We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Fa Afiune a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Fa, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Time seemed to blur by, whisking away stages of life in the blink of an eye. That’s the sensation that drove me to take a leap of faith, stepping into entrepreneurship and birthing Muncheese Cake.

As a local and woman-owned enterprise, we specialize in crafting cheesecakes in jars. When I say “we,” it’s because I’ve realized that growth means collaboration, not just solitary efforts.

The inspiration for Muncheese Cake stems from the women in my family: my grandmothers, great-grandmothers, aunts, and mother. Their culinary legacies, spanning centuries and generations, formed the foundation for my venture.

The seed of this idea was planted during the pandemic. I recalled a cherished cheesecake recipe my mother had perfected over 20 years ago, a recipe that had won over countless families in her hometown of San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, and even across the border in Yuma, Arizona (because when you straddle one side of the border, the other becomes part of your life too). I realized that I could turn this beloved recipe into a viable business.

Though I had previously held stable office jobs, I yearned for something of my own, something that carried more risk but also promised a greater reward. So, amidst a time of upheaval and personal growth, I took that cherished recipe and made it my own.

Through innovation, I devised a method to layer the cheesecake in a sustainable, portable, personal-sized jar—reusable to boot. Combined with a range of delectable flavors and the passion I poured into every batch, Muncheese Cake was born.

Fa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Muncheese Cake presents a delectable solution with our cold cheesecakes layered in reusable glass jars. Not only does this option offer sustainability by reducing plastic waste, but it also addresses common dessert transportation issues. Our jars ensure easy portability without compromising the dessert’s integrity—it won’t get crushed, and the packaging remains intact even in your bag or backpack. Plus, the versatility of the jar extends beyond dessert; it can be repurposed in countless ways, making it a small yet impactful contribution to environmental preservation.

Transitioning from office jobs to entrepreneurship required me to delve into various realms like cooking, legal matters, and accounting. Drawing from the wealth of wisdom within my family, particularly the women who passed down their cooking advice and recipes, has been invaluable. Additionally, aligning with “Local First,” a non-profit dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, has been a game-changer. Their bootcamps, mentorship, and networking opportunities have been instrumental in navigating commercial kitchens, finding events, forging connections with fellow entrepreneurs, and much more. I owe a significant part of Muncheese Cake’s success story to the unwavering support of the entire Local First team.

In less than a year, Muncheese Cake has garnered immense pride and acceptance within the community. Witnessing the joy on people’s faces as they indulge in our desserts is incredibly fulfilling, and I look forward to many more moments of shared happiness through Muncheese Cake.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

While the ultimate goal for Muncheese Cake is to have a presence in stores, our initial focus on farmers’ markets has proven invaluable. These markets serve as a vital platform for introducing our brand, fostering community connections, and growing alongside our supporters.

Phoenix boasts a thriving farmers’ market scene, offering a glimpse into the diverse and innovative products of fellow entrepreneurs. It’s inspiring to witness the resilience and determination that each vendor embodies, overcoming challenges to establish businesses that benefit both themselves and their families. What’s even more gratifying is the overwhelming support from the community, demonstrating a genuine appreciation for local businesses and a willingness to contribute to their success.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Definitely Local First and ALL the workshops that they offer!!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muncheese.cake/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muncheesecake.official
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/muncheese-cake-phoenix
• Other: [email protected]