We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebekah Kamauu and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rebekah, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I often get asked, “How do you balance it all?” As a single mother, entrepreneur, bakery owner, and athlete, alongside my personal life and my health and life coaching certifications nearing completion, my days are packed from the moment I wake up until I climb into bed. In fact, I recently published a yearly planner called Elevate, where I dedicated a section to “balance.”
Here lies the secret: I don’t believe in complete balance. Life is in constant motion, and we juggle so many responsibilities that keeping everything perfectly aligned is impossible. Something always has to give. The greatest lesson I’ve learned is to give myself grace when things fall through. It’s the grace we extend to ourselves and the intention we put behind our actions that help us move forward—towards goals, dreams, new beginnings, and even the end of certain chapters.
Instead of focusing on how to balance everything, I encourage people to focus on being intentional. Each night, I plan my day by sending myself a text with my main goals and tasks, manifesting what I need to achieve. I revisit that list in the morning and set my intentions for the day. Some days, everything goes as planned. Other days, life throws a few plot twists, and I have to adjust—and that’s okay. Not accomplishing everything is okay. I’ll try again the next day, or even, the next week or month.
The key is grace and intention—grace for myself and intention toward my goals.
What should our readers know about your business?
I’m the proud owner of Cookie Curator, a home-based bakery in Orange County, California, specializing in custom-decorated sugar cookies. Over the past eight years, I’ve created thousands of custom designs and taught cookie decorating through in-person classes, workshops, and online courses. My work has been featured in several digital publications, and my cookies have been enjoyed across the country. Recently, I published a planner called Elevate and developed a brand-new cookie tool for the market.
Beyond decorating, I’ve been a guest speaker and instructor for local youth chapters, small business events, and national conferences. My online store ships products like sugar cookie pre-mixes, royal icing, and cookie cutters nationwide, and I manage a monthly newsletter with over 1,300 subscribers. With more than 43,000 Instagram followers, I use my platform to inspire and empower others.
The journey wasn’t easy. When I started nine years ago, I was working full-time, raising two young kids, and baking late at night. There were many sleepless nights, but persistence, discipline, and grace helped me grow my business. One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. Being flexible has allowed my business to grow in unexpected and rewarding ways.
What I want the world to know about Cookie Curator is that it’s built on hard work, creativity, and resilience. My passion for art and baking has grown into a thriving business, and I hope to inspire others to create something meaningful, no matter how tough the journey.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for the day, I’d want to make it unforgettable by taking them to some of the best spots in Orange County.
We’d kick off the day with a sunrise run or walk at Salt Creek Beach. There’s something truly magical about starting the morning with the sound of the waves and the stunning coastal views as the sun rises.
Afterward, we’d head to Ahba in Laguna Beach for brunch. It’s one of my favorite spots, with its cozy atmosphere and fantastic farm-to-table menu.
Next, we’d spend the afternoon exploring Balboa Island. The charm of the island never gets old, with its quaint shops and beautiful views. We’d take the ferry to the peninsula, rent bikes, and ride along the beach, soaking in the sights. If we’re feeling adventurous, we might rent a Duffy boat and cruise along the Newport Channel for a relaxing afternoon on the water.
To wrap up the day, we’d head to Muldoon’s Irish Pub in Newport Beach for dinner. It’s a local favorite with great food, a friendly atmosphere, and often live music. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy hearty Irish food and drinks.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shout-out is dedicated to my very best friend, Evi Figgat. I remember years ago when I started my bakery, Evi kept me company through countless late nights, working on her laptop while I flooded cookies. She was even there when I came up with my business name, The Cookie Curator. Evi has supported me every step of the way, offering encouragement and her invaluable editing expertise.
Today, she continues to be my editor, biggest cheerleader, and we recently publish our first planner on Amazon. Evi’s unwavering belief in me and dedication to this journey mean the world. I couldn’t have done it without her!
Website: https://www.thecookiecurator.com
Instagram: @cookiecurator
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecookiecurator
Image Credits
Melissa Thomson- @missyshots