Today we’d like to introduce you to Mitzi Avila
Hi Mitzi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2019, I was just chilling at home on my couch in Richmond, VA, when I decided to bake some butter cookies. My partner and I are huge fans of homemade sweet treats, and I thought, “Why not start selling them alongside my freelance work as a social media manager for local restaurants?” So, I began working on a logo, a chocolate chip cookie resting on a cup of hot cocoa, my all-time favorite drink. From there, I set up my social media and started selling my cookies on Instagram.
Then, in 2020, the pandemic changed everything, and I found myself baking even more. My husband surprised me with a stand mixer, and I couldn’t wait to bake my favorite cake: Japanese cheesecake. It’s a light, jiggly and airy treat that isn’t too sweet. I decided to post a picture of it in a local Facebook group, even though I didn’t have cake boxes or stickers yet. Honestly, I didn’t even know if I was covering the cost of the ingredients, but I knew the cake was too good not to share! I went on to bake day and night for the next 15 days. From that moment on, my little baking adventure took off. By the end of 2020, I had sold around 2,000 cakes and expanded my menu to include more cookies, Tres leches cakes, and one of my personal favorites—the Mille crepe cake. This cake was inspired by The Great British Bake Off, and it was an instant hit.
In 2021, we moved to Austin, TX, and the community here embraced Cookies and Chill with open arms. I felt so happy in the city, until I was unfortunately attacked by a Pitbull while walking my dogs. I suffered a significant bite to my left hand and had to undergo a skin graft surgery. For the next 8 months, I couldn’t use my hand, but my dogs recovered well, even though they became fearful and reactive of other dogs. Despite the challenges, I kept baking with my mom’s help, using just one hand. Over time, I even became quite skilled at cracking eggs with only one hand, perfect yolk every time!
During my recovery, I felt a lot of anxiety and wanted to stay productive. Since I wasn’t able to take on too many orders, I decided to return to my roots in interior design. I found a job as an interior cabinet designer, focusing on high-end kitchens and bathrooms. It was a great way for me to channel my creativity and passion for transforming spaces.
In 2023 and 2024, I was honored to win the Blanton Bake-Off Award as a Professional Baker. And in 2024, I received an incredible opportunity: Netflix reached out to invite me to be part of The Great British Bake Off! and now, counting the cake rounds I have bought from Amazon, the number of cakes I’ve baked exceed the 6,000!. It’s been such an amazing journey, and I’m grateful for all the support and milestones along the way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Moving from Richmond, VA to Austin, TX was a big challenge. My target audience shifted, and I hadn’t fully considered how essential that would be when I made the move. I had to take some time to adapt my brand to connect with the new crowd, but in the end, it worked out beautifully. Now, I feel completely aligned with my brand. Cookies and Chill is fun, happy, austinite, and definitely a little weird!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
That’s such a great question!
I’m an interior designer with a deep passion for creating spaces that go beyond the ordinary, whether residential or commercial. I specialize in everything from new construction homes and small to large-scale renovations, to cabinetry design and full-scale furnishings projects. I love bringing a fresh, unique perspective to each project I take on.
At the heart of my work is a commitment to crafting aesthetically pleasing, livable, and timeless homes. I truly believe that understanding a client’s connection to their space is key to designing a home that resonates with their lifestyle and aspirations.
In addition to my design work, I also host a podcast called Creative Blueprints, where I highlight amazing people in the construction industry. I interview them to share inspiration, especially for new talents in design or architecture.
As for Cookies and Chill, that’s my fun side business! As someone who specializes in kitchen cabinet design, I’ve found it amusing how my bakery experience helps me better understand how clients want to improve both the functionality and the aesthetic of their kitchens, transforming them into beautiful, masterful spaces.
Feel free to check my designer instagram: @mitziavila.designer
And my website: www.mitziaviladesinger.com
From Cookies and Chill:
Instagram: @cookiesandchillatx
www.cookiesandchillbakery.com
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m a huge dog lover and have been volunteering at dog shelters for over 15 years. After my accident, I became even more passionate about supporting organizations that advocate for pitbulls and work to improve their reputation. I truly believe it’s not about the dog, but about responsible ownership. Right now, I’m volunteering with Austin Pets Alive and Love-A-Bull ATX, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling.
In addition to my work with animals, I’ve also been a benefactor for the past 20 years for an organization in Mexico called CARPI. This group supports homeless individuals with significant psychological illnesses who are often isolated due to their circumstances. Every year, I organize a small event for them, just to bring some joy and fun into their lives.
These two causes truly fill my heart, and I’m committed to supporting them for the rest of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cookiesandchillbakery.com
- Instagram: @cookiesandchillatx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cookiesandchillatx/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mitziavila
Image Credits
Mitzi Avila / Cookies and Chill
