Macarons are on a Mission in New Jersey

Macarons are the unofficial sweet treat of France, and there are many spots in the states that have perfected the creation of them. Sarah Reggimenti, of Macarons on a Mission, is a licensed home baker who fell in love with macarons in Paris 10 years ago. Sarah is a successful speech therapist, but has also found a passion for home baking and providing meaningful employment opportunities for those of all abilities. 

At first, Sarah’s macaron making was purely an informal Christmas-time tradition she shared with a friend. (“Informal” being the operative word, as the outcomes were…less than successful.)

“I wish I had taken pictures of my fails, because they were really FANTASTIC!”

But five years into this joyful hobby, a family member sent Sarah a new recipe for macarons. Sarah gave the recipe a try—the same recipe that has helped build the success of Macarons on a Mission.

Sarah began posting pictures of her successful macarons on Facebook and was getting such positive feedback, with many people encouraging her to start a business and sell her macarons. Unfortunately, the red tape in the state of New Jersey prevented her from starting her business from her house. 

“NJ was the only state in the whole country where you couldn’t make a business out of baking from your home,” she said.

The law at the time required the proceeds that Sarah made from her macarons be completely donated to charities. 

Sarah loved the idea of giving back to her community, especially in regards to the special needs community in her area. Sarah’s daughter, Marissa, has a rare disability in which  part of her 4th chromosome is missing. In the early days of her daughter’s diagnosis, Sarah felt like it was very isolating but forged a community for her daughter through social media and in their local Miracle League location. 

“Through the years, so many have given to us, so how can I give back?”

For a while, Sarah rotated which charities received the proceeds from her baking, but most of her charity donations went to those helping individuals with special needs. One of her biggest recipients was her local Miracle League. Eventually, a “Cottage Law” was passed in the state of NJ, allowing home bakers to keep the proceeds they earned selling their goods, as long as they stay within state lines.

During this process, Sarah realized that she wanted to involve individuals of all abilities in her business in a more permanent way. 

“Because the Cottage Law passed, I was able to sell at the farmers’ market (Robbinsville Farmers’ Market in Robbinsville Township, NJ). Marissa would come to help. I thought, ‘how about I get her friends from the Miracle League to help me out?’” 

Macarons on a Mission could also now sell at pop ups, which allowed for even more opportunities for employment. Macarons on a Mission has found great success with these markets and pop ups, even selling out on many occasions. The macaron that’s the biggest crowd pleaser? VANILLA! (However, I am partial to the Lemon Meringue. I could eat countless in one sitting, so I’m glad the Farmers’ Market is not around the corner from my house!) But Sarah has bigger aspirations now that she has created such a valuable experience for her workers. 

A fellow baker in her community, Leslie Marchio of Four Peas and a Dog, asked Sarah if she would partner with her to build a brick-and-mortar bakery where individuals of all abilities could find gainful employment. While currently in the beginning stages, Sarah and Leslie are gathering information from the success of other inclusive businesses, like No Limits Cafe (in Red Bank, NJ), in hopes that in the near future, their bakery is present and thriving in the community. 

Sarah is a woman on a mission, a mission for inclusion in the workforce that results in creating delicious macarons for her patrons. While her dream of owning a brick-and-mortar store is at the forefront of her mind, Sarah also recognizes other ways she can serve the community in the meantime. 

“I have been contacted by three bakeries that are in need of just macaron shells,” she said. “I even thought I could train students with their aids to do this.” 

It is evident that Sarah is always thinking about how she can provide a fulfilling opportunity for individuals that might otherwise be overlooked by employers. After seeing Sarah, her daughter Marissa, and her employees Evan and Luke in action at the farmers’ market, I could envision seeing this team working together in a store front. Those helping the employees provided patience and learning opportunities with grace. Her employees were encouraged and taught how to take orders, collect payment and give change, prepare the orders, and make conversation with their customers. Macarons on a Mission is helping pave the way for a more inclusive community, and I can’t wait to see where these delicious treats take Sarah and her employees next!

Macarons on a Mission will be at the Robbinsville Farmers’ Market in Robbinsville Township, NJ every Tuesday for the remainder of the summer. (They pair great with some coffee.) You may also make custom orders on their website or contact Sarah here with any questions.