Meet Kristen Kamei | Baker & Owner

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

Hi Kristen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, it began over a decade ago without me realizing it would become a business. Working in the entertainment industry, I’d bake cookies as thank-you gifts for clients when we’d wrap a campaign. I’d also bring homemade treats into the office. At first, I thought people were just being polite—you know, ‘Oh these are great, thanks!’—but then I started noticing they weren’t just being nice. People would genuinely ask about them, tell me they were the best cookies they’d ever had, or share how a flavor reminded them of their childhood. That feedback really drove my motivation. I realized I was creating these little moments of connection and joy, and that felt incredible.

The other big motivator was more personal: I actually have a really hard time finding commercial cookies I truly enjoy. My favorites have always been the homemade cookies my family would bake during the holidays—my mom’s, my grandma’s—those recipes that felt like love in edible form. So I started thinking: how can I bring people that same feeling of joy, that sense of being nurtured like a grandmother during the holidays, but all year round?

When I looked at what was out there, I kept finding cookies that were missing something. They were either gluttonously large, overly sweet, or so rich that the only flavor was sugar or butter. There was no balance, no nuance. I wanted to create something different—reasonably portioned cookies that you could actually finish and feel satisfied, not stuffed. And I pack them in pairs: one for now, one for later. Or maybe one for you and one to share. That felt right.

So Happy Brain Bakeshop became my answer to that question: thoughtfully crafted cookies with sophisticated flavor combinations, made in small batches, that remind people of home and feel special to be a treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift. It’s about feeding people, nurturing them, and creating that eye-opening ‘whoa, this is SO GOOD’ moment. “One bite. Happy brain.”

What should our readers know about your business?
Happy Brain Bakeshop is a small-batch bakery based in Glendale. I started the business in my home kitchen and grew into a commercial space in early 2025. We’re not your typical bakery– each recipe is unique and made with premium ingredients like browned butter, high-quality chocolate, fresh fruit, spices, and special flavor profiles like Earl Grey. Every cookie is hand-scooped. I like to pack them in pairs: one for now and one for later, or one to share…or eat them both at the same time, no judgement!

What sets us apart is the care and intention behind every batch. I want people to feel the same joy I felt eating my mom’s and grandma’s homemade cookies during the holidays, but available year-round. We focus on balance and distinct flavors. Our cookies are not gluttonously large or overly sweet. They are satisfying and memorable. Our customers are aesthetic-driven foodies who appreciate quality, support local and minority-owned businesses, and want their dessert to taste as good as it looks.

I’m not mass-producing. Currently I only take orders through our website (www.happybrainbakeshop.com) and offer catering for weddings, birthdays, and business events, that way I’m reducing food waste by not creating excess. I also offer customized packaging for special events, which helps recipients feel even more special, seeing their name or event designed on their cookies.

What I’m most proud of is taking the leap from my home kitchen to a commercial kitchen in 2025. That transition represented more than just a bigger space– it was about believing in this idea enough to formalize it, invest in it, and commit to growing it thoughtfully. I’m also proud of building a brand that truly reflects the quality and care that goes into every cookie. Happy Brain isn’t just about the product– it’s the playful imagery, the whimsical voice, the thoughtful aesthetic. Creating that cohesive identity has been one of the most creatively fulfilling parts of this journey.

The biggest challenge has been to balance my tendency to overanalyze with the need to just take action and move forward. My creative agency background has been invaluable here– managing complex projects, navigating budgets, and leading teams taught me how to think strategically and problem-solve under pressure.

The biggest bonus has been that cookies make people happy! I love seeing someone take a bite and smile.

Lessons I’ve learned:
-Start before you’re ready. I spent over a decade baking for clients and friends before realizing this could be a business. Don’t wait for perfect conditions– just start.
-Listen to your customers. The feedback I got early on validated my concept and kept me going. It also helps me improve my recipes.
-Stay true to your values. I could cut corners to scale faster, but I won’t compromise on quality or the thoughtfulness behind each batch. That integrity is what builds trust and loyalty.
-Put yourself out there. Nobody can find your great products if you don’t talk about them. You can follow our baking evolution on Instagram @happybrainbakeshop.
-Ask for help and learn constantly. I’m learning as I go, and that’s okay. Every challenge is an opportunity to get better.

