Today we’d like to introduce you to Oriana Molina Garcia
Hi Oriana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
OrianasCookies started in May 2023 after an extremely difficult year. I was in the middle of my first year of graduate school to become a licensed mental health counselor, my dream job. I had to leave the program due to my health, I then spent about 1 week at home wondering what to do with my life since I am not able to work a regular 9-5 job due to my Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). For those who done know Pots is a disorder in which the persons nervous system does not properly work causing the individual to deal with presyncope or syncope symptoms which means feeling dizzy or fainting. After doing research of what jobs could be done from home I saw that under Cottage food laws I am allowed to sell certain baked goods. I then started working on my cookie recipes that I already had since baking is one of my other passions in life and that’s how OrianasCookies was born.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting any business has its struggles. I struggled in the beginning to get customers to order from my website. I promoted my business with flyers outside of my home and that helped a bit but it took over 5 months to really start seeing my business move. After doing my research I decided to turn my home into a home storefront. I use my mudroom as my mini store front. I went from 1-2 customers to the whole neighborhood knowing who I am and what I’m selling. On a more personal note I struggle keeping myself motivated especially on days where I have my flare ups. I sometimes have flare ups that lasts 2 weeks where the majority of the time I have to stay in bed since I can’t get up due to my symptoms. Its a struggle on the daily that most people are not aware of except for my family. Living with something that has no cure and has still not been put on the radar of many doctors or studies is very difficult. I do my job because I love it and it brings me joy and purpose again even though it can be extremely challenging.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m a self taught chronically ill baker who works from home. I make cookies, custom sugar cookies, custom cakes, cupcakes and pies. I am best known for my OreoMadness cookie. I do everything myself with the occasional help from my mother and sister. I do my best to keep my best foot forward even when it becomes challenging during my flare ups. I want people to know that I love what I do I feel like I have a purpose again and it brings me a lot of joy that people enjoy my baked goods.
What does success mean to you?
I define success in many ways. I feel successful when I get compliments on my baking or when I see repeat customers. But success to me is making my parents proud. I want to keep pushing myself forward and make a name for myself so that they can be proud of me and know each and every sacrifice they have done for me has not come unnoticed or unappreciated. I truly just want to be happy and do something I love as well as make my family proud of me that is success to me.
Pricing:
- Cookies are $4 each
- Sugar cookies start at $4 depending on size and design
- Cakes start at $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://OrianasCookies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orianascookies/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@orianascookies?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Image Credits
Oriana Molina Garcia