Meet Mikayla Hopper of Southwest Treats in Northwest Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikayla Hopper.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
For as long as I can remember, I have had an interest in food and baking, but I never imagined having a career in that field. After I graduated high school, I attended one semester at community college, and I felt lost. I knew the community college courses were not the path I wanted to take so I took a break.

I have a lot of thought into how I should turn my passion into a career, and I explored culinary schools. I enrolled in Arizona Culinary Institute and received my certificate. As part of the culinary program, I completed an internship at Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn. I really enjoyed working there and was offered a permanent position as a line cook. While there, I was able to help out with pastries and made my first wedding cake.

Working in pastries really allowed me to grow and learn about the baking industry. It was then I started to make cakes for friends and family in my free time. I found myself always looking forward to my next opportunity to create something special. After Lon’s, I worked as a coffee shop manager/baker for a local shop in downtown Phoenix. I would create daily dessert specials. It was a great way to learn about business; what customers like and how to determine prices and inventory.

After a few years, I started feeling really burnt out and discouraged as I wasn’t able to be independently creative. I decided to get out of the food industry and take a 9-5 desk job. The break gave me a chance to experience a routine job, which actually only reinforced my desire to do something I am passionate about, baking.

In 2014, I had my first child and was returning to work after my maternity leave. I struggled because I always wanted to be a stay at home mom. It was also difficult adjusting to work life with my new baby in daycare. After three months back at work my husband suggested I stay home with our daughter and make baking and cake decorating my full-time job. I’m not one to take big risks, but I knew I had to jump on this opportunity.

I specialize in creative decorating and detailed artistry. I hand make characters and adornments for all my desserts. I have a large online portfolio which includes wedding cakes, cupcakes, and many themed birthday cakes and sugar cookies. My business has grown so much in the last four years through referrals and online marketing.

The majority of my business is personal orders; however, I also supply pastries for a local coffee shop in Glendale, called Union Coffee Company. I create custom cakes, cookies, and pastries for any occasion.

Great, 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 often find it challenging to juggle both home life and work life since I bake out of my home. I have two young children who need plenty of attention so finding that balance can be difficult. I really dislike having to turn down orders, but there are times where I have to make sure I can give 100% to each of my customer’s orders and also be there for my family.

I am extremely fortunate to have the support of my husband. He pushed me to start my business and is always there to push me a little further and encourage me when I need it.

Please tell us about Southwest Treats.
I create custom cakes, treats, and desserts for any occasion. I make single to multi-tiered cakes that range from simple to detailed designs. I also make iced decorated sugar cookies, cupcakes, scones, muffins and more. All of my baked goods are made to order, from scratch.

I am most proud of my ability to keep learning and growing and not becoming complacent. There are always new trends in the dessert world, and I really enjoy exploring those new ideas.

One of my favorite parts of my creative baking business is the freedom to make custom designs for my clients and seeing it all come to life. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing my customer’s faces light up when I have really nailed the vision they had in their head.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
From a business perspective, 2018 has really brought so much growth and attention to my business. I am very thankful and proud of that alone. Its extremely gratifying hearing customers tell me how much they enjoyed something I have baked and they can’t wait to order more treats for their next event. My business continues to grow primarily from referrals which I feel are really the best compliments.

From my personal view, hearing my daughter tell everyone she wants to be a baker just like ‘mommy,’ makes me very proud. It makes me happy knowing she sees the hard work and effort I put into my business and is just as proud of it as I am. It’s rewarding to be showing my kids how they can follow their dreams no matter how big they may seem…

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Southwesttreats.com
• Phone: 602-291-9317
• Email: mikayla@southwesttreats.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/southwesttreats
• Facebook: facebook.com/southwesttreats

Image Credit:
Whimsical Light Photography

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