Above the bridge
Above the bridge
Episode 165 MAEGAN KAHLBAUM (Baker and Owner of Meggles Makes)
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This week we sit down with Maegan, the baker behind Meggles Makes, to trace how a childhood love of crepes and banana bread turned into a dessert brand locals plan their week around. From her first Ziploc brownie sales to sellouts at Whiskey Smoke, she walks us through the honest steps of going full time: tightening costs, pricing for profit, managing inflation, planning bake days, and shooting content that actually converts.
What makes this journey pop is the mix of craft and community. Maegan shares how Kaneohe neighbors became customers, how Corey and the Whiskey Smoke family opened doors, and why certain flavors win next to barbecue. We get into the signature ube cheesecake that converts skeptics, the year-round staples that anchor the menu, and the seasonal surge of pumpkin chantilly, pumpkin crunch, and pumpkin cheesecake that flies off shelves. She’s candid about experiments that flopped, why she added gluten-free options, and how she reads demand signals so she can scale without overbaking or disappointing regulars.
At the core is a steady mindset fueled by faith and family. Maegan talks about losing her dad, the push he gave her to chase big dreams, and the daily rituals that keep her grounded—journaling, prayer, and showing up even when the week hits hard. A chance moment with a diner who stopped to pray for her becomes a turning point, a reminder that resilience is as essential as butter and eggs. If you’re building a food business, you’ll find practical tactics here: batching work, using Instagram trends with intention, pairing flavors for context, and letting customer feedback shape production. If you’re looking for courage, you’ll find that too.
Craving more? Follow Meggals Makes for weekly restocks at Whiskey Smoke, watch for the Thanksgiving menu, and get there early if you want a slice. If this conversation fed you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a push, and drop a review to help more listeners find us.
Welcome And Guest Introduction
SPEAKER_03Okay, welcome to another edition of the Above the Bridge Podcast. I'm your host, Thaddeus. If this is your first time checking out our podcast, you can pretty much find us wherever you get your podcasts, Spotify, Apple, iHeartRadio, Pandora, pretty much all the podcast platforms you can find us, as well as our YouTube page and our website is atvpod.com. Thank you for tuning in to our show. Please like, subscribe, leave a comment. I appreciate you guys tuning in. Aloha. Okay, this week my guest is somebody I got to meet at Whiskey Smoke, and she is very much an entrepreneur and a hustler from Kaneoi. She owns Magel's Makes. Megan Kobum. How are you doing? I got I had to make sure I got your name right.
SPEAKER_01You did, thank you. I'm doing great. How are you?
SPEAKER_03I'm super good. And I think this is one of the the episodes I was really excited for, and I was super glad you're down to do it. And yeah, of course. Yeah, I got to meet you at Whiskey Smoke through Corey Them, who's family and business and culture they develop. I I really am stoked to to know those people. I feel like they're super cool and they're they're the epitome of one Aloha Kanyo family, and and to know that you're part of it, I was like, oh yeah, we gotta get her on.
From Home Baking To Whiskey Smoke
SPEAKER_01No, 100%. I agree with you. They're such amazing people.
SPEAKER_03So you literally would have not sorry. No, no, you work at Whiskey Smoke, right?
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I'm there working in the front of house, and then I also do the baking as well for the restaurant, and then I work I have my baking business there full time that I sell every week, and our customers really go hand in hand, so everybody loves barbecue and dessert, so you really can't go wrong.
SPEAKER_03Yep, and that's uh where I got to try your dessert, and we'll get into it. But I was very impressed just talking to you just for the brief moment on your hustle and what you got going on. But you're primarily a baker, correct?
SPEAKER_02Yes.
SPEAKER_03How did you get started? Because you're kind of young. How did you get started baking or realize that oh, this is something I like to do and I'm kind of good at it? Because you describe it as your passion, huh?
SPEAKER_01Yes. Well, honestly, like growing up, that was one thing I loved doing with my family, especially me and my mom. And that's like our hobby. We're that, you know, that one family member you know is gonna always bring a dessert or something, they're gonna make something from scratch. That we're that we're that person. Nice. And like it just grew into I like had a huge love for it, and like one of my favorite things starting off was making crepes. So, like, that's it's like a privilege. If I make it for you, then that's it. We're locked in for life.
SPEAKER_03Okay, I'll remember that.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I'll make you some one day. Yep, yes, but that's kind of like the one big thing that started, and then we would always make buttermilch, banana breads, like we would sell them at garage sales or anything, just like giving out to family at parties, like that. We were that person, and then I became that person growing up, and it was just oh, are you gonna bring what are you gonna bring for so-and-so's birthday? What are you gonna? I don't have a choice, but I didn't mind at the same time. Like, I absolutely love baking.
SPEAKER_03Okay, well, that's good if the uh your neighbors and family and friends are super stoked every time you come to a house party or uh uh gathering. So what you think? Yeah, uh that would be me. I'm always like dessert table first, so it's like yeah, I think um doing cooking and baking, it becomes an art form, and it seems like you kind of creating a bunch of different flavors and um flavor profiles, and I go on your Instagram and ho, like everything looks amazing. But when you first started, did you think this could be a business where it's like oh I'm gonna do this full-time kind? Oh, I don't know, not at all.
Early Hustle And Family Roots
SPEAKER_01I was like selling brownies in high school, like in Ziploc bags. Like, you want one for two bucks? Like, I never thought I would take it this far. And like, I've always had full-time jobs back to back, you know, it was just like a hobby I kept putting on the side, and then I was like, oh, like one day, like I don't know, I would love to have my own shop and like just have my own business, and I always kept it on the side and it stayed consistent as we went, but like as a hobby, and then I think this past year is my first year um breaking away from all my other jobs and finally full head-on taking that risk with my business. So now we're legal, we have a kitchen. I finally have been at Whiskey Smokes for like let's see, maybe almost a year, a little over a year and a half now, almost two. I think next beginning of next year it will be two. And then like Corey and his family, they're so amazing. Like they really took me in as one of their like one of their own kids in their lives, and it just it's so heartwarming because growing up, I lost my dad when I was at high school. So kind of had to grow up fast and just always working. So that's one thing that just kept me busy, and I always found like baking as little time pockets when I'm not working, and then that was something that just kept picking up and picking up, like it never slowed down. I just never had time. And now that I have the time and the opportunities, like there was my whiskey smoke family's been so amazing, like it's just such a real blessing to have them in my life, and it's just so surreal that they're like, Corey is like, I believe in you, like we're gonna get you here. Hey, this is your dream, we're gonna do it. And I'm over here like in tears, and I'm like, really? Like, please, are you serious? Like, I'm gonna quit like all my jobs. That's the point. Like, that was my end goal, and then hopefully in the next few years is to have like my own trap little pop-up to have my own place, but it's all in the works, but I made it so far, and like I'm so excited. That's super cool. How did you even meet Corey then? Um, we were actually vending a couple events, like here and there, like near each other, and then there was the one at Wa Jole Elementary, and then we got really close around then, and then I knew Rhea from school, like we grew up together, and I was like, oh my gosh, that's crazy! Like, oh, that's cool. So I brought them desserts one day, and then um they ate it all, like they cleared out whatever I gave them. Like, I came back and it was all gone, and I was like, Oh, nice, I'm glad you guys liked it. And like that following weekend, like I told Corey them, I was like, you know, if you guys are ever looking for desserts that you'd want to sell at your restaurant, let me know. Like, maybe we could try that out. And then he's like, Yeah, for sure. So we had a sit-down meeting. I brought a box of Ube, Mac Nut Crunch. It's my best seller. So I brought a box, we sat down at the table at the restaurant. He's like, Goodbye, goes, Yep, this is you. We're going. And I was like, really? Like, oh my gosh, like it's crazy. And after that, like, it's just been so surreal, and everything took off, everything is so consistent. People are like, Oh wow, you guys have desserts now, and then what when there's no desserts, they get mad. So I was like, Oh yeah, sorry, like now we have to be consistent because they know it's here now.
SPEAKER_03Yeah, people are seeking it out. So let's back up a little bit. You used to slang brownies at where castle high school.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, don't don't we don't talk about that. Yeah, but those were like the starting honesty. It's kind of like how all my classmates knew me, like, oh yeah, she knows how to like bait, like everybody knew me. Like, I would bring like poramuchi or brownies, depends on the date.
SPEAKER_02I have to like switch bags and run classes so you don't get caught, yeah.
SPEAKER_03Yeah, that's super cool. That means you had that hustler mindset and the work ethic from at a young age, plus you already knew that was your passion.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, that's that was so funny. I kind of forgot about that until you told me you asked, like, oh, where did you start? And I was like, Wow, that really is the start.
Taking The Leap To Full Time
SPEAKER_03That's super cool. My sister, when she was growing up, she used to slang um Lehimui lollipops. Remember those lollipops? Yeah, like people would know her as a lollipop girl, which yeah, she was hustling that when she is she was young. Okay, I want to take this short moment to shout out our sponsor, Defen Hawaii. They have a star in winner mall called No One. But if you go on their website, defendhawaii.com, they have some new fall drops for you guys. Go on their website, take a look. They have some cool stuff, they have some UH collabs, they have some stuff for the beach and some new fall stuff. Uh, they also have some new board charts. Give them a look, defendhawaii.com. If you use promo code ATBPod upon checkout, you'll get 15% off your first purchase. Give them a look, defendhawaii.com. Now back to the show. When did you kind of uh know like okay, I'm gonna do this? And you said you did pop-ups or you did like craft fairs, I would imagine.
SPEAKER_01So I think I I've been honestly doing my business for about maybe a solid what year is it? 25 1920, 1020, 15 seven years. But like getting into events and everything, finally running up with my business would probably be about a about two years ago, like starting to do events and everything. I didn't have time, and then I didn't fully understand like how am I gonna sell this or that. I had no idea what this whole business mode is. Like, oh, you guys want to buy this for that, and we're cool, like but there's so much more to it, like learning your profits, what you're spending, making sure that you're making bat and building your clientele, like that's a huge thing. And like I love that so much about kanyhoe, like everyone looks out for each other. That is one thing you could probably only find in Kamehameha. Yeah, um like we support each other, we love supporting other small businesses. So, like the whole Kanye community. Like, I've met so many people, I was like, Oh, you live down the road from me? Like, thank you so much for buying, you know. Like, they're just like my neighbors, they're all supported. They go and tell their friends, like their cousins getting married. Oh, come cater the wedding. And I was like, Oh, really? Like, oh my gosh, so much different opportunities that people just like to offer all around.
SPEAKER_03Yeah, I I totally agree with you about Kanye community, and I'm honestly a little biased, and I I could be seeing it through biased eyes, but I feel like our community does support each other, and word of mouth in Kaneo goes quick, good or bad, you know what I mean?
SPEAKER_02But no, for real, you're somebody's cousin, you're gonna find out.
SPEAKER_03Oh, yeah. But from my experiences with your dessert, which I had to like, I brought it home from my daughter, and it was your Ube cheesecake that you gave us, gave us when we were at the shop. And oh, I ate like a I cut a little piece and I ate it, and then like hold I I cut a little tiny piece to give my daughter, and I just mopped the rest.
SPEAKER_01No face, I'm so glad.
Partnering With Corey And Momentum
SPEAKER_03Yeah, your um desserts are good, but uh while you're starting your business and there's a business aspect to every business where you gotta, like you said, you learn your clientele, product and demand, your overhead and all that cost, and doing all that stuff. But primarily it comes down to baking. And how do you come up with your recipes? Do you kind of create your own and try different things, or or are you following a recipe from your parents, or like how do you how do you come up with your your menu?
