Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Harlow.
Hi Megan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Neon Moon started the way a lot of the best ideas do—on a date night. My husband and I had gone out to dinner and a concert and weren’t quite ready to head home, but we didn’t want to go to a bar. We just wanted dessert, coffee, and a cozy place to land. The problem? Nothing like that existed. That night, the idea for Neon Moon was born.
At the time, I was baking from home and working a full-time corporate job. My husband had been telling me for years to sell my pies and cakes…that moment connected the dots. We started small—selling online, popping up at markets, and slowly building a customer base. Every cookie, sticky bun, and cake pop was made by hand, usually after my daughter went to bed.
Eventually, we took the leap – I left my corporate job and opened a storefront in Bracken Village, a little historic pocket of San Antonio. We wanted it to feel like a mix between your favorite late-night diner, a funky roadside stop, and my Mamaw & Papaw’s kitchen table. Now we’re open late, serving sweet treats, dang good coffee, and cozy vibes to folks who are craving something special after dark.
It’s been a labor of love from day one. Neon Moon is more than a bakery—it’s a little piece of our heart, and we hope people feel that the moment they walk in.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but it’s been a meaningful one. Like most small business owners, we’ve worn all the hats, burned the midnight oil (literally), and juggled real life while building a dream. We started from home with no storefront, working full-time jobs and squeezing in baking between family dinners and bedtime.
One of the biggest challenges has been finding balance—between work and rest, creativity and logistics, hustle and heart. We’ve also faced the usual small business growing pains: navigating production limits, adapting to customer feedback, and learning the ins and outs of marketing, operations, and everything in between.
But every challenge taught us something! The hard days have made the wins feel even sweeter—like watching someone light up over their first Moonshake or seeing strangers become regulars. The road may be bumpy, but we’re so grateful to be on it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Neon Moon Bakery is a late-night coffee and dessert shop serving up nostalgic Southern classics with a funky twist. We specialize in scratch-made treats like Pretty Pies, Big Dill on the Ranch Party Mix, Run Brownies, and our Signature Pecan Sticky Buns—all crafted with high-quality ingredients and a whole lot of personality.
What sets us apart is the vibe: cozy, creative, and a little rebellious. We’re proud to be the spot people didn’t know they needed after date night, concerts, or a long day. It’s more than dessert—it’s a place to feel full in every way.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Absolutely. First and foremost, the Bible and my faith are the foundation for everything I do—both in business and life. Running a small business is no joke, and having something bigger than myself to lean on keeps me grounded, especially when things get chaotic. Prayer has been my lifeline more times than I can count.
I also draw a ton of inspiration from creators on TikTok—there’s something so motivating about watching other bakers build beautiful, creative lives and businesses from the ground up. A few of my favorites are @itsmacksmacs, @bankobake, and @mattbellassai. They each bring their own magic, and I always walk away with fresh ideas and a reminder to keep showing up.
And then there’s the old-school stuff—vintage cookbooks, handwritten recipes from my family, and those classic Southern church cookbooks from the ’70s and ’80s. I love flipping through them for flavor inspiration and that nostalgic feel you can’t fake. They remind me why I started baking in the first place!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.neonmoonbakery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neonmoonbakery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neonmoonbakery
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/neonmoonbakery
