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

Hi Arrianna, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
My end goal is to finish my MBA and focus on my baking business. Eventually opening an online and in person baking supplies store.

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?
Arri’s Goodies is an at-home baking business that was established in 2015. I started baking when I was 12. In the 7th grade I decided to start selling my baked goods in school to help my mom who was a single parent at that time. My parents are big believers in focusing all our time on our education and extracurricular activities. This allowed me to help her with all my extra circular fees. During this time I sold brownies and other goodies such as cupcakes. To this day many people know me as the “Brownie girl”. In 2015 I decided it was time to make a real name for myself which is when Arri’s Goodies was established. In 2016 a friend asked me to make sugar cookies for his sister’s baby shower. I had never made custom cookies for any event, but of course I said yes. I stayed up all night decorating cookies. I remember thinking to myself “I will never do these again”. I was also determined to master them. Now that baking is my full-tie job it’s crazy too look back on how I all started. In the fall of 2017 I started college and only took orders during holidays, breaks, and when time was available. Due to covid-19 I moved back to my hometown and continued school remotely. My business started booming since I was able to take orders again. My work started to improve each day. Next, thing you know I was booked for months in advice. I received my B.S in biology at the University of Texas at San Antonio Fall of 2020. At this time I was planning to enroll in dental school summer of 2021. I didn’t want to take a break from school so I enrolled in graduate school to continue with a Masters in business. I figured it would benefit me when I opened my own dental office. However, that did not turn out to be my path. While completing my master’s degree I have realized that I want to see where my baking business will take me. I enjoy being able to decorate cookies and bring people enjoyment in my baking. Seeing children light up ear to ear when they see my custom cookies makes my day. I decided it was time to see what my baking path has in store for me. With that being said I believe yuo should take the path that makes you the happiest. Th biggest advice I can give anyone starting a new business or hobbies is Be patient nothing happens overnight. A habit doesn’t form overnight and neither does a small business. Always remember to surround yourself with people who support your dreams and goals. Arri’s Goodies was just a little girl in the 7th grade selling brownies and now i’m known for my cookie videos on tiktok.

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.
We would start the day at a local coffee shop: Blockhouse coffee in Richmond, TX. Grab a quick bite to eat at Sandy McGee’s. Then make our way to the Houston area to catch an Astros game. After riding scooters to the rustic to enjoy live music. We will then make our way to the truck yard to grab drinks and of course, ride the Ferris wheel. After we could check out the underground hall for amazing food. The next day we would spend the day at Post Houston and head to the museum.

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?
I would like to say thank you to my family, friends, customers, and all my followers. Without everyone’s support through out the years I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: https://arrisgoodies.onuniverse.com/home

Instagram: @arris_goodies

Facebook: @arrisgoodies

Other: Tiktok: @arrisgoodies Pinterest: https://pin.it/5Y2eAw7

Image Credits
Cookies: Myself Picture: Alexandra Jimenez photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.