Today we’d like to introduce you to Maricel Cephus.
Hi Maricel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I started with the idea of wanting to make vegan French macarons when I couldn’t really find them anywhere in Houston that sold them. So one day, I made my first batch. Although it came out horribly, I kept trying. I spent numerous hours and ingredients in hopes of getting this tough cookie down. After weeks and weeks of hard work and a range of emotions, I FINALLY got it! That’s how Finally Vegan Macarons was born. Not only did I finally make vegan macarons, but Houston finally could get them too!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Making macarons alone is a very challenging task. Making them vegan is even more of a struggle. There were moments when I wanted to just quit and not keep trying. But with the push from my daughters and the determination to get it down, I kept going until I reached my goal.
Additionally, I learned a lot about how to be a small business owner. Along the way, I taught myself how to balance my schedule without being burnt out. This was probably the biggest struggle. Working for myself has been truly rewarding, but in the end, you’re doing just that. You alone have to work and work until you get where you want to be. That means working past the typical 9-5 Monday-Friday and working late nights and early mornings if needed.
We’ve been impressed with Finally Vegan Macarons, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are the first all vegan macaron bakery in Houston. We have over 40 flavors and rotate them out weekly. Additionally, we have added vegan cookies, scones and creme brulee to the menu. All items are also available gluten-free. A lot of customers come to us because they have food allergies that they or someone they know cannot enjoy desserts like everyone else. But although our treats are vegan, we are known to offer desserts that “don’t even taste vegan.” We have a good mix of vegan and non-vegan customers who just simply love how our baked goods taste.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories were always watching my mom bake. I would just sit and watch her at the table as she made fresh bread and cinnamon rolls. The smell of fresh bread was amazing. Then, I’d be her first taste tester. The whole process was so interesting to me.
Pricing:
- $2.50/macaron
- $3/special flavor macarons
- $5-6/cookie
- $3.5/scone
- $6.5/creme brulee
Contact Info:
- Email: finallyveganmacarons@gmail.com
- Website: finallyveganmacarons.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/finally.vegan.macarons
- Facebook: facebook.com/FinallyVeganMacarons
