From Customer to Creator: The Sweet Journey of Milk & Honey Macarons
Introducing Milk & Honey Macarons, a delightful venture founded by the passionate and talented Carissa Dyer. Carissa's journey into the world of macarons began with her love for these handmade, small-batch delicacies. After her go-to macaron baker in Lakeland closed shop, Carissa took matters into her own hands, determined to create macarons that met her exacting standards. With each batch, her enthusiasm grew, leading her to share the extras with friends and family, who couldn't get enough of her delectable creations. Encouraged by their overwhelming support, Carissa took a leap of faith and participated in a vendor market, where her macarons flew off the shelves within hours. The unwavering support from the Lakeland community, demonstrated through their regular attendance at markets like the Buena Market and the Lakeland Farmers Market, has propelled Milk & Honey Macarons to new heights. As they approach their two-year business anniversary in July, Carissa is astounded by the remarkable growth they have achieved.
Get ready to delve into the story behind this delectable macaron business and gain insights into Carissa's journey as a baker and entrepreneur. From the early days of experimenting in her own kitchen to the booming success of Milk & Honey, Carissa shares her experiences, challenges, and exciting plans for the future. Let's dive into this delightful conversation and discover what makes Milk & Honey Macarons truly extraordinary.
Your macarons are known for their unique and creative flavors. What inspires your seasonal menus, and how do you come up with such delightful flavor combinations?
I’m a massive fan of anything seasonal, and in Florida, I think you have to go out of your way to enjoy the little delights of the seasons since we don’t have much of a temperature change. When making new flavors, I think about things I love to enjoy for each season, and then I love experimenting with adding those flavors together to make something tasty and unique!
Macarons can be notoriously challenging to master. How did you learn the art of making macarons? Are there any tips or tricks you can share for achieving that perfect balance of a crisp shell and a soft, chewy center?
The only way I think you can master macarons is just practice, practice, practice! When I first started learning, I spent hours every day off making batch after batch to try and master them. There are a lot of different methods and recipes out there that people can get overwhelmed trying them all, but I think it’s actually less about the recipe itself and more about your technique! I would find one recipe and just try it over and over, tweaking little things along the way, and eventually, I promise you’ll end up with a tasty treat at some point!
What sets Milk & Honey Macarons apart from other bakeries in the area? Is there a specific philosophy or approach that guides your creations and customer experience?
There aren’t a lot of macaron bakers in the Lakeland area, but I think what sets us apart is our large rotating flavor menu (we have over 100 different macaron flavors!) and our large variety of flavors at each market. I also love the small-town sense of community that being a local baker at the farmers market provides for both me and our customers! I absolutely love seeing familiar faces, chatting with my regulars each week, and getting to know them more personally!
Are there any unique or unexpected challenges that you've encountered while running a macaron business? How do you overcome them while maintaining the quality and creativity of your offerings?
One challenge I’ve experienced as a local baker in Florida is the summer heat. Finding ways to display my items still and keep everything cool (including me!) is difficult during summer. We bring tons of ice packs and hope for cloudy days!
Can you share a memorable customer story or feedback that has made a lasting impact on your business?
I’ve had so many wonderful customers and regulars throughout the years. It’s hard for me to pinpoint a specific one! I absolutely love interacting with my customers, and I love it when they share with me pictures and memories of them enjoying them during their celebrations. Being a part of the most special moments in someone else’s life by providing treats is so sweet to me.
Presentation is key when it comes to macarons, and yours are absolutely stunning. How do you approach the design and aesthetics of your macarons to create such visually appealing treats?
Creating different colors and designs is what brings me the most passion when baking! I love creating an aesthetic with each weekly flavor menu and making them all match so they look cohesive as if they were on a dessert platter. Most of the time, when coming up with macaron designs, I go with seasonal colors and shapes, but if I’m feeling a little stuck, I love looking on Pinterest at seasonal pictures to bring a little inspiration.
Milk & Honey Macarons has become a beloved vendor at the Lakeland Curb Market. How has this experience shaped your business and connected you with the local community? Are there any other markets or community events that you particularly enjoy being a part of?
Being a vendor at the esteemed Lakeland Curb Market has been an absolute dream come true for Milk & Honey Macarons. The sense of stability and the tight-knit community that this market provides have been nothing short of remarkable. The opportunity to connect with enthusiastic macaron enthusiasts and fellow vendors has created a supportive and uplifting environment that fuels our passion. Additionally, we have had the pleasure of being a regular vendor at the vibrant Buena Market, where we have experienced an abundance of joy and warm interactions. The camaraderie and sense of belonging in these markets have been instrumental in shaping the success and growth of Milk & Honey Macarons. We are immensely grateful for the love and support we receive from both the Lakeland Curb Market and the Buena Market, as they continue to be cherished pillars of our journey.
As Milk & Honey Macarons continues to thrive, Carissa and her team are constantly striving to bring even more delight and excitement to their devoted macaron enthusiasts. With an eye for innovation, they have recently introduced a dessert cart to their farmers market display, enhancing the overall experience with a touch of sweetness and charm. In addition to their renowned macarons, they have expanded their menu to include jumbo cookies, macaron-stuffed cookies, and delectable fudge-y brownies. While the farmers market season will come to an end in August, Carissa and her team eagerly anticipate a fresh season in September, where they can showcase an array of new treats. The unwavering support of the Lakeland community has been instrumental in their journey, and they are grateful for the opportunity to continue creating delightful and mouthwatering experiences for all.