Maaike Ector runs the first Dutch Etsy shop that sells stunning handmade cookies that are a feast for both the eye and the mouth.
Tell us about you?
“In my day to day life I am a mother of two beautiful kids, Roos, who is almost four, and Bas, who’s two. That takes up pretty much all my time. Luckily I’m a stay-at-home mum, and as much as they do sometimes get under my feet, I wouldn’t miss part of their development for the world. I can’t just sit around and do nothing and my head’s always filled with stuff I want to make. Ranging from cookies to ragdolls and from hand bound books to birdhouses. It sometimes keeps me up at night, all the new things I want to make, including cookies.”
How did you come up with Mjammie cookies?
“I had this book by The Biscuiteers, a shop in London where they sell beautifully glazed cookies. I felt I’d really like to do that as well, but I didn’t know where to start. I’ve been on Etsy for a while; I run a little shop selling handmade pencil cases, booklets and stamps. At some point I explored all of Etsy and I came across exotic outposts such as the “plants and edibles” category, where people sell all kinds of things, including lovely cookies. I immediately got started on the very first Dutch Etsy cookie shop and I am very proud of my achievement!”
What makes it fun?
“They’re so tasty! It makes for such a nice gift as well, a small tin or a box. And the requests I get for customized cookies are also a lot of fun. I made some edible wedding invites recently, which was highly original! But there was also an aunt ordering cookies for her Dutch nephew’s birthday. There’s often a beautiful story behind a commission.”
What are your plans for Mjammie’s future?
“If it’s up to me, there will be a proper Mjammie shop one day! When my kids both start school I’ll have a bit more time on my hands and I think I will start campaigning: cookies for all!”
