Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marleni Garza. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Marleni thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

The Custom Cookie business has taken off in the past 2-3 years with the help of social media such as IG, FB, TikTok, etc. Aside from advertising our work, Cookie bakers are now posting reels showcasing what all goes into the intricacies of our specialty. Through these reels, we are able to show our Clients what and how we bring their special event to life in our work. Another big trend in our industry are “Pop Up” events/markets. This is another platform for us to join the community to encourage and support other small business owners. We participate throughout the year, bringing cookies designed for each season, as well as what is trending in society.

Marleni, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Marleni Garza and I am 22 years old. I am from San Antonio, born and raised. I am the oldest of 5 and I am all about my family. If I am not with family, I am BAKING. My first desire to do cookies came from wanting to take a decorating class with my grama during the holidays, Christmas to be exact. We took one class and I was hooked! I just took off from there with the unconditional support of my family mainly my grama and her kitchen. Through trial and error and many long nights and days, my business has grown to where it is today. So what is Marleni’s Boujee Bakery you ask. Well, my talent is for creating and designing custom decorated cookies to meet any theme your mind can come up with. I bake with the best and freshest ingredients, I cut cookie designs by hand, I whip all my icings by hand as well! After creating the cookie design of my clients dreams, I heat seal each cookie individually, package and box their Boujee treats for delivery or pick up. How do I help my clients when they come to me for cookies? The event and party scene is changing enormously with all the endless possibilities for décor, catering, entertainment, treats-this is where I come in, etc. I am most proud of how far I have come throughout these years, the obstacles with ups and downs, when business is high and when it is low and sticking to it now 3 years in the making. Overcoming the great loss of my Papo this summer and knowing that me continuing to strive and be successful is making him very proud of me too.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I am constantly advertising my business and staying up to date with the trends of utilizing social media to grow my COOKIE EMPIRE, lol. My family, friends and clients support and promote the freshness of my cookies, my clean designs, my professionalism towards all who inquire. Ensuring that I am always responsive and do my best to help even when I cannot provide my services to a potential client.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

One of my recent sales came soon after my Papo’s passing. This sale has been impactful for me in more ways than one. I took an order for someone who was receiving a promotion in the Military. It was set to be my most profitable sale thus far and my first prestigious event too . It also consisted of designs that I had not yet done, so the pressure was certainly on. My family and I were hit with the loss of my grandfather, the man who stood in place for my father who passed when I was 2. In the weeks after his passing, in my grief, I could not even imagine mustering the strength to do anything much less bake. But, I made a commitment to my client, to make my Papo proud and of course to myself. I baked, and pulled off this great sale, delivering an amazing custom order all the while mourning the loss of my grandfather. My client reached out to me to let me know all the beautiful comments that were made about my designs and flavors, making this particular order all worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marlenisboujeebakery.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/marlenisboujeebakery?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mboujeebakery