Today we have Missy Coyne of 12 Oaks Desserts on the mag. We were extremely fortunate to work with 12 Oaks on the desserts from our launch party (you can see more pics here). Not only were the dino and volcano treats adorable but they were also totally delicious! If you're in LA, make sure to check them out!

First, tell us your story! We’d love to hear little bit about yourself and your business.

12 Oaks Desserts is a female-run custom dessert studio based out of our commercial kitchen in North Hollywood. We deliver delicious confections all over Los Angeles. Katherine Coyne founded the company in 2010 in Manhattan with her then-roommate, who shared her love for baking and creating unique, modern desserts. The philosophy that drives 12 Oaks is that that a great dessert makes life a bit sweeter. In 2018, Katherine and 12 Oaks moved to Los Angeles to bring delectable desserts to the West Coast.

I joined the 12 Oaks team in 2018 as our Head of Business Development. With a bachelor’s in psychology from Stanford University and master’s in organizational psychology from Columbia, I worked previously as the Head of People Operations at Bay Area startup, Lumos Labs. I love making connections with people and also writing, so a role with 12 Oaks where I can look to expand the brand through new partnerships and help with marking campaigns and blog posts sounded perfect! The icing on the cake, so to speak, is that I get to work with one of my best friends – my sister-in-law, Katherine. 😊

PS: my Favorite Cake? The Chocolate Chip with Classic Cream Cheese frosting – it’s incredible!

How many kids do you have, what ages?

Two boys, Liam (4) & Finn (2)

What are your top three recommendations for things to do with kids in LA?

My boys love going to Jump n Jammin’ in Acadia. You’d think it’s a trampoline place given the name, but there are actually very few jumping structures. However, it does have a massive three-story climbing structure with slides. It’s is nice to tire the kids out on hot, hot days. That said, it is super loud so bring your aspirin.

The Pirate Park in Arroyo Seco is frequently requested as a play date spot by my oldest. Both boys are really into pirates and the entire play structure is shaped like a pirate ship and even includes a plank to walk!

As a family, we love taking the boys and our dog, Penny, on hikes. Switzer Falls trail, located in Angeles National Park, is the perfect hike for our guys – the mile to get to the waterfall is mostly flat and you get to cross little parts of the river, which is exciting for the kids.

How do you network as a parent and a business person?

Primarily through informal mom groups and preschool playdates. 12 Oaks has also been participating in several fairs and wedding shows over the last year and one of the best parts of working those shows is meeting vendors and making connections with others.

Where do you go for inspiration on the web and in real life?

I like huffpo life for their parenting articles.

I find cooking to be inspiring and am on bonappetit.com several times a week to check out the gorgeous food they’re making.

What is the first website you visit every morning?

Probably cnn.com

What are you three favorite Instagram accounts to follow?

@sugarandsaltcookies

@ivyandstonecakedesign

@talkthirtytome

What is on your to do list for today?

Laundry (always)
12 oaks related:
- Outline 5 blog posts
- Send 25 intro emails to potential partners
- Pitch some 12 Oaks stories on HARO
- Return some calls
Home/personal related:
- Mow the lawn, weed, figure out why that one tree isn’t doing well…
- Fix that sprinkler head that broke
- Clean the kitchen and the fridge (eek!)
- Groceries for the week
- Clean the wall where Finn colored on it
- Plan a fun activity with the boys after school -- maybe kinetic sand at their picnic table

Sum up motherhood in one sentence.

Every day in motherhood is a journey with lots of highs and lots of lows, sometimes shifting minute to minute, but I think that's to be expected with two toddlers and when I see one of my kids master a new skill or adopt a new behavior like an unprompted please or thank you, those moments make all the lows kind of fade away.

And finally, where can we find you?