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

Hi Autumn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My business was inspired by two of my closest friends (Maggie and Cameron), my students, and my passion for creating healthier and delicious treats that align with my values and beliefs. As someone who lives a plant-based lifestyle, I struggled to find vegan baked goods that were just as delicious as their non-vegan competitors.

After experimenting with MANY different ingredients and recipes, I discovered an untapped talent and passion for creating the most delicious vegan cookies. As I shared my creations with my friends and students, I saw firsthand their joy (and surprise!) when they realized they were eating a cookie that was void of any animal ingredients, but was impossible to tell that it was vegan!

Inspired by their positive feedback and encouragement, I decided to turn my passion into a business, with the hope of sharing my delicious vegan cookies with a wider audience. My goal is to offer a healthier alternative to traditional baked goods, while also promoting a more sustainable and compassionate way of eating.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I take pride in setting my brand apart from others by offering a unique and delicious twist on traditional cookies. I have currently tested 63 flavors and have at least 30 more in queue to test. I believe that just because a product is vegan, it doesn’t mean it has to compromise on taste or texture. Our cookies are made with high-quality, organic ingredients that are locally sourced whenever possible, resulting in a product that is not only healthier, but also tastier.

What I am most proud of is the positive impact the business has on the community and the environment. I am committed to using eco-friendly packaging when possible, and actively support local charities and organizations that align with my values. I am also proud to offer internship and employment opportunities to students in high school and college, giving them the opportunity to develop essential life and work skills.

As the sole founder and operator, the biggest challenge (and gift!) has been learning to rely on my intuition and experience to make key business decisions. I have learned that staying true to my key values (integrity, doing the right thing, leading with kindness, curiosity) and vision will always lead to the right decisions.

Ultimately, I want everyone to know that our brand is more than just delicious cookies- it’s a reflection of our core values and commitment to making a positive impact on the world. I am proud to be a woman-owned business that prioritizes sustainability, community, and inclusivity, and am dedicated to making the world a sweeter and healthier place, one cookie at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Yes! My favorite thing about Los Angeles is that it literally has all flavors of fun. From the laid back beach vibes of Venice, to an upscale dinner at one of the trendiest restaurants, to a hidden speakeasy in a random LA neighborhood, Los Angeles has it all.

Day 1 would be an overview of all the LA beach things, starting with a sunrise hike on the Los Liones Trail in the Palisade, followed by an Acai Bowl at Loco Coco on Abbott Kinney. After getting all fueled up we would head over to the Venice boardwalk, rent bikes, and cruise along the bike path from Venice to Will Rogers State Beach. Mid-afternoon we would cruise back to Venice and grab some food and drinks on the rooftop at Hotel Erwin. We would round out the day with a sunset cruise on the PCH, stopping at either Point Dume or Zuma beach to get some sunset pics.

Day 2 would start with a Runyon Canyon hike, followed by a leisurely breakfast at Cafe Gratitude. After filling up on all the delicious vegan food (and positive affirmations), we would walk down Hollywood Blvd. and take in the sights. Later in the day, we would take a sunset drive along Mulholland Dr., and end up at Griffith Observatory and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the night sky. We would end at Crossroads Kitchen for a delicious vegan dinner.

Day 3 would start with coffee at LA Grind Coffee & Tea Bar followed by either a visit to LACMA or the Broad. Lunch would be at Shojin in Little Toyko, then the rest of the afternoon would be spent exploring the street art and galleries in the Arts District.

Day 4 would be a day trip to Joshua Tree! Only 2 hours from LA, and feels like a completely different planet. We would drive around the park, do several of the smaller hikes, visit Skull Rock, then stop at Joshua Tree Saloon for food before traversing back to Los Angeles.

Day 5 would include a concert at one of the amazing venues around LA, preferably the Hollywood Bowl. Pack some food and drinks and enjoy an amazing acoustic experience.

Day 6 we would enjoy the magical world of Disneyland OR drive up to Big Bear for some fun in the snow (depending on the season).

Day 7 would end back at the beach, decompressing on the whirlwind of a week!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey would have taken a completely different path if it were not for the support of several key organizations:

Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) Founders Business Accelerator- I was accepted into the program in September 2020, while COVID policies and procedures were very much still front and center of our everyday lives. LACI provided a platform to connect with a community of entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals to share best practices, increase social and economical impact, and become a leader in the community. LACI was the catalyst I needed to take my business to the next level. I still keep in contact with my mentor, Erik Johnson, and we meet quarterly for check ins!

The Los Angeles vegan community has also been an amazing support in helping my business grow. From networking and learning from other small vegan businesses to being a part of some of the biggest vegan events in LA (Vegan Exchange LA and Vegan Playground), I would not be where I am at today without their support!

Website: www.magickgoods.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/magickgoods

Image Credits
Tony Moux Photography

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