Today we’d like to introduce you to Savannah Berk.
Hi Savannah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I was around 17, I fell head over heels for macarons—the colors, the flavors, the textures, everything about them captivated me. I’d find myself buying dozens of macaron boxes from a local bakery at least once a week, finishing them off in a day or two. I even started ordering macarons from bakeries around the world, eager to try every variation I could find. My obsession was real.
At some point, I realized that if I loved them this much, I should learn to make them myself. Anyone who’s made macarons knows how incredibly challenging they are, and I stumbled quite a bit in the beginning. I joined macaron Facebook groups and started a journal to track everything I learned and answer all my questions. The next day, I’d apply what I had discovered and keep trying, improving with each batch. I baked as often as I could, experimenting with different recipes and diving into the science behind every ingredient to understand their role. Through it all, I created a recipe that was entirely my own—a recipe born from countless experiments and a clear vision of the flavor profile and texture I was aiming for.
I started sharing my macarons with friends and family, and their encouragement pushed me to take the next step. I sold some to friends in my sorority, and they loved them. As my business grew, I officially registered Sav’s Macs as an LLC and expanded into wholesale accounts, allowing even more people to enjoy my product.
I would drive home from college on weekends to fulfill orders, and after graduation, I took a 9-5 job while continuing to grow Sav’s Macs on the side. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that my true passion was in my business. I wanted to dedicate myself fully to it, and stepping away from the corporate world to focus on my macarons was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Now, every day, I remind myself how much I love what I do and how much care and love I pour into every batch. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see so many people enjoying my macarons, and that joy keeps me motivated to keep pursuing my passion
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely not been smooth, and I think every business owner would agree with that. There were countless moments of frustration, especially when I couldn’t figure out what was going wrong with my macaron batches. The meringue has to be just the right stiffness, the batter needs the perfect flow, and everything from piping to baking has to be done just so. If any of those steps are off, the whole batch can fail. I threw away—or gave away—so many failed attempts in the beginning, trying to perfect the process.
The hardest part was simply getting them to turn out the way I envisioned them. That was a constant struggle. But looking back, those failures were all part of the process, and I never gave up. Each mistake taught me something new, and it pushed me to keep improving and refining my skills. The persistence I developed through those setbacks became one of my greatest strengths.
On top of that, quitting my 9-5 to run the business full-time was a huge challenge in itself. I had to learn everything about running a business—marketing, inventory, managing bank statements, and all the other behind-the-scenes work that isn’t glamorous but is essential for keeping the business running smoothly. Entrepreneurship is a path not everyone takes, but what keeps me going is the unwavering belief in my business. Even when doubts and fears pop up, I’m driven forward by the passion I have for what I do.
Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to have the support of incredible mentors, friends, and family who encouraged me when I felt like giving up. Their belief in me kept me going, even when the going got tough. And while I’ve faced many challenges, there have also been amazing moments of success—like the first time I nailed a batch, or when I made my first sale. Those moments felt like signs that I was on the right track and reminded me that I was building something special.
Entrepreneurship has transformed me in so many ways. It’s taught me patience, resilience, and how to embrace failure as a stepping stone. I’ve learned to believe in myself and my vision, even when things don’t go as planned. Looking back at everything I’ve overcome, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m more determined than ever to keep pushing forward.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Sav’s Macs, we pride ourselves on offering both classic and customized macaron flavors, providing a unique experience for every customer. While we stay true to the timeless flavors like salted caramel, vanilla bean, and chocolate ganache, we also offer the option for customers to create their own custom flavors, allowing for a personalized touch to any occasion. Whether you’re looking for something adventurous like lemon lavender or seasonal delights like apple butter cake, we love to experiment and create unique flavor profiles that excite our customers.
One of our standout offerings is macaron printing, where we can imprint custom designs or logos on each macaron—perfect for weddings, corporate events, or any special occasion. This adds a creative and fun element to the macaron experience, making them not just a treat but also a conversation starter.
We also offer macaron towers, which are a beautiful and elegant centerpiece for weddings, parties, or corporate gatherings. These towers are crafted with a mix of classic and custom flavors, creating a stunning display of color and flavor. They are an ideal alternative to traditional cakes and bring a unique touch to any event.
For special events like bridal showers, baby showers, or birthdays, we offer favor boxes filled with an assortment of macarons. These favor boxes are thoughtfully designed to make your celebration even more memorable, offering guests a personalized sweet treat to take home.
In addition to our custom offerings, I also host pop-ups at local markets, where customers can sample and purchase macarons directly from us. These pop-ups give us the opportunity to connect with the community and share our love for macarons in person. We are also proud to be featured at local businesses, including Juny Cafe, Jill’s Mixing Bowl, and Market House Caffe, where our macarons are available for a wider range of customers to enjoy.
Through these various offerings, we aim to provide a premium experience that goes beyond just a delicious treat. Whether it’s a personalized macaron for a special event or a beautiful macaron tower, we’re here to make any occasion a little sweeter and a lot more memorable.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Starting a business can be a rollercoaster ride, but the journey is incredibly rewarding. Here are some pieces of advice I wish I had known when I was just starting out:
Be patient with yourself: Success doesn’t happen overnight. There will be plenty of mistakes, failures, and setbacks, but that’s part of the learning process. Don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned. Keep going, and learn from each experience.
Focus on your passion: The road will get tough, and there will be moments of doubt, but your passion for what you’re doing is what will keep you going. Whenever things feel uncertain, remind yourself why you started in the first place. Let that passion drive you through the challenges.
Master the basics first: It’s easy to get excited about new ideas and big goals, but make sure you have the fundamentals down. In the case of macarons, it’s all about getting the basic recipe and technique perfected before moving on to custom flavors or special designs. Once you have a solid foundation, everything else will come more naturally.
Learn to delegate: As your business grows, you can’t do everything yourself. I’ve learned the importance of delegation—whether it’s marketing, inventory, or customer service. Surround yourself with people who share your vision and can help take some of the load off your plate.
Don’t underestimate the power of networking: Building relationships with others in your industry and local community is crucial. Support can come from unexpected places, whether it’s a fellow baker, a customer, or a local business. Attend local events, connect with other entrepreneurs, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or help.
Celebrate the small wins: It’s easy to get caught up in the bigger picture, but take time to appreciate the little victories along the way. Whether it’s perfecting a recipe or hitting a milestone in sales, those small wins are what keep you motivated.
Stay adaptable: Your business will evolve, and you’ll encounter changes in the market, customer preferences, or even your own vision. Be open to change and willing to pivot when necessary. Flexibility is key to long-term success.
Take care of yourself: Running a business is demanding, and burnout is real. Make sure you’re taking time for yourself, whether that means getting some rest, exercising, or spending time with loved ones. A healthy and balanced life will keep you energized and focused.
Believe in your vision: There will be moments when you second-guess yourself or wonder if you’re on the right path. But trust in your vision, your product, and the work you’re putting in. Confidence in your brand will help others believe in it too.
Starting a business is a challenging but beautiful journey. It’s all about staying true to your passion, learning from your mistakes, and being persistent in pursuing your goals.
Pricing:
- $15 for 6 pack
- $30 a dozen
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.savsmacs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savsmacs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savsmacs
- Other: https://g.page/r/CXxH0y0sXpsrEAI/review
