Meet Alondra Mercado | Cookie Artist and Owner at Aly’s Sweet Spot

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alondra Mercado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alondra, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
So, picture this: growing up I was hooked on those baking shows. It 100% was my guilty pleasure. And you know what? I’ve always loved baking, but never thought I had any real talent for it. Until one day, I decided to whip up some cookies for a baby shower I was helping out with.

Now, I’m no pro, but I thought, why not give it a shot? Lo and behold, I discovered I had a knack for using a piping bag. Who knew, right? The cookies turned out pretty neat, and people at the baby shower were digging them. That’s when the lightbulb went off.

Folks started saying I should sell these cookies. At first, I laughed it off, but then I noticed something. There was a serious demand for good cookies in the neighborhood. That got me thinking – maybe this could be more than just a side hustle.

So, the idea of having my own home based bakery started taking shape. It’s funny how a simple attempt to jazz up a baby shower turned into a full-blown business idea. It wasn’t just about cookies; it was about sharing the love for baking with the community and being able to be part of peoples special celebrations.

Starting my own gig was a bit of a leap, but it felt right. It’s not just a business; it’s a dream come true. And who would’ve thought my love for baking shows would lead me here? Life’s funny that way.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
So, let me spill the beans about my little cookie haven. What makes me grin ear to ear? It’s the fact that my cookies aren’t just eye candy—they’re taste bud rockstars. You know how some decorated sugar cookies get a bad rap for being tasteless or rock-hard? Well, my cookies break that stereotype. People dig not just the looks but also the yum factor, and that’s something I’m seriously proud of.

But you wanna know what gets me buzzing with excitement? It’s the chance to unleash my creativity and be part of folks’ special moments. Birthdays, weddings, you name it—I’m in for the sweet ride. Plus, I get to sprinkle a bit of my cookie magic through decorating classes. That’s the real deal for me. Teaching people how to turn a plain cookie into a masterpiece? It’s my jam.

Now, the journey here wasn’t a cakewalk (pun intended). Picture this: I packed my bags, moved to Texas in late 2021, didn’t know a soul. It was like starting from scratch. I hit up Facebook groups, vendor markets, met fellow cookie enthusiasts—basically, I tried everything in the cookie jar to kickstart my business. It was slow at first, but I refused to crumble under pressure.

Here’s the plot twist: I noticed a gap. No one around me was offering cookie decorating classes. Ding ding! That was my golden ticket. I threw myself into it, and slowly but surely, things started picking up. Lesson learned? Patience and persistence are the secret ingredients.

What do I want the world to know? Well, my business isn’t just about cookies; it’s a little piece of me making mini-me, Alondra, proud. It’s about chasing my baking dreams and sharing the love with the community. Every order, every class—it’s a dream come true, and I’m grateful for every bit of it. So, here’s to sweet moments, tasty cookies, and the journey that’s been nothing short of a delicious adventure!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, you’ve hit the jackpot with this question! I practically have a Fort Worth itinerary engraved in my brain for when the fam or friends roll into town. Brace yourself for the ultimate week-long adventure!

First up, we’d kick things off at the Stockyards. You can’t skip it – the vibes, the shops, maybe even catch a rodeo if we’re feeling wild. It’s like stepping into a Western movie, but real.

Now, when it’s time to refuel and grab a drink, Funky Picnic Brewery & Cafe is the move. Trust me, the fried goat cheese is a game-changer. And let’s talk about the “You Feel Lucky Punk?” pizza and the “Two Peanut Butters One Cup” beer – they’re basically legends in their own right.

For a sweet fix, we’d swing by Morgan’s Ice Cream Co. Picture this: Honey Not so Vanilla flavored ice cream. Need I say more?

Art vibes? We’re hitting up the Modern Art Museum. It’s a personal fave – so much creativity in one place. After that, a stroll around Sundance Square is non-negotiable. The vibe is just unbeatable.

And of course, the cherry on top – one of Aly’s Sweet Spot’s sugar cookie decorating classes. It’s not just an activity; it’s an experience.

I’m telling you, Fort Worth has a buffet of awesome things to do. It’s hard to narrow it down, but these are the can’t-miss highlights. Get ready for a week of good times and great memories!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh, you’re diving straight into the feels with this one! Big shoutout to the real MVPs in my story – my ride-or-die, my fiancée Jose, and the OG squad, my immediate fam.

Back in the day, my parents’ kitchen and dining table were ground zero for my cookie empire. It was a full-on family hustle – my dad on box duty, mom on cookie placement, sis rocking the packaging, and even my niece, Sofia, with her tiny hands, tackling tag duty. We were like a cookie-making Avengers team.

Fast forward, and even when my mami and papi rolled into town recently, they were right there in the trenches helping me prep for a class. Talk about MVP moves.

Now, my main man, Jose – he’s the unsung hero in this cookie saga. From baking sidekick to packaging partner, he’s there every day, sleeves rolled up and ready to roll. And let’s not forget the emotional support; he’s the designated shoulder for those “business owner breakdowns.” The real MVP, right?

He’s not just my fiance; he’s the wind beneath my business wings, always pushing me to grow and improve. They say it takes a village, but in my case, it takes a family and a kickass fiancée. I couldn’t do it without them. Love these guys to the moon and back – they’re the secret sauce that keeps my cookie empire churning.

Website: https://www.alyssweetspot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssweetspot/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alyssweetspot/