When you enter the Macadons store in Downtown Renton, you enter a paradise of colorful Macarons, each flavor equally as intriguing, innovative, and delicious as the next. Sitting by the big windows overlooking Renton’s idyllic main street, you get to enjoy Macadons’ velvety clouds of pure delight in a warm and welcoming space that feels like it’s smiling right back at you.
When Michael Huynh, owner and founder of Macadons, describes the intricate, multiple day process behind crafting macarons, it becomes evident that the care for and belief in his product, he also has for Macadons’ 20 employees. Smiling as he talks about them, he ensures that his employees are thoroughly trained and cared about, and just like macarons, get the chance to rise. With Michael’s support, everyone on Macadons’ leadership team began working with Macadons from the bottom and has grown into key roles within the company over the years.
Each week, Macadons produces over 10,000 macarons in its SODO commercial kitchen using real, quality ingredients. These macarons are then shipped to local partners and Macadons’ flagship store in Downtown Renton. With signature flavors like “Fruity Pebbles,” “Cap’n Crunch,” and “Orange Cream,” as well as Asian-inspired favorites like durian, Vietnamese coffee, and Thai tea, Macadons has become a fan favorite. From traditional macarons to ice cream macarons and even custom macarons you can print on, there’s something for everyone.
On a rainy morning, the NWMMSDC had the pleasure of sitting down with Michael Huynh to hear the story of Macadons’, