Alex Soleta is set to launch a macaron bakery—an idea sparked by a happy accident in middle school igniting her lifelong love for the delicate dessert.
“It’s really funny because I was actually watching a makeup tutorial video on YouTube and the makeup was inspired by the macaron cookie’s pastel look, but rather than focusing on the makeup, I actually focused more on the cookie,” Soleta told What Now Philadelphia.
Inspired by the video, Soleta immediately tried making the cookie. She didn’t have all the ingredients, but it didn’t stop her.
“I grinded up some peanuts to try to make a peanut flour because I thought that would work and I made my own powdered sugar by blending up some granulated sugar we had in our pantry,” Soleta said. “Long story short, it didn’t turn out but that didn’t stop me.”
She continued, “At one point for a whole year, I just tried making macarons every week until I got the recipe down. One day it actually clicked and I remember it was one of the best feelings ever.”
Once she perfected the recipe, Soleta began sharing her macarons with friends and teachers throughout middle and high school.
Soon after, she was encouraged her to start selling the cookies during the holidays. That’s how Muni Muni Bakery got its start. Soleta said “Muni Muni,” which means deep thought, pays homage to her Filipino heritage.
“I just felt that it really encompassed my journey through these macarons a lot because with macarons you have to be very detailed about all your ingredients–the measurements, how you make them, how you store them–so I just felt it was a perfect word to describe how much thought and effort I put into making these cookies,” Soleta said.
Now, years after graduating college, Soleta is back in action, building momentum with her bakery and hoping to open her own storefront soon.
“I know younger me would be so happy to hear that I’ve finally committed to starting a bakery because it’s been my dream since I was younger to open something like this,” she said. “I think starting as a home bakery is the stepping stone to having a whole storefront.”
The menu will feature a rotating trio of signature flavors that change every few months. The first batch will include Dubai chocolate, ube—a traditional Filipino flavor—and langka, a jackfruit macaron.
Muni Muni Bakery is set to officially launch in September, with orders available online through its website and social media.
