Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Romina Cruz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Romina, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
I was a curious child. I liked trying new things and exploring my surroundings, visiting new places and playing all sorts of games. I grew up in Mexico; my parents taught me to be independent, to fight for what I wanted in life, and always work on becoming a better version of myself. When I was in university, I found an internship program at Disney World and decided to apply. I was very nervous and scared about living abroad all by myself at first but once I was accepted there was not turning back. It was one of the best experiences in my life. I learned that leaving your comfort zone can bring growth and opportunities that are unimaginable. I made lots of good friends, enjoyed living in the warmth of Florida, and returned to Mexico as a more mature woman. After that experience, I took many other risks, beginning with moving to the U.S. and even though not all the time got the best outcomes, all experiences I went through have shaped my personality and character.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As an avid baker I always try to create everything from scratch but sometimes there is not enough time to bake this way so I’ve relied on pre-made baking mixes just like many people do. I found that most of the baking mixes found in supermarkets are made with low quality ingredients, excess sugar, colorants, and preservatives. I was hoping to find something healthier without compromising flavor but there were not any accessible options. That is when I came out with the idea of creating Baking with Mouka. My mission is to provide people with a simple and delicious baking mix without harmful ingredients, excess sugar, or colorants. I want to provide not only great flavor but an experience that people of all ages can enjoy; baking at home. The products are sold locally in New York as well as online on Etsy. I currently offer traditional recipes as well as vegan options. My most popular mix is our chocolate-walnut-banana bread and the vegan pancake mix.
Recently I have expanded the business by crafting artisanal chocolates. I find the process satisfying and super versatile since they can be shaped in many forms and pair with a wide variety of ingredients.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The skills/traits that helped me build my business are my education, persistence, and empathy. I majored in Hospitality Business Administration and in the first years of school, I took a culinary arts course and fell in love with pastry making. Maybe it was because I’ve liked sweets since I was a child and always enjoyed baking with my mom. This knowledge has helped me develop my own recipes, experimenting with ingredients and offering flavors that aren’t as common. Persistence has been key for the business since the beginning. The first months before the opening were amazing. I enjoyed the ideation process, designing my logo and building my brand identity and creating a menu by testing/developing recipes. But after the first month of opening my online shop there were some periods where business was very slow. I felt like giving up but I knew I had worked very hard to develop my brand to give up. That is why I persisted seeking out a mentor, trying different marketing strategies, offering new products and attending pop-up markets and networking events. The business is still in its early stage, I know there is still a lot to develop and many opportunities for growth but thanks to these actions, the company has kept afloat past its first year. I truly believe that Baking with Mouka will keep growing and reach many more people who care about their nutrition and have a passion for baking. Lastly, my empathy with others has been the main reason why I even created this company. I do believe in the phrase “people over profits.” I am tired of seeing so many corporations profiting while offering unhealthy products that eventually make people sick. My goal is not to become a millionaire with this business (it wouldn’t be easy with the type of product I offer anyways) but to offer a healthy treat and a way for families to enjoy the experience of baking.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The toughest challenge I am facing at the moment is getting more exposure. My first customers were friends and family and then their friends via word of mouth. I am very grateful to have many returning customers but reaching new people who are interested in baking has been challenging. Life in New York City is always hectic and many people have barely any time to cook, so most of the sweet lovers I know prefer to get pastries from popular or famous bakeries. I believe I could reach more people with social media ads and creating my own website. My goal is to find a marketing mentor to work with who can help Baking with Mouka reach people in other states and cities. I am also working on my sales speech because being an introvert, talking with strangers is not my strength. I have had the opportunity to talk with other small business owners to discuss the possibility of collaborating. So far, the interactions have felt good but haven’t been able to close a deal yet so I will be working on that as well this year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BakingWithMouka
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baking_with_mouka/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Baking-with-Mouka/100093556943019/
Image Credits
1st image (portrait) by Marlene Aguayo
