02/10/2026
We’re so honored to be featured🤍
So thankful for a community that supports small, home based businesses like ours.
If you haven’t tried AkenforBakin’ yet, we’d love to bake something sweet for you soon! 🍪🧁
✨ Business Highlight: Aken for Bakin’ ✨
What started as a pandemic pastime has grown into one of Hondo’s most creative (and delicious) small businesses 🍪💗
Meet Coryn and Rachel Aken, sister-in-laws, Hondo natives, and the faces behind Aken for Bakin’. Back in summer 2020, when the world slowed down and culinary school temporarily shut its doors, Coryn decided that being stuck at home wasn’t going to stop her from honing her craft. Armed with curiosity, determination, and a whole lot of almond flour, she started experimenting with macarons — and experimenting quickly turned into baking every single day.
Soon, the family became the official taste testers (and politely begged for a dessert break 😅). Coryn began sharing photos of her macarons online, never expecting much more than a few likes… until Rachel noticed something important: people weren’t just admiring them — they wanted to buy them. That’s when the lightbulb moment happened 💡
In August 2020, Aken for Bakin’ officially received its first order, starting with a small menu of classic flavors like strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla. From there, the business began to grow organically — one order, one design, and one happy customer at a time. Heart-shaped macarons, teddy bears, custom writing, baby shower orders, special occasions — each creation pushed Coryn to try something new and get even more creative.
After a brief hiatus while Coryn attended culinary school, Aken for Bakin’ came back stronger than ever. With new training and techniques under her belt, Coryn now elevates each bake with thoughtful fillings, ganaches, and flavor combinations — proving that even something as simple as a cookie can become an experience. (Weather-sensitive, finicky, patience-testing macarons and all 😅🧁)
Rachel continues to be the driving force behind the business side, marketing, and social media — crafting fun, engaging content that reflects the heart of the brand and keeps the community connected. Together, they’ve built a business rooted in communication, creativity, and genuine relationships with their customers.
Born and raised right here in Hondo, Coryn and Rachel credit much of their success to the incredible support of the local community. From early partnerships with other small businesses to family members spreading the word one cookie box at a time, Aken for Bakin’ is a true example of what happens when talent meets hometown support 🤍
And they’re not done yet. With plans to continue expanding their menu (cupcakes now, muffins soon 👀) and big dreams of a possible storefront one day, Aken for Bakin’ is proof that small beginnings can lead to something truly special.
👉 Follow Aken for Bakin’ and keep an eye out for what they’re baking up next — because this is one local business you’ll definitely want to support (and taste 😋).
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