Today we’d like to introduce you to Mercedes Esquivel.
Hi Mercedes, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always loved baking! Growing up we always had cake (or some kind of sweet treat) at every occasion. My mom would usually bake a cake for our birthdays and and send me to school with a huge batch of cupcakes. In high school, I would even bake cupcakes for my own birthday, just so that I could share them with all of my friends. I think there’s something about the little spark of joy that a cupcake or treat would bring a person and I feel that’s what I loved so much about baking- the happiness it brought others.
Fast forward to 2019, (still baking all those years in between), starting up a small business weighed heavy on my mind. By this point, I had two small children (2 & 3yrs old) and I was longing for something that I could take ownership of. I wanted to do something for myself. I had always said “if” I had a business, what it would be called, and in my free time I would doodle out what my logo would look like. One day I saw that someone was promoting a small pop up and was looking for a variety of small businesses, including bakers. I so badly wanted to do it, but didn’t have anything ready. So from one day to the next, I got online, brought my logo to life, started an Instagram account and officially started Mama Merks Bakery!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Ha, I wish! Starting up and running a small business is more like taking a wrong turn down a gravel road with no map. There have been a variety of struggles along the way.
First, it was learning to perfect things baking wise. There are so many techniques, recipes, and ways to get the “perfect” looking cake or dessert, and they all require a great deal of practice. Then it was a matter of finding ways to get my name out there, staying relevant on social media, selling at markets, staying up to date on trends but still finding a way to give it your own twist, and so much more!
There has been so much doubt along the way, a lot of tears shed and sleepless nights. Many times I questioned myself and asked if I was good enough, should I keep going? I felt guilty for spending so much time on something for myself. But at the end of the day, when I saw the final product, I was instantly reminded of how much I loved it and knew that this was something I was meant to do. Share my love for baking with others.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As of now, my main specialties are customized cakes, cupcakes, cake jars, and other sweet treats (those fancy cookies are still a work in progress). I often receive requests for cakes and cupcakes for birthdays and other special occasions. One thing I have now been “known for” are my cake jars. These jars are basically what they sound like, layers of cake and icing all inside of the reusable jar that is perfect for sharing…or devouring alone- I don’t judge. I knew they were a hit when I had a customer come by at a pop-up and ask, “Are you the cake jar lady? I’ve been looking for you everywhere!”, that was a pretty great moment.
Something I feel sets me apart, aside from my desserts, is my customer service. I really do go out of my way to understand exactly what it is a client wants and how I can ensure I execute it. I always try and think of things I can do to go out of my way for someone, something that adds that extra little spark!
I’m not sure I have one particular dessert I’m proud of because they have all been so different and unique. If there is one thing I am proud of it’s how far I’ve come. I remember when I started, it was all word of mouth. Basically, everyone that I ordered from was a family member or friend or referred to by someone I knew directly. Then one day, I had a customer contact me and said she had come across my page, loved my work and wanted to book. She had not been referred and had zero relations to anyone I knew. I remember how special it made me feel and in that moment, I felt like I was going somewhere. A complete stranger saw my work and loved it. Talk about affirmation. That was a moment that solidified the work I was doing.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was the youngest of three- but that didn’t mean I lived in anyone’s shadows. I always made sure my presence was known and always said what was on my mind. As I got a little older, I definitely blossomed into a social butterfly and made friends with everyone. By high school, I joined about every organization I possibly could. The two main things I was heavily involved in were theatre and dance team. I loved to act and dance, and I especially enjoyed when I could combine the two and take part in musicals. My poor parents were such troopers for attending every event I had. They showed up every weekend for the football games and to watch me perform during half time, where my dad would shout so loud in the stands and other parents would ask what number his son was and he would proudly reply, “Oh no, my daughter’s on dance team”!
Even through college, I continued to stay active and involved in organizations, greek life, and any other opportunities that came my way. I took on leadership roles in my sorority, became a Teacher’s Assistant for three courses (in one semester!), attended a conference to present my work and so many other things beyond that. Basically, if I could get involved- I would, and if it meant meeting new people, bonus!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.mycustombakes.com/mamamerksbakery
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamamerksbakery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamamerksbakery
Image Credits
Brittany Hunkin Photography
