Meet Cristina Magnaye

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

Hi Cristina, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Baking has always been sort of a creative outlet for me. It wasn’t until I was actually working in the medical field when I realized that I felt like I constantly needed to be doing something in a more creative and artistic manner. For me that was always baking, decorating or challenging myself to create different cakes, desserts and cookies. Decorating has always brought me joy,

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?
Criss Kitchen didn’t happen overnight, it took me a long time to build myself to where I am today. I remember my very first paying customer. It was a box of chocolate covered strawberries with assorted toppings that what set everything into motion. I had $40 cash in my wallet and Valentines Day was approaching that year. I told myself I was going to post on social media and flip this. I didn’t think I would make anything out of it, but it turned out great. From there I built off of that momentum. I was so excited that I was able to do something that I love and see a positives outcome from it. One of the biggest and most important lessons I’ve learned business wise is time management and balancing home life.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Running a small business often times can be so difficult. With all the joy it brings there are they bad days as well. I have many people to thank for not letting me give up. My husband and my kids, my parents; they have had the most patience with me along this journey, they have been next to me day and night and have always been so encouraging. I could tear this whole kitchen apart on a busy week and no one would complain. That helps especially when there’s so much to be done.
My brothers, my sisters. There were many times I wanted to quit and just stop, or felt like I had imposter syndrome like why me? but they always came right back at me with “why not you?” They were and are my biggest cheerleaders.
My closest friends, they constantly hype me up every day, every week. They show up to every event just to support and although they might not know it, showing up for me is motivation enough to not give up.
I’ve done quite a few pop up events which can sometimes be very hard, my son and husband always show up with me to help me set up, keep me company during my down time and I’m so thankful that they are always happy to be there and make sure I am ready for the day.

Instagram: instagram.com/crisskitchen