SPEAKER_01It's kind of hard. It kind of, I guess, depends on the item. So, like, most of my things they're happy. That it's just mental math at this point. I don't need a book, I can't, I don't need a recipe or any I know what it is. Like, I'm just gonna throw it all together and it's gonna come out. And then the other half is like when I wanna try around different experiments, like if I look up the cheesecake recipe, but I'm gonna flip the whole flavor. Like, I just take bits and pieces. That's why if people ask for a recipe, I was like, I use three different recipes, I don't know how to tell you. I just put a bit of this one, that one, and then I made my own towards the end. Yeah, yeah. So I think that's one thing too. It's like it's hard because you can't find the same things. Like you could try, you could definitely try, but it's not gonna be the same.
SPEAKER_03So your creativity and um your own uh spin on things is created into your ingredients into your desserts, guaranteed.
SPEAKER_01And oh yes, for sure, 100%.
SPEAKER_03So, what's your favorite one to make, and which is the your favorite one to eat?
SPEAKER_01Favorite one to make that's hard. I guess it depends on the season. Like, I love making right now, it's pumpkin because it's pumpkin season. Uh, my favorite thing to eat is probably the most simple, it's just a chocolate chip cookie. Everything else that I bake, uh I'm just so sick of it. Like, I don't even want to taste it. Like, I would much rather support someone else that's baking, so I don't have to make it. Then it'll taste good.
SPEAKER_03That's crazy.
SPEAKER_01Like, I just love a simple chocolate chip cookie. That's it.
SPEAKER_03That's awesome. I um I was going through your Instagram, and you have uh on the top the different stuffs you have, and my all-time favorite flavor is pumpkin. And I was watching your reels and I seen it was the uh pumpkin chantilly, um whatever it was, it had pumpkin and with chantilly on top. And I was looking at that, I'm like, oh, that looks super good. And you had the pumpkin crunch and um one more pumpkin. Oh, what was it? Pumpkin cheese. That's the one. Oh, that one too. Yeah, I was like, Oh, she's like pumpkining out, and how often do you do pumpkin like just through this time of year?
SPEAKER_01Normally through this time, only because it's kind of hard to find the bigger cans in um bulk packs of pumpkin because they'll only drop like a palette at a time, depending on the season. But in the beginning of the year, it's not as popular, so I don't normally make it till mostly towards like from October till the end of the year. Oh, okay. It'll probably be like pumpkin options, definitely for sure. You ever had a pumpkin chocolate chip cookie? No, I will make you one.
SPEAKER_03I'm gonna have to uh yeah, because I love everything pumpkin, yeah, yeah. Do you um so you kind of go with the flavors of the uh I guess the seasons, right? Yeah, so how would your seasonal um like flavors play out throughout the year? Like obviously now would be pumpkin, but what else would you kind of do throughout the year?
SPEAKER_01Um normally other than that, or outside of that, I would just keep like my regular menu because banana bread you can have year-round for sure. My ube is year-round. That's something that's not gonna leave.
SPEAKER_00Yeah.
Sponsor Break: Defend Hawaii
SPEAKER_01Um, iced lemon cake, that one goes really good with barbecue because like the acidic, it helps balance out everything and it's like perfect. Strawberry lemon soda cake, that one's very popular. I actually haven't made that in a little bit. I've had a guy that was a really good customer, he comes in every morning like once a week for that one cake, and I didn't have it for two weeks, and I went there like on island that third week or something, and he was like, Where is the cake? And I was like, I'm so sorry. I made double batch that week.
SPEAKER_03Hook them up, yeah.
SPEAKER_01But in like Christmas time, it's not more so like peppermint flavor that I follow, it's more so cookies because cookies are very popular. So I do like red velvet chocolate chip pumpkin or like pistachio white chocolate chip cookies, you know, cookies are just belongs to December.
SPEAKER_03Yeah, for sure. Do you still do like events and and those kind of things?
Learning The Business Numbers
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I just haven't had time yet. We've been really um jam-packed with my consistency at the restaurant, so it keeps me very busy on its own and then still working, but I am looking to do a couple more, hopefully, one more before the year ends. But I think earlier this year I've had a bad accident where I have an injury in my lower back, so I can't lift heavy right now. Oh, so I haven't been able to do like events on my own yet. Yeah, but after Tattoo Expo was one that I did this year, and that was probably one of my oh my gosh, that was probably the most craziest thing that I don't ever want to do again, but I'm ready for next year. That seems like what yeah, I have never thought I would do an event that big so fast, but then Corey was like, We're going, and I was like, Oh, okay, I don't even know my menu. I didn't even have all of my like correct menu lineups, whatever I needed. He's like, I'm gonna help you. This is gonna be our big event together. And I was just like, okay, like I'm so grateful for them. Like, without them, I really wouldn't have been here today. I would, I wouldn't have. And I was just so like still kind of in awe and in shock at the same time, like how someone I don't know at all believes in everything that I see I believe in for my dream and like my journey. And I was like, we just clicked and I was just like, Oh my gosh, I'm gonna cry. And he's like, Stop crying already, and I was like, Oh my gosh.
SPEAKER_03Well, honestly, he probably just ate your dessert and was like, Oh, yup, this this is gonna be successful. This this is the one, yeah. I'm sure if it didn't taste good, he would have been like, Oh, thank you.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, thanks for the opportunity.
SPEAKER_03I wish you the best. Yeah, he ate one bite and was like, Oh, yeah, we can make this happen. I'm gonna help you out. And yeah, Corey and his family is so full of aloha to have him believe in you. That's that's a huge um opportunity for you to to grow your business. And yeah, the best thing is like people can just try your food, and then you have a uh a client for life.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, it's like it's like his food, yeah. Yeah, exactly. Every time we see someone new, or I walk in and he's talking to someone, he goes, Hey, so I already know. Go grab the ube. Yeah, he gives it to the person, try this.
SPEAKER_03That's exactly what he did to me and Hoppaboy. Yeah, he's like, Oh, you ever had the Ube cheesecake? I'm like, Oh no, he was a wait right there to be home.
SPEAKER_01I heard him call me and I was like, Oh, yeah, I already knew the call.
SPEAKER_03Yeah, so what how often are you baking for the for the shop like on a daily?
