Snack Swag is a cozy homemade bakery in Orlando, Florida, founded by certified pastry chef Meji May. Starting with a passion for desserts, she turned her love for creativity into a business that delivers happiness in every bite.

A Challenging Start

The pandemic hit Snack Swag hard, with nearly all orders canceled at the onset of COVID-19. But as people adapted to staying home, they began ordering sweet treats to brighten their days. Surprisingly, business grew during those difficult times and has remained strong since.

The Journey Begins

Meji moved to the U.S. in 2008 to join her husband (Chef Jack Tawa, Executive Chef of Sea Thai Restaurant.) While studying culinary management at Valencia College, her attention was drawn to the pastry classes next door. This sparked a love for baking that led her to earn certifications in both culinary and pastry arts.

“I was 28 and had no background in this field. I was just following my husband’s path in culinary school when I noticed the pastry students next door. It seemed so creative and fun, so I decided to give it a try.”

From Graphic Designer to Pastry Chef

Before moving to the U.S., Meji worked as a graphic designer and fashion stylist in Thailand. Baking was entirely new to her. After gaining experience through internships, she launched Snack Swag in 2014. What began as a passion project turned into a business in 2016 when customers started paying for her creations.

“At first, I didn’t plan on opening a bakery. I just wanted to enjoy what I had learned and share it with friends. But when people started ordering, I realized I could make something truly unique.”

Creative Freedom is Key

As an artist at heart, Meji values creative freedom in her work. When clients trust her process, she can deliver her best results.

“Some clients who don’t know me yet might request very specific designs. This can be a challenge because it limits my ability to create something truly special. Trust and creative freedom make a huge difference in the quality of the final product.”

Earning that trust takes time, but her work speaks for itself.

“When people see my cakes, they realize I’m not just a baker—I’m an artist. My clients understand that giving me creative freedom leads to the best results.”

 

A Shift in Goals

What began as a way to share happiness with friends has grown into a thriving business with a broader audience.

“My initial goal was simply to make people happy. Now, I focus on providing excellent service to clients I may not know personally. It’s about creating an experience that makes them come back and recommend Snack Swag to others.”

The Secret to Success

Meji believes the key to a successful homemade bakery is passion, creativity, and staying true to oneself.

“Don’t start a bakery just to make money. This work requires a lot of design skills and creativity. That’s what sets your brand apart.”

 

She also emphasizes the importance of staying authentic.

“Following trends might give you quick success, but it won’t last. When you create something that reflects who you are, it will stand the test of time. That’s what makes Snack Swag special.”

Source: Thai BIC U.S.A. Thai Business Information Center in USA