Off the court, senior Mia Villanueva dedicates her time to baking sweet treats for her small business SweetsXMia. The Coyote Chronicle sat down with Villanueva to discuss her interest in baked goods and her future plans for SweetsXMia.
Where did your interest in baked goods come from?
“From a young age, my mom and I would be in the kitchen baking. She was the one who started it all for me. I saw the joy on her face as others tasted her food, that happens to me as well. Baking has always been hobby of mine, it helps remove stress on myself,” Villanueva said.
What inspired you to start your own business?
“If I am being honest, my mom gave me my spark. She used to cater back in New Jersey to some of our Filipino friends and family. My freshman year, I randomly brought a huge container of cookies to school to give to some of my friends. However, some other students kept coming to me asking how much one cookie would cost. From there I had a conversation with my parents, and they gave me the green light to sell them,” Villanueva said.
What is your favorite treat to bake/sell?
“I’m mostly known for my cookies and those are my favorite to make. I make chocolate crinkle cookies, snickerdoodle, and chocolate chip,” Villanueva said.
What is the most difficult part of having your own business?
“The most difficult part of having my own business is the amount [of time] it consumes to make orders. Usually, it takes about 1-3 hours based on the cookie, the prep, and the cleanup,” Villanueva said.
How do you balance your business on top of being a student athlete?
“Being a student athlete while running a small business has it’s ups and downs. On the upside, during my season I usually do[sell] by orders, instead of bringing them in twice a month, or at least I try to, it is all time management. There is stress behind it, though it is all worthwhile,” Villanueva said.
What are your plans/goals for SweetsXMia in the future?
“After the last Fall Block Party, I see it slowing down due to the fact that I will be going to college. Though I would happily continue selling orders,” Villanueva said.
What's your favorite type of cookie?
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