SPEAKER_01So I uh I do every week, so it's probably by every Monday, Tuesdays is my full bake day. So that's the days that we're close. So that's the only two days we're off. So I run, grab everything from Sam's Club, come back, bake everything, pack everything, and then get it all set up for the week. I try my best to be done with everything on Mondays. So Tuesdays, it gives me a little bit of a break, and it gives me a window to shoot everything for content for the week. Because this whole business owner, you're your shopper, baker, content owner, banker, like whole hold on.
SPEAKER_03Yeah, that's the thing, and you're um basically running it by yourself.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, that's awesome. I was like, oh my gosh, I didn't realize there's so much things and not enough time sometimes, and I'm like, Yeah, how um running a business, how much are you kind of learning on the the business side?
SPEAKER_03Like on not including the baking and all that side, but like overhead and marketing and all that stuff. How fast are you picking that stuff up or are you sh have you had struggles with it?
Signature Items And Seasonal Flavors
SPEAKER_01Um I would say yes and no here and there because I understand like the basics, like selling profit, everything, but more so into the breakdown, especially with the inflation right now. I took a college, not college, business pathway in high school. So we learned about things like that, and then having some of that knowledge, shout out Miss T if you don't, it's amazing, and then taking that into going into my own business, it helps me understand the breakdowns, and then there are still things I have um Tina helps me a lot with to understand. I appreciate her so much. Oh yeah, because everybody knows you can ask them at the restaurant and bathroom's not my fame for Expo. We almost accidentally ordered um 50 bags of 50 pound the brownie mix that I needed, and I was like, whoa, we almost ordered a palette to be making brownies for the next three years, all the brownies and yeah, brownies sell every week. We just needed five packs.
SPEAKER_03Oh, that would have been bad.
SPEAKER_02Why is it not adding up?
SPEAKER_03Yeah, so as a business owner, what um trials have you been kind of faced with that you had to overcome?
SPEAKER_01A lot of trials is more so like especially this year, is like financially trying to understand what I need, how much I should be having, making sure that my finances are okay. And like at the start, like I really I had nothing, I didn't know what I was doing. I was just you know, I made profit, I'm not gonna spend, go buy money, or go buy you know, I know not to do that. We need the money, put it back into the business. Yeah, yeah. Oh, you gotta have money for eggs because you spent it. Like I have learned a lot more, and that has helped so much because keeping track of your business is very important, making sure that you have money for covering all of your costs, your fees, and everything. Yeah, and the breakdown, like I said earlier with the inflation, it's crazy now. Like we paid uh twenty twenty eight dollars for five dozen eggs. Remember, it never used to be that high since the shortage, but I'm just like, oh, I'm dropping like five dozen a week, maybe. And I was like, buy some chickens. Yeah, I think I'm gonna start a farm or something.
SPEAKER_03Yeah, that's super cool. That's like with any business, you're you're gonna um figure out the struggles and gotta overcome them. And I think with your positive attitude, it'll always kind of work out in your favor. Um, what has been like the biggest benefits of you starting your business, other than like the monetary?
SPEAKER_01Biggest benefits, it's definitely has allowed me to be creative and like to show my passion, definitely sharing it with everybody. And now that I incorporate um here and there some gluten-free desserts. So I try to make sure that I include other people because it's important that everybody gets a meal at the table, and they can also have dessert as well, you know, like that's a big thing. Like everyone should be included. That's something like all these random strangers don't I don't know. They love me, they support me, and it's just so overwhelming. I was like, I don't even know your first name, but thank you so much, you know, like it's so eye-opening.
SPEAKER_03And your brand recognition is getting out there. How did you come up with your logo? Like, what was the thought process behind that?
SPEAKER_01So, in high school, my friends, like all my classmates, they called me my friend, one friend AJ. Shout out to my friend Asha. She called me Megals. I don't know how we started this whole thing, but we were talking about Eggles, and then she's like, Oh, Megan, Megals, and then everyone just started calling me Megals from that. It grew, it stuck, and like that's my that was my nickname. Everyone knew me. I I answered to that. Random people on the street now, like, or I used to work at Target, and I would be doing the drive-up one day, and there someone would be like, Oh, are you Megals? And I was like, Yeah, that's me. Like, I just like, oh, I just went to the restaurant to get you desserts, and I was like, Oh my god, that's really and I was like, it's crazy, like so that stuck, and then now it became the name of my business. It's my second answering name. And then I put the monstera leaves because that's one of my favorite like patterns because it has so much meaning to it. Like, Monstera leaves represent growth and prosperity, so it's it's very like um close to my understanding because like it's something of growth, something you're growing out of, like my passion is growing, and I always strive to keep going in this, and it's just something that I believe anybody could do if they have the right mindset.
SPEAKER_03Yeah, I feel that um well, I didn't know that was that's what Monstera represented. That's kind of really um I learned that, but I think what I was so impressed with being that you're so young, but you have that mindset, and I hate to say it, a lot of the younger generation nowadays are a little bit entitled, they don't have that drive. Sure, yeah, and to it was refreshing to see, you know what I mean?
SPEAKER_01Yeah, it's like that whole COVID, that whole COVID wave, like after this next generation, it's like not much socialization was given to them. Like everyone is screams or talking crap about somebody and someone. Gonna go beat them up. And I was like, bro, like we're grown now, like, get over it, you know. Yeah, like there's some things that yes and no, I can understand to an extent, but like kids on the streets they don't understand. Like, you have to have that mindset. If you want to go buy something nice, then go work for it. Yeah, like you're not everything's gonna be handed to you in life, and that's the tough truth.
Events, Injuries, And Big Lessons
SPEAKER_03It is, and that's yeah, what always drove me. I definitely don't see it that much in the younger generation, at least in my contacts. I'm not really that in tune with them, but when we met you at the restaurant and you're kind of giving me your little um history, I was like, oh, this girl is different. She has that drive that I I see in older people with a business mindset and the hustle and the work ethic. Like that's the three things you need. And to have it at that early age and to kind of combine it with your passion is is rare at that age. But it's like now you have a kind of like a head start. I'm sure a lot of your friends and people that you're um classmates with and stuff are still trying to figure out what they're passionate about, what they want to do, or not even trying, just having fun at the moment. And you're already working and making your dreams happen. It's it must it must be inspiring to your friends, though, right?
