2021 is here! And so is the pandemic. Still.
As the status quo remains equal parts over & under whelming, it's important to remind ourselves of the art (and taste) of possible. That's why at present, each Strat Chat that we publish is dedicated to shining the spotlight on small businesses born during the COVID-19, just like Strat House.
For our 2nd installment in this series, we had a delicious conversation with Mike Koshimizu, Creator of LA's hottest new gourmet cookie-ry, Mikey's Short N' Sweet Cookies.
The Big Short
Tell us about Mikey’s Short N’ Sweet Cookies!
Mikey's Short N' Sweet is a boutique cookie business in Los Angeles.
Why did you decide to start your own company?
I've always loved to bake. During this pandemic lockdown, I'd go into my kitchen and start baking when I'd get stressed. My young and very entrepreneurial friend kept pushing me to open a baking business. I saw the success he created with his online company during this time, so I thought "why not."
Why cookies?
Cookies just made sense since I'm working from my home kitchen. They don't require refrigeration when completed. Although, I did change my guest bedroom into my cookie room. I even bought a second refrigerator to store the butter and eggs (I now buy butter in 36lb cases and eggs in 8 dozen boxes!)
Batch, please
Tell us about your flavors?
Currently, we feature 8 flavors:
Chocolate Chip with Sea Salt
Oatmeal Raisin
Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Peanut Butter Stuffed with a Truffle
The Kitchen Sink (An Oatmeal Peanut Butter base with M&Ms, Chocolate Chips, and Pretzels)
Chocolate Fudge
S'Mores Stuffed with a Truffle
A little bird told us you actually make your own truffles used in the aforementioned flavors?
Yes, accurate!
Which flavor is your favorite?
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Is each batch handmade?
All cookies are homemade in my home kitchen in small batches. I only use European style butter and Callebaut Chocolate.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I love watching cooking shows (and any UCLA sports!) So, I guess my inspiration comes from those incredibly talented people on TV.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about cookie making?
Cookie making is a science as much as baking a cake. There are methods that will change a cookie from just okay to absolutely scrumptious. You must cream the butter, sugar, and eggs for a very long time.
Mikey's Signature 8
Bake It Til You Make It
What aspects of starting your business have been most exciting?
The overwhelming response and support from my launch completely surprised me. But, this business is a family affair. My former client and dear friend created my logo. My former colleague and sushi buddy did my photos. And my vendor and close friend created my website. It truly takes a village. And without my village, I couldn't have done this endeavor.
What was your launch period like?
I initially went all in at the beginning; I got my health permit and created an LLC to make it official. Then, I hit a road block during recipe testing. I loved to give my baked goods to family and friends, and was struggling with the concept of now charging people. That same young friend who encouraged me to start the business gave me the perspective that I needed to continue. He told me that these people will still get the same joy from my baking and will now have the opportunity to support me at the same time. Thank God for young friends!!!
What challenges have you endured?
Nerves and the thought of rejection played a huge part in why this opening took so long. I'm a risk adverse person so to put myself out there for people to see was tough.
Slam Dunk
How do you define success for your business - and yourself?
Success to me is now having people enjoy my cookies. It makes me happy that these bites can bring happiness to people, especially during these crazy times.
What guidance can you offer other entrepreneurs looking to start a company right now?
To start your business, find yourself people who have done just that. Ask questions and learn from their mistakes. We all have stories that will help you in your development.
2021 is finally here! What’s next?
Hopefully, Mikey's Short n' Sweet Cookies will begin shipping early this year (at present, we only deliver locally in LA). And of course, I'll enjoy developing new recipes.
Follow Mikey's Short N' Sweet Cookies on Instagram @mikeysshortnsweet and if you're in West LA, get the goods at mikeysshortnsweetcookies.com - plus get 15% off your first order with code: MIKEISTALL.
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Strat House is an experience company. We specialize in strategy, design and content, delivering b2b results that change, engage and enrage (when necessary).
Strat Chat is our weekly Q&A series with marketing & event professionals. We discuss business and pleasure with the industry's best - plus get a little personal.
If you missed the first business we profiled in this series, Abbott Road Designs, check it out here.