Community Spotlight: Meet the owner of Maks Snack Shack, Makayla Roberson from Olympia, Washington.

Jul 14, 2024by Jiovani Cervantes

Today, we're happy to share with you our conversation with the owner of Maks Snack Shack, Makayla Roberson from Olympia, Washington.
We wanted to get to know a little bit more about who she is, what inspired her to start her business, and where she's plans on taking it in the few years. Here's how it went:

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us Makayla! We're excited to have you as our next feature and learn more about you as an entrepreneur. Let's start this off with you sharing exactly what it was that initially drew you to your craft, and how has your journey unfolded since then?
Makayla Roberson: What initially drew me to my craft was the love and fellowship I gained from cooking with my family as a child. It really made such an imprint on my heart and mind that I carried it with me into adulthood. I really enjoy eating with my friends and preparing food for them. Slowly it turns into me selling it to them. And then posting, gaining customers which then led to the birth of Maks Snack Shack. I have been able to share my love for cooking and baking through my commercial bakery and through my cooking/baking classes I teach throughout our community.

Can you share some insights into your creative process? Where do you find inspiration, and how do you translate that into your work?

Makayla Roberson: I get my inspiration from the beauty that is God's creation. I truly believe my gift was God given because there are times where I create something or think of something that I cannot explain or that I had little to no skill or knowledge of. This truly has been a game changer for me as I have developed in my career, and it truthfully manifests as the love I feel when I get to serve my community and it shows in my work.

What projects are you currently working on, and what excites you the most about them?

Makayla Roberson: Currently I’m working on moving into my own distribution warehouse. I have gained some pretty high level and high quantity contracts with local hospitals, schools, and franchises. I’m very excited for my product to impact and touch so many people. I believe my food really bring joy to people and that it so exciting!

Looking back on your career so far, what would you consider to be your proudest achievement or most memorable moment?

Makayla Roberson: My proudest achievement so far has been personally getting to serve congress woman Strickland my treats and getting to talk to her about my business. Her advice is always so helpful.

How do you navigate challenges and setbacks in your field, and what advice would you give to aspiring creatives facing similar obstacles?

Makayla Roberson: What I do, many have not done before. I have learned there is a lot of challenges, barriers, and just plain old "no's". I have learned to see these barriers as an opportunity for growth and change. When you hear no, it's an opportunity for yes! As I learned from the book “Never Split the Distance” by Chris Voss. I recommend every business owner reads that book. I no longer feel stuck when I hit a wall. I just learn how to climb it or knock that thing down!

In an industry constantly evolving, how do you stay innovative and relevant while maintaining your unique voice/style?

Makayla Roberson: I truly don’t see the need to follow what everyone else is doing. What is for me is for me. No amount of confirming to cultural standards will change that. I truly love to move in the direction I feel I should go and not allow other choices or success lessen my path of success.

Can you talk about any collaborations or partnerships that have been particularly meaningful or impactful for you?

Makayla Roberson: My partnership with our local grocery stores has really been amazing being in that level of distribution and taught me a lot of places I need to grow. I am also beyond impacted by my partnership with Hands On Children’s Museum as a celebrity chef. I get to teach 15-20 family’s how to cook together and I get to foster and watch them grow in that connection.

What do you hope audiences or consumers take away from your work, and what impact do you aspire to make in your industry?

Makayla Roberson: I hope that people can see the love that I have for my work, and the joy I try to instill from it. I also hope that everyone is impacted by the scripture I chose to put on my packaging and that it imprints on their hearts. Whether it’s through growth, love or encouragement. And I joke to inspire people to know they can choose and create the future that God has intended for them. Not anyone else.

Lastly, what message or piece of wisdom would you like to share with your fans, or anyone inspired by your journey?

Makayla Roberson: This quote from James 1:2-3 has carried me through all the trials I have faced. I could never let them break me but grow me. “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”

Makayla, we thank you again for giving us the chance to get to know more about you. Now, the floor is yours, share with us the links people can use to find more of your work, as well as any special announcements or projects you have coming up in the near future!
You can find out more about my business here!
Website: Home | Maks Snack Shack
Facebook: @Maks Snack Shack
Instagram: @makssnackshack1
TikTok: @makssnackshack