Today we’d like to introduce you to Mika Burks.
Mika, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, I grew up in a household with a lot of artistic discussions about color, composition, and design, etc. Since both of my parents were artists (Dad-graphic designer and painter, Mom- kimono textile designer), they wanted me to go to art school like them. However, I didn’t want to follow their footsteps (what kind of teenager want to listen to parents anyway?).
So I did the complete opposite of what they wanted. I came to the States to pursue my master’s degree in political science at American University in Washington, DC. I have been in the publishing business as a writer and editor for a Tokyo-based publisher for more than two decades. Launching a bakery was not initially on my to-do list even though baking has been my passion since my early childhood. It was no more than a pastime until January 2014.
As one of my new year resolutions, I decided to start something new, so I started taking a cake decorating course at Wilton, which I’ve always wanted to do. I enjoyed the class and learned a lot. But decorating cakes is a big project. I had to bake a whole cake often for the class, which was more than we can eat with my family. I started giving away the cakes to in-laws and friends. Soon all of us got tired of my project cakes, which lead to my discovering icing cookies. Smaller in size requires less ingredients and baking time. Plus, it lasts much longer than the cake. Best of all, I can utilize all the techniques that I learned at Wilton. So I immediately fell in love with cookie decorating.
Right after I completed the cake decorating course, my father in Tokyo was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I had to go to Tokyo back and forth for the next eight-month and put everything on hold. When I came back to Atlanta after his funeral, I resumed cookie decorating and devoted myself to it even more. Retrospectively it was my way of grieving over the loss of my father, and it worked!
Playing with the idea of starting the cookie business for a year or so, I finally decided to launch an online-based Mika’s Little Bakery in 2016. Now I feel like I go back to my roots when I decorate cookies. All my parent’s artistic talk that I didn’t pay much attention to when I was a teenager came back to me. It’s a strange yet warm feeling because I feel like bonding with them and appreciate what they passed down to me.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it was not a smooth road. I’m still writing for the Japanese publisher, along with taking care of my family and daughter. I love doing all of these things and they are an important part of my life, but I had to admit that time management is the most challenging part for me. At the same time decorating cookies and thinking about the design keeps me calm. After all, I found myself enjoying this challenge as a whole.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Mika’s Little Bakery story. Tell us more about the business.
Mika’s Little Bakery is well known for custom designed icing cookies. The dough is made from scratch with non-GMO flour, cage-free eggs, and organic flavoring. I take great pride in creating exquisite designs and color combinations to meet my client’s needs and match the event’s theme.
My inspiration comes from what I like, such as flowers, food (of course), and ”kawaii” items, as well as beautiful things, such as ballet costumes. Conversation with my daughter and husband inspires me, too. Casual talk with them gives me a hint that I’ve never noticed before. The bouquet wreath with delicate flowers and leaves are always well received by my clients. For one order from Atlanta Ballet, I went to see their performance to get inspiration and I recreated their ballet costume using icing.
My Japanese heritage plays a vital role in my inspiration and creativity. Since my late mother was a kimono designer, I felt a special bonding with her every time I make kimono cookies. I also love surprising my clients with fun and unordinary designs. Sushi and ramen cookies were a big hit at JapanFest last year, which is the biggest Japan-related festival in the Southeast region.
I also give a hands-on cookie decoration workshop. Before the coronavirus outbreak, I would host a monthly workshop for a small group of people. I will resume face-to-face workshops once the situation allows. Since face to face workshops are not currently practical, I started an online workshop, as well. I love giving workshops because sharing the joy of cookie decorating with many people brings me tremendous joy and fulfillment. From small kids to grown-ups, they all have a good time decorating cookies, and many of them found it to be soothing and relaxing.
So I call it ”meditation with a sweet twist”.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The coronavirus outbreak really affected small businesses badly. We will not have an easy path ahead. However, I want to hold on to the bright side of the future. I believe in the power of something pretty and sweet. As a confectioner and baker, I believe that we can bring smiles and joy to people. I would love to deliver to my customer’s smiles and “wow!” by providing my cookies. I am fortunate to be able to connect and unite with other small business owners through social media. They gave me tremendous support and inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mikaslittlebakery.com
- Email: mikaslittlebakery@gmail.com
- Instagram: @mikas.little.bakery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikaslittlebakery
Image Credit:
Mika Burks
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