SPEAKER_01Oh yeah, and I was like, oh my gosh, so proud of you. Like, I know you'd make it here one day, like keep going, don't forget me. And I was like, Yeah, for sure. And like, even I I agree with that, like a lot of people my age, they're they're just working a full-time job, you know. Like a lot of them don't understand what their passion is, and it's okay, like it will come to you one day eventually, or maybe they're harboring like as a hobby, but on the other side too, like I have a lot of my classmates that did come out with me too. Like, I have one of my friends, she owns her own business. Her name is Nisa, she does resin by Nisa, she makes cute keychains, like all different kinds of she makes cups. I don't have my cup in my room, I have my other cup. Um, then I have my other friend, she's just coming up and coming as a lash, not lash, sorry. What's the word? Cosmetician, no, yeah, something like why can't I think of the word? Hold on, we have to look it up really quick. Yep, no problem because I was like, I literally just saw her licensed aesthetician. Thank you. I tried yeah, uh, she's an aesthetician, like a lot of my friends. I think from the loss of my graduating class, a couple, a good hand of us are our own business owners as well. Yeah, and they're all picking up, and I'm just like, oh my gosh, I love that for us.
SPEAKER_03Oh, yeah, you guys are kind of paving the way. I'll get them on my show. I would I love to talk to talk to people doing cool stuff, it's especially from Kaneohe. I think they're all from Kaneohe. Yep, that's the best. Okay, before we continue, I want to take this short moment to shout out our sponsors, i rep detail supply. They're your one-stop shop superstore for everything you need to detail whatever vehicle you have. They have a store in Temple Valley Shopping Center, they also have one in Las Vegas. But if you go on their website, iRepdetailsupply.com, and use promo code ATB Pod upon checkout, you'll get 15% off your entire purchase order. If not, go to the store. Their staff is super friendly, they're very knowledgeable, they'll be more than happy to help you out. iRep Detail Supply. Okay, back to our show. Uh, you missed you mentioned um content creating. How big has social media played a part in branding your business and getting getting it out there?
SPEAKER_01That has definitely helped a lot, and I think that's something I've learned that has to be consistent. Yeah, if we're not consistent with your content, you're not gonna get up there in your views, and you're not gonna get people's attention. You have to really keep on trends. That's very important. You know, like different reels, everyone's doing like funny videos, or like even just the sound, like once you get that in their head, like that's gonna replay in their head and just like, oh, that actually looks really good. And then they're gonna sing the song and they're gonna think of that story, and that pulls in a lot of people and I'm understanding like the importance of it. And I was like, Oh my gosh, I've never had like the on Instagram, it has like a dashboard you can see your views and everything. So I've never had that before because I was like, Oh yeah, I'm gonna just post, you know, hopefully, maybe someone will like it. And I was like, Oh, 1k views, and I was like, and I was just like, Oh my gosh, like a thousand people saw my video, like it's crazy. And I was like, Okay, and then I kept going and then and learning different, like editing, making sure I can get clearer pictures to show off my menu for the week. It's very important, and that has definitely brought a lot of attention to my business and bringing a lot of following in, even when I meet people at the restaurant, like they'll be eating dessert, the dessert, and they're like, Oh my gosh, it's so good. I was like, Yeah, I know I made it, and they're like, Whoa, what do you mean? And I was like, Oh yeah, that's my dessert business, and they're just follow, follow, follow, you know, and they're cooking, and they're just like, This is something you want to have um for yourself, for your party, present baby shower, you know, like it's just something you know's like for that ube. That ube will be so good at so-and-so's wedding, and it's just it's crazy.
SPEAKER_03That's super cool, and you're very personable, so you're probably engaging with the people that come into the restaurant, yeah. Makes it easy when your stuff tastes good, it's easy to be like because if it didn't, you'd be like, Oh, I don't know, and I I don't know who made that.
SPEAKER_02I was so scared for that day, yeah. Oh, you don't like it?
Content Strategy And Social Growth
SPEAKER_03Oh, have you tried different things and had it not turn out good? Like, it's like, oh, you're making this, and like I have such a great idea for something, and baked it and was like, oh, that didn't happen, correct?
SPEAKER_01I think when I was trying, like, there's different a point in time I had to try make like a vegan recipe of uh I can't remember if it was just like a cake or a cheesecake, but I was like, nope, no, put the eggs back in.
SPEAKER_03We cannot do it. Oh, sorry, vegan people back to back to inner toast.
SPEAKER_02I'm sorry guys, I cannot serve this.
SPEAKER_03Yeah, I don't know. Some of the vegan stuff. I've one of my best friends is vegan, and I we were in Vegas for his uh bachelor party, and he he ordered vegan food to the hotel, and I was like, whatever, I'll eat it. And wasn't bad tasting. Yeah, it was it was his bachelor party, he wanted vegan, he's vegan, so I said, Okay, we'll I'll try it. It I honestly it didn't taste as bad as I thought it would, but every single club and bar we went to, I hit the bathroom, and that stuff came out of me. Like that was too healthy, yeah. I was like, bro, I'm never eating your vegan shit again. Like that was horrible. Like put the eggs back in now. I I mean there, I'm sure it's it's healthy, but I I can't get get into that stuff. But hey, I you tried, yeah.
SPEAKER_01I don't think I could. Yeah, eggs are like milk. Yeah, it's very important.
SPEAKER_03So um future-wise, where do you see this uh brand and your business kind of going? What are like you said you wanted a big shop and stuff? What kind of like your smaller term goals and your bigger term goals for the future?
