Life and Work with Karly Giang

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karly Giang.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a proud first-born Vietnamese-American who grew up in Bayou La Batre, AL. (Cue Forrest Gump music) I’ve been blessed to have lived and worked all over the United States but Atlanta, GA is where my heart and home is.

By day, I work as a web developer and by night, I moonlight as a baker with a specialty for French macarons! I haven’t always an avid baker but after my sweet niece was born, I took it upon myself to be the best auntie I could be. I baked my very first fondant two-tier Dora the Explorer cake in honor of her favorite cartoon character. Needless to say, it was a big hit and it jump-started my baking journey.

I tasted my first French macaron cookie during a 2008 trip to San Francisco and I’ve been hooked ever since! I stopped at nothing to learn how to create them and there was definitely a lot of trial and error along the way! Fortunately, my daughter shares my love of food and served as my Quality Assurance Specialist. (Gotta love how honest kids are!) Our long hours in the kitchen have paid off as I currently sell my macaron ice cream sandwiches at Blazin’ Cajun Seafood Restaurant in Duluth, GA. Believe it or not, they actually pair very well with Cajun food!

I’m also a returning vendor for the 2008 Atlanta Ice Cream Festival on July 28th at Piedmont Park. It’s a free event that provides family fun for the community.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Looking back, I’m so grateful that life wasn’t a smooth road for me as it taught me to persevere and to count my blessings each day. Growing up in a traditional Asian family was very difficult for me, especially as a female. I always had to prove myself but somehow it never seemed to be enough. My upbringing taught me to be extremely resilient no matter what the circumstances may be. It’s at the core of who I am and it’s what I want to instill in my daughter as she grows up.

I truly believe that if I’m determined to start something, then I’m determined to finish it. Mastering the art of baking a French macaron CAN be done! It takes a lot of practice and consistency but nothing worth having ever came easy! I’ve encountered every possible mishap along the way with these lovely creations but that’s not going to stop me! Some days are great while others are not, but it always comes back to the fact that I love what I do. I truly believe in the art of cooking/baking with love.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Milla’s Macarons – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’ve been creating macaron ice cream sandwiches for almost two years and it’s been a wonderful experience! After I found my niche in making French macarons and ice cream sandwiches, I decided to start Milla’s Macarons, LLC in honor of my daughter. Our flavors include Matcha, Vanilla, Strawberry, Cookies and Cream, Fruity Pebbles and Coffee. It goes without saying that I am most proud of my family for supporting and encouraging me. And, of course, without saying all the positive feedbacks from my happy customers makes it all very rewarding.

Who have you been inspired by?
My mother is undoubtedly my biggest inspiration and my hero. Her grit and determination to make the best of every bad situation push me to do the best that I can in all areas of my life. She sacrificed so much to raise four young kids in a new country with no money. Still, she managed to put all of us through college by cooking. I vividly remember her catering food and selling Vietnamese pastries out of her car in Alabama! Everyone was a fan of her food, which made her really happy. She continued doing it not only because it paid the bills, but also because it was a rewarding experience. Through her, I learned the joy of creating something that makes people happy.

Contact Info:

• Address: Blazin Cajun Seafood Restaurant
  4500 Satellite Blvd
  Duluth, Georgia 30096
• Phone: (770) 609-8148
• Email: millasmacarons@gmail.com
• Instagram: millasmacarons
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/millasmacarons

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