We’d spend afternoons making pastillas de leche, turon, brownies, and polvoron, laughing as we mixed the batter and wrapped bananas in spring roll wrappers just right. I remember standing on a stool so I could reach the counter, watching him measure ingredients with care and pride. He’d let me stir, taste, and even shape the little polvoron molds, reminding me that food wasn’t just about flavor—it was about love.
Those baking sessions weren’t just about learning recipes. They were about bonding, storytelling, and feeling safe. My dad would sing OPM Tagalog songs while we worked, and sometimes he’d sneak in a joke that made me giggle so hard I’d spill flour everywhere. He made the kitchen feel like home.
Now, as a cookie baker myself, I carry those memories with me. Every time I bake or cook, I feel a little closer to him. I try to infuse that same warmth and care into my own creations—especially when I make Filipino-inspired cookies. It’s my way of honoring him, keeping our traditions alive, and sharing a piece of my childhood with others.
Pricing:
- Drop Cookies $19 half dozen/ $38 Dozen
- Dozen Custom Decorated Sugar Cookies starting at $80
- Dozen Custom Printed Sugar Cookies starting at $60
- DIY Sugar Cookie Kits $38
- Kpop Lucky Draw Cookies $7
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shookysugarmycooki.wixsite.com/shookysugarmycookies
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shookysugarmy
Image Credits
photographer – photo credit: www.instagram.com/rawfiki