SPEAKER_01Smaller term definitely would be building up my following to have a better social media or yeah, social media like what's the word? Presence, presence, yeah, yeah. Yes, yeah. So, like a lot more getting out there, putting myself out there more, taking a little bit more risks, and then continuing with events, meeting some more people, making more connections. I made a lot already, and I really am grateful for everybody I've come across. Like, it's just so unreal. But I would definitely love to get out there more and stay present if that makes sense to be consistent with my business. Now that I'm full-time, like there's no excuse for me. That's that's me. Yeah, yeah. So, what are we doing then? Long term, definitely building up more skills, trying different recipes, and hopefully finding a place one day, whether it's a shop or I don't even know, like a shop, a bakery, food trucks, bakery, anything, you know, like something that's my own. Like, that's my one go is like to be my own. That's awesome. That would be super cool.
SPEAKER_03I'm sure Cory then would be super stoked for you. Hey, no more Kaneway bakery, and we need I know, yeah, you're gonna be the yeah, like it'll be such a at a different level. Like Kaneway Bakery was like that old school good vibe, and you just come out with something new with all the new um innovative flavors and creations. Oh, yeah, you that would be awesome if Kaneo had another bakery and another uh like place for people to go in the mornings to get their breakfast before work.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, because yes, there's donuts and everything all around, but it's just like you want more than a donut in the morning sometimes, or not like a breakfast burrito, but you'd like a pasty, you know, a cake or something to go with your coffee, like you said. Yeah, it's like that would be perfect.
SPEAKER_03Okay, I want to take this short moment to shout out our sponsors, Medicinal Mushrooms Hawaii, and they're our locally based medicinal mushroom company, and they're not the psychedelic mushrooms, they are pretty much whatever you find at the grocery stores or supplement shops. Uh, they have lion's mane, chaga, red rashi, turkey tail, and quartips. And if you don't know the medicinal properties of these mushrooms, go give them a look on their website at medmushroomhigh.com. I take all of these religiously every single day. I'll take the first two and the turkey tail in the morning with my coffee. I'll take red Reishi at night to help me sleep well, and the cordyceps I'll take before I work out to give me a boost of energy. But go to their website, medmushroomhigh.com, figure out which mushrooms you like, which ones you want to try. If you use promo code ATB pot upon, check out all capital letters, you'll get 45% off your first tinture of whatever mushrooms you want. Medmushroomhigh.com. Aloha. So inspiration. Like, how did you get inspired to do this? Like, was there somebody that kind of mentored you or got you in the mind frame to like, oh, I'm gonna bet on myself and and kind of work towards what I'm trying to do? Like, how who was your inspiration?
Faith, Loss, And Finding Strength
SPEAKER_01Well, definitely my parents for sure in my life. Like, my mom and dad, they used to have a food truck back in the day. I don't know what it was called, but like they would always sell food. My mom loves to cook and show up to bake, and my dad was like my baby's true leader in my life. Like, I think I really looked up to him, and like even his last words saying was like, go follow your dreams, get to your dream car, like set yourself up, and you do what you want, like keep going. And I think that's something that I take with me every day is like how he would be so proud of me in these different moments, and it's just like so surreal. And I'm just like, oh my gosh, I start crying, I don't want to get yelled up for crying. Stop crying. Yeah, they know I'm a little crybaby because I just it's the support and the love that they give me is so close to how my dad believes in me. Like, like having that other father figure in my life and his family taking me in and believing in what I do. It's just it's crazy. Like, my family is so amazing as well. Like, they really push me to keep going and focus on my baking. My mom will help me out from time to time because she's probably the only other person I trust catching the desserts.
SPEAKER_03Yeah, have the flavors right.
SPEAKER_01She don't need no recipe book either. So say we're going. Yeah, it's just I don't know. I think it's a very crazy thing how I came across these people. Like, I say it all the time to everyone, I was like, this is such a blessing. Like, I'm so and I'm very close with my religion, like um my beliefs in God, because I genuinely think that everything he puts in front of me is happening for a reason. Like, I have this dream and he's laying down the foundation to help me pursue it. And I'm just like, oh my gosh, like he got my permit, like I have my license, I got my own business card, like, oh my gosh, it's real. It says LLC, like that's super cool.
SPEAKER_03I uh definitely was gonna ask you about that. I did notice out on your Instagram how thankful you are, and how much you um give thanks to God, and and that that aspect of life is is something I implement as well. How much has God played a part into like your decision making and kind of keeping you on the path? Because there's a lot of distraction, especially at your age. You could be out there running amok.
SPEAKER_01Oh yeah, for sure. I was like, yeah, I honestly agree. And I think like now that this year has hit, there has definitely been so many challenges that are like testing me. And I'm just like, okay, what is going on? Why is this not going the way it should be? What am I doing that I need to fix and correct? You know, like I I I have my I have my whole setup on my desk over here. Like I have my my journal. I journal every morning. I have my Bible for my Bible study, like that just like having that belief is so strong in like your actions as well as like a huge reflection on how you represent yourself, especially whether it be representing yourself, your beliefs, everything that you do in between. Like that is a huge standing representation of who you are. And as me, as one person representing my business, because there's no one else that represents Megal Snakes. Like, that is a very big aspect. Like, I understand a lot of people don't have the same beliefs, but this is what I believe, and I understand if you guys, you know, you cannot force people who aren't willing to open up that understanding. Well, like you can always wish them the best for sure, but that is something big. Like, I am so thankful for everything I have good, bad, in between. Like it happened for a reason, and I need to understand that.
SPEAKER_03That's uh that's super awesome. I always have had trouble understanding there are times uh that God's gonna say no. And for me, it's like, well, that's not what I wanted, that's not what I asked for. But as I got older, I kind of understood like you're telling me no because you have something better, or I need to go through this to get to this spot. So kind of understanding and learning and being receptive to to the no was kind of eye-opening, and and that was a challenge for me. But uh how receptive are you to like following God's plan, but even if it if it's not what your plan is?
