Don Venegas, 17, opened her small business Don’s Goodies five months ago selling cookies, cupcakes and cakes. She specializes in cooking or customizing your favorite recipes.
“When I graduated high school early, I realized that baking was not just a hobby but a passion,” Venegas said. “And my mother was super supportive and allowed me to take over her kitchen. As long as you have a recipe, I can make it.”
Venegas started advertising on Facebook, however when she started getting two orders a day, she knew it was time to expand her business. Now she sells at local events and through the Russellville Community Market.
With the holiday season approaching, she has recruited the help of her best friend, Madison Jackson, as a baking assistant and her mother who is acting as her manager.
“Even as a child her box brownies tasted better than others.” Venegas’ mother, Holly Jackson, said. “She is just hustling and this has all been her idea and her work. I am super proud of her and all that she has been able to accomplished.”
Her biggest seller is her homemade cookies. She bakes five batches a day.
“Baking is a long process and it takes time to create a product you are happy with and think others will enjoy. This is what I want to do with my life so I need to practice and grow in my skill set,” she said.
Venegas uses ingredients from local markets to create her sweets. “It is really important to me that my product is fresh and clean. Plus this way, I get to support other small business,” she said.
While Venegas can make all types of desserts, her favorite thing to bake is her chocolate cupcake, and she hopes to create her own recipe one day.
“The number one ingredient in my own recipe would be cream cheese because, it makes everything better,” she said. “I am not sure if it would be a cake or cookie recipe yet, but I know it would be tasty.”
Venegas’ future plans are to one day open a food truck so she can bake different goods, travel and reach new customers.
“Without my mom and Madison, none of this would be possible,” she said. “They have been my biggest support system and have been with me every step of the way. I would not be what I am without them.”
Venegas will be selling her baked goods from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday in front of La Huerta on East Main Street and on Dec. 10 at the River Valley Battered Women’s Shelter. You can also order online by going to Don’s Goodies Facebook page.
