Popular Kamloops macaron maker opens brick-and-mortar bakery
A well-known macaron maker in Kamloops got the keys to a storefront location earlier this week and the next big step for her growing business.
Mary Ann’s Macarons owner Ashley Funk has been selling colourful, custom crafted macarons at markets for three years, working out of a shared kitchen. She said the storefront location on 12 Street on the North Shore in Kamloops is “a dream come true.”
“I’m in the right spot, I’m meant to be doing this and it makes me emotional,” she said. “I’ve never felt so fulfilled in anything I’ve ever done in my entire life than what I’m doing now.”
The store is in a busy building with many different shops in it.
Funk said the storefront will help the business grow and she’s ready to rise to the challenge.
“I’ve never been in a spot to sustain staff and I think now with this opportunity and location it will be possible,” she said. “If progress keeps going in this direction I’ll be hiring someone in a couple of months.”
A sweet treat that originated in France, a macaron is a meringue-based confection made with egg white, icing sugar, granulated sugar and almond meal. The slightly crunchy texture of the shell is an important component and most of the flavour comes from the filling.
Funk makes everything from scratch.
When it comes to designing, she gets creative with her macarons, doing custom orders and seasonal twists. She’s made macarons that look like paw prints, rolls of sushi and the Grinch among many others.
“I love being creative, I love being given the freedom of the creativity,” she said. “With the custom orders I love the stories behind them and what it means to people. I’ll come up with something for any request, I don’t think anything is impossible.”
While Funk’s kitchen isn’t quite organized yet and her business sign isn’t up, she’s still getting people popping by.
Funk’s landlady Linda Gayfer stopped in when iNFOnews.ca was there.
“I didn’t like macarons but hers are amazing,” she said. “I’m addicted already after one bite, they dissolve in my mouth, it’s heaven. I’m in trouble.”
It isn’t the first time Funk has heard that comment.
“Seeing people trying the macarons, hearing them say I never liked macarons before and I’ve tried yours, and yours are the best I ever tried,” she said. “That’s what I love. It brings me so much joy.”
Funk sells her macarons in various boutique stores and wineries in the Kamloops area. She won’t be selling them in larger grocery stores in order to keep the hand-crafted, small batch quality of her treats.
She has a background in the hospitality industry and after losing a job a few years ago when the pandemic hit, she decided to start her own business. It's named after Funk’s late grandma and her mom.
“I want to bring someone an experience with a macaron, I want to connect with people through flavour. Macarons are only a few bites, it’s about having one or two to taste the flavours and enjoy every bite.”
Mary Ann’s Macarons is located at 1295 12 Street in Kamloops and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.
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