SPEAKER_01I think I agree, like I have a hard time with when I realize, like, oh, he's telling me no, and I was like, okay, but like I wanna keep going, like what yeah, but like I think that was a big thing too. It's like seven years I've been doing this, and I feel like I was stuck in a no for a long time. And then, like, especially this year, like with everything finally going all in, and I was just like, Lord, like please help this opportunity grow. And like, please, like, I am trusting and I'm gonna risk it. Like, I think this is my time to like, okay, we're done with everything, business, let's go. And I was like, hey, we're gonna jump in, and nothing but amazing things have unraveled for me, and it's just so beautiful, and I'm like grateful. Like I sell out all the time. I I got people posting, like people ordering for weddings. Like I had uh wedding catering on the first, what is that? Today is the third. Yeah, Saturday. Saturday, Saturday, yeah, yeah. So like Saturday, and then the next day I had this whole group of atities, they're like, Oh, we just came for the wedding. Um, had the wedding last night. Do you have any more lemon bars here? And I'm like, oh, really? Like that, those little things, like they just warmed my heart because I'm like, wow, like you guys read the label on the box.
SPEAKER_03Yeah, you know, like seeking you out.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I was like, I'm here, hi guys. That's super that too. I've also had this one auntie, her name is Auntie Jessica. She was just this random lady I met at the restaurant, and I was having a really difficult week, like mentally, spiritually, emotionally, like trying to figure out where I stand in this week. And like I just at work and I was okay, like just gonna get through my shifts, you know. Like, I will still serve people with a smile, like I would still smile through whatever I'm going through, and that's a big thing. And this lady, she's like, Oh, so um, I heard you said you ordered um only dessert business in here, and I was like, Oh yes, like I was telling her um which desserts were good, and then telling her a little bit about my story, and she's just she grabbed me, she was like, you know, like Jesus loves you, and I was like, I was crying so hard. I I shit you not. I'm sorry, but like everyone just looked at me and she grabbed me, and I'm just crying in the middle of the dining room, like full, full tables, everything. And I was just like, oh my gosh, like I just needed someone to grab me and tell me that, you know, I might start crying right now, telling my story because I was so she's the most beautiful being like I've ever met. Like, she was so proud of me. She's like, you know, I'm so proud of you and everything that you're doing in your business. You know, God is so good, like He's blessing you. Like, he she did that on a whole tangent. And I was just like, I just really needed someone to reassure me. Cause like, even when I came in for that shift, like I asked God, I was like, Lord, like please give me the strength to get through my shift because like whatever I'm feeling, like I'm just trying to get through everything that I'm overwhelmed with, with my schedule, everything. And then she literally was like, Let me get one of each of your desserts. And I wanted to bless her and give it to her for free. And she's like, You better not do that.
SPEAKER_02And I was like, Stop, you already made me cry once, and she's like, Come here, and I was like, What?
SPEAKER_01And then she gives me a hug and then she holds my hand and she says this prayer over me. And I was like, Oh my gosh, I'm bawling my eyes out, sniffling, ugly, crying. I don't even know who this lady is, she's just so amazing. And I was like, that was God sending someone to let me know that I'm okay, you know, like I'm doing great. Keep going. And she's like, you know, you need to keep smiling, keep smiling when you're up, when you're down, keep smiling through everything because that's what's gonna keep your heart here and for you to keep going. Yeah, and I was like, oh my gosh, oh, that was just an experience. I have never thought I'd ever come across a person like that. And I was like, that I felt like that was like God sent an angel, and I was like, I really needed that. Yeah, I I like cried my heart out, and I felt so amazing after. I was like, okay, I got this, yeah. And she told me so because God told me it's gonna feel good.
Advice For Young Entrepreneurs
SPEAKER_03That's super it's funny how um God works through other people, and I mean the key is to be receptive to it and and realize it, and yeah, sometimes that's all it takes is just a little bit of encouragement from somebody else, and it's like, oh yup, it makes a difference. I had a similar situation, I was in a rut, and one of my old older guests from my show called me out of nowhere and was like, hey man, I just was listening to any episodes and just kind of brought me up, and I was just like, Oh, bruh, I kind of needed that for some reason. I was in a little rut, and it was like oh, it's just like a B12 shot, and I was like, Oh, I yeah, it made it makes you understand the path that you're on is the where where you should be, and that's the path you should be on, and you're doing it the right way, I guess. Uh that's always yeah, yeah, exactly. And and that's that's the thing, is like God will answer your prayers, and sometimes most times it is a yes. I always said um I said it on my show before. I said it's a joke. If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans for the future. Because he's like, hi, yeah, that's what you think. That's not what's gonna happen.
SPEAKER_02That's what you want to happen. Yeah.
SPEAKER_03Um what would be what would be some kind of encouraging words and uh inspiration words for you to give someone younger than you trying to figure it out and trying to aspire to reach their goals and and uh bet on themselves? And what kind of advice could you give someone that's that's kind of just starting out, not necessarily in baking, but in in anything?
SPEAKER_01Let's see. There's so many different ways, like I would say, like, no matter like how tired, do it happy, do it sad, do it mad, keep holding on to God, because if you have that vision that you can definitely see through, and you know God sees you planning this out, he will lay that foundation for you, and you will just prosper. If you keep going with him, he'll be with you. And no matter what you're going through, no matter how alone you feel, you'll never be alone because you know that he's there for you. And that's something I've learned on my own a lot, and I'm understanding a big thing as well. It's like no matter how many times I felt alone, I know he's there. But he put me in this position to feel this way for a reason, you know? And it's up to me to get myself out or to understand, hey, let's try another way. Don't give up just to keep trying because there's maybe something you're not doing the right way, but you can always make it better or turn it around, or just keep going. Don't stop, you know, don't look back, don't stop, don't give up. Keep going, do it happy, do it sad, do it mad, do it tired, do it at your most highest or at your most lowest, because it's up to you to what it's up to you to make that decision of what you want.
SPEAKER_03Oh, I'm because if you're just gonna press it off, I'm so gonna cut that clip out and send it to my daughter. Yeah, shit. That like ha that's good advice. That's um that's something I can use. I can use that advice for sure. Yeah, that's super cool. I think if if a lot more younger generation can get in inspired by people like you, it it'll kind of turn things into the better for these younger people. And it's like, oh, if she can do it, I can do it. And if she has that mindset, I can have that mindset, and if she can work hard, I can work hard. And I think the best way to inspire people is by the example that you're giving. And I think you're giving off an amazing example for all these young kanio girls to follow and make a difference, yeah. Plus, you got the right people around you.