What I want the world to know is that Happy Brain Bakeshop isn’t just about selling cookies. It’s about creating moments of connection and joy. It’s about honoring my heritage and the women who taught me that food is love. It’s about building a business that feels as good to run as the cookies taste to eat– one that prioritizes quality, community, and a little bit of magic. I want people to know that you can pursue your passion at any stage of life, that it’s okay if that changes over time. Sometimes the most meaningful businesses start simply: with care, consistency, and a desire to make people smile.
We’re just getting started, and I’m so excited for what’s ahead.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m all about the stretch from Burbank to Pasadena—places where you can have a conversation, park without losing your mind, and enjoy really good food without the fuss. I love being outdoors and moving around, which builds up my appetite and gives me an excuse to eat good food. My ideal (and indulgent) week around the city would look something like this:

Day 1: Start with the Montrose Farmers Market on Sunday morning—it’s one of my favorites, super community-focused with great vendors. Brunch at Café Montrose for their cozy vibe, solid breakfast burritos and lattes, dog-friendly patio, and friendly service. After a day working in the garden, I’d indulge in a delicious Indian dinner at Cardamom in Montrose—their flavors are so inspired.

Day 2: Spend the morning taking in the beauty of the Huntington Gardens and feel fancy at English tea at the Rose Garden Tea Room. Dinner at Joy in Highland Park—the food is flavorful and deliciously Taiwanese, and the atmosphere is exactly what I love: unpretentious but thoughtful. I highly recommend going with friends so you can share a bunch of dishes.

Day 3: Brunch at The Frontyard in North Hollywood—everything is good. Then stretch our legs at Griffith Park for the afternoon. Hit Taco Tuesday at Morrison in Burbank for dinner—one of my go-tos. Then catch a movie at the AMC 18 at the Americana in Glendale—I love a good theater experience.

Day 4: Pack snacks for a hike—I recommend our Trailblazer cookies—and head out. One of my favorites is Mount Wilson. Even if you’re not up for a 13-mile hike, you can still drive up to the observatory and enjoy lunch at Cosmic Café for a cup of chili and hot chocolate. The views are incredible and it feels like a little escape.

Day 5-7: Mix in more neighborhood favorites—local hikes like Beaudry Loop early in the morning, accompanied by a good mug of coffee. Explore Glendale’s breweries like Paperback or Brewyard.

If I’m picking up a special treat, I go to Fugetsu-Do in Little Tokyo for some traditional Japanese manju. They’ve been an LA staple since 1903 and a place close to my heart.

I’m also a bit of a homebody and love spending an afternoon cooking. You may find me making dashi for homemade ramen, or slow-cooking a bolognese for three hours to accompany the pasta I picked up at the farmers market. Life moves so fast—I try to slow down when I can.

These neighborhoods have a balance of community, creativity, beauty, and amazing food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Aaron Michaelson, the President of the talented creative agency, Concept Arts, and my mentor. Aaron taught me the fundamentals of business and marketing, but more importantly, he reinforces every day what it means to be a good human and a good boss. He’s wildly innovative and isn’t afraid to break creative rules—he thinks differently, and that’s taught me to trust my own instincts and push boundaries. The lessons I’ve learned from him over the years—about leadership, integrity, and how to build something meaningful—are woven into everything I do with Happy Brain Bakeshop. I’m incredibly grateful for everything he’s taught me.

Website: https://www.happybrainbakeshop.com

Instagram: @happybranibakeshop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/happy-brain-bakeshop

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/happy-brain-bakeshop-glendale?osq=Happy+Brain+Bakeshop

Other: Google Business: https://g.page/r/CZEEI3pH_rJrEAE/review

Image Credits
Ellie Monieson
Kristen Kamei