From Zero to a Million: The Sweet Success of Mav's Top Buns
A simple family recipe turned into a thriving business for Nikki Ashkar and her husband Mike. It all began with a batch of cinnamon buns inspired by Nikki's grandmother. Little did they know, this humble start would lead to a million-dollar venture. Today, their business, Mav's Top Buns, is a well-known name in New Jersey, selling over half a million cinnamon buns.
The Journey
The journey wasn't easy. They started small, selling from a U-Haul truck. Now, they operate out of a bakery, charging $10 per bun. The price reflects the effort put into each one. The dough rests for 72 hours before baking, and the frosting, a secret blend of vanilla bean and cream cheese, is applied twice. This attention to detail ensures every bite is perfect.
Branding and Marketing
Nikki, with a marketing background, understood the importance of branding. She wanted a name that stood out, so they chose "Mav's Top Buns", after their firstborn son, Maverick. From the start, she positioned the business as the best in New Jersey. This belief in their product drove their success.
Social media played a big role in their growth. Nikki started posting photos and videos on Instagram in 2020. Some of these posts went viral, bringing in more customers. One of their most popular posts featured edgy audio, which Nikki initially hesitated to use. However, it resonated with people, showing the importance of being authentic.
Balancing Family and Business
Running a business while raising three kids is no easy task. Nikki opened the bakery while eight months pregnant, balancing a newborn and long hours. They now produce up to 1,000 buns a day during peak weekends. Despite the challenges, their hard work and dedication have paid off.
Overcoming Challenges
When asked about overcoming burnout and sleepless nights, Nikki credited perseverance and authenticity. She shared stories of rolling buns by candlelight during power outages, emphasizing that persistence leads to success. Their children are already showing interest in the family business, rolling Play-Doh into miniature buns at home.