Family Time And Work Rhythm
SPEAKER_01Yes, for sure. It's like you gotta keep that mindset and like really focused because if you want something, you have to stay locked on it. You can't get caught up, you can't get distracted, you can't be caught up in the world and what the world wants because it's not what you want at the end of the day. Like, you know what you want. That stability to follow your dream, define what your passion is, anything, or even if it is just to have a simple life, to stay focused on not getting caught up and going out, wasting money, you know, doing drugs, people being stupid nowadays. Like there's so many accidents and different situations that everyone's getting caught up doing something bad or doing the wrong thing. That's how we end up in certain things, you know. And then a lot of like, sorry, you're falling. No worries. There's a lot of younger generations that get caught up in like social media or what's trending because a lot of people are taking things from the world into a different perspective when that can endanger, you know, like ever since COVID, everyone's stuck to their screen, so they just want to do what's what's in what's what's trending, not them. Yeah, yeah. But like, why don't you just be yourself? Why don't you find what you want to do? You know, you don't have to fit in with the whole the six, seven, or you know, like little things like that, like still trying to figure that shit out. Like, I don't even know.
SPEAKER_03Yeah, I don't get it.
SPEAKER_01I'm like, do you guys know the true meaning?
SPEAKER_03Yeah, I don't, yeah, my daughter probably does. Um, she seems super busy, so free time. What do you do on your free time? Like what what do you do to chill out or what do you do for fun?
SPEAKER_01That's a great question. I don't fully have the answer. It's like being a business owner, you know, you weren't 20, it's not even 24 7, you work 25 8. Yeah.
SPEAKER_03That makes sense. I feel yeah, yeah.
SPEAKER_01It's just that that's what it is. Everybody knows. Like you've got to be on the clock. You gotta be on the ball at all times. If not, then something could happen. You know, one little slip, then your your whole week's gonna be off. You know, just little things. You miss a day, you don't have your content off shots. Cannot post for the week.
SPEAKER_00Yeah. That's true.
SPEAKER_01When I do have downtime, I do love to cook for my family. I love spending time with my family, which is really hard to find because they all work full-time jobs. So um they work their normal Monday through Friday, and I work Monday to Monday.
SPEAKER_03Yeah.
SPEAKER_01Monday, Mondays are normally like my one day that if I am on schedule, I can get everything done before um say like two, like all my baking done, then I'll have the rest of the day to myself. So I'll be like, okay, like I'll go make dinner for our family tonight. We like to play um either on the Nintendo Switch or do old school play mahjong or Mexican train. You ever played Mexican train in Mahjong?
SPEAKER_02That's so good.
SPEAKER_01So it's yeah, like I just just like that quality time. And then my sister, her, my nephew, my babba is like three years old, so just getting to see him grow and like do different things with him, teaching him things. He loves to bake with me, absolutely loves it. Not the best, but he loves to eat it, guaranteed. Yeah, he goes, Oh, it's so yummy. That's you have to have the bubble stash.
Where To Find Megals Makes
SPEAKER_03Ah, that's that's you're you seem very family oriented. That's super awesome.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, well, I definitely will go out, but yeah, on a good night for sure.
SPEAKER_03Um shoot, we've been going for about an hour. Uh it's Monday. I definitely appreciate you taking time on your free day to come talk to me. And uh, where can people find you? And how can people get a hold of you if they want you to cater and and uh if they want to pick up a pan or or some kind of baked goods from you for Christmas is coming up? I'm sure all these Christmas parties, your desserts would be perfect, the perfect thing to bring. So, where where can people find you on Instagram and get your baked stuff and all the good stuff?
SPEAKER_01You can find me, it's called um on Instagram and Facebook. My business is megals underscore makes. So if you just type it in, it's gonna be the profile with the Monstera link on it, and then it says Megals Makes in between. You can also find me at Whiskey Smokes at November Wednesday through Sundays, and then my desserts will be there fully restocked every week. I would definitely recommend to come on a Wednesday or Thursday because once the weekend hits, we sell out. It's it flies like it's it can't stay on the shelf sometimes.
SPEAKER_03Yeah, it is what it is.
SPEAKER_01And I know, yeah, yeah, sadly. So I think now I have to start double batching again because holidays coming up, and then we should be having a Thanksgiving menu coming out soon. I know me and Wispy Smokes will be doing a collab, so I will have my desserts on the menu, and then I will also have my own separate sale for Thanksgiving. A lot of Marcel pumpkin related desserts, a couple Uba, and then I like to do cookies to start, either do red velvet or probably bring back the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies this year, yeah, and then pumpkin chantilly cakes, definitely for sure.
SPEAKER_03That's the one I want to try.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah, I'm so excited.
SPEAKER_03And as always, you can find us on Instagram at Above the Bridge Podcasts. Our website is atbpod.com, our YouTube channel Above the Bridge Podcast, and my personal Instagram is fatty daddy high.
SPEAKER_01I'm so excited. Thank you so much for having me, Dan. This is such a huge experience. I was like thinking I was like, what are we gonna what am I gonna talk about?
SPEAKER_03Yeah, just being yourself and your aloha always will shine out. I think uh I think everything you're doing like definitely will inspire other people. I think your dad would definitely be proud. I have a daughter, and that's the that's the kind of stuff I want her saying about me. I think um you're you're making your family proud and definitely um thank you. You're definitely putting value in the uh the shot Corey uh took with you. And I think you respect that shot and you're making it him proud as well. Like I I I think the world that that whole family and it's it's crazy that um he's helping other people's dreams happen. It's not not that's kind of rare. Everybody's out for themselves, and that guy is out for everybody else.
SPEAKER_02Your dream's coming true, and your dreams coming true.
SPEAKER_03The Kanyoi Oprah. Right on. Well, um, thanks again for coming on. Um, shakas for the cameras. Yeah, of course.
SPEAKER_01Thank you for having us.
SPEAKER_03Right on, we're out. Shout out to the artist group network. Aloha.
