Today we’d like to introduce you to Hana Nguyen.
Hi Hana, 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?
Growing up, I was always drawing, painting, and doing crafts, and I ended up majoring in graphic design in college. I landed an amazing job at Southwest Airlines, but I missed making things with my hands and constantly had a creative itch. I would spend hours watching cookie decorating videos on Instagram, and one day decided to take the plunge and try it myself!
I made my first decorated cookies last December as little Christmas gifts for my coworkers. They definitely weren’t perfect, but they were so fun for me to make, and everyone loved them! I would make a few batches here and there for the next few months, but once the pandemic hit and my team adjusted to working from home, I used most of my free time to learn new techniques and practice. I started taking orders in July, and the past few months have been nonstop cookie decorating and building my new small business!
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?
I’ve definitely learned a lot by starting my own little business, and there are definitely some growing pains (creating my own logo, brand, processes, etc)! However, for the most part, it has been pretty smooth. There are some days I ask myself how I’m going to find the time to make the dozens of cookies I committed to making that week while balancing my full-time job, but it always somehow works out! I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and I know I am my biggest critic, so I have to constantly remind myself that at the end of the day, it’s just a cookie! I’m grateful that I took the plunge to start because it’s been the most rewarding hobby I’ve ever had.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I started Hanamade Cookies this past summer, and I make custom decorated cookies for any occasion. Personalized cookies are great for birthdays, weddings, baby showers, graduations, or just to remind someone that you’re thinking of them! My sugar cookies are soft, with a vanilla royal icing, which everyone seems to love! The absolute best compliment is when a customer is shocked that they not only look great but taste amazing too! I’m a one-woman operation, and I absolutely love what I do. Each cookie is hand-decorated with so much care, and am constantly trying to learn and make every dozen better than the last. My favorite order is when a customer gives me a good theme and then lets me have the creative liberty to run with it! My Instagram handle is @hanamade.cookies. If you order from me in the future, thank you so much for supporting my small business and for letting me be a small part of your celebrations!
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think time management, never sacrificing the quality of the product, and loving what I do are all important to the success of my business.
Pricing:
- My cookies start at $45 per dozen!
Contact Info:
- Email: hanamade.cookies@gmail.com
- Instagram: hanamade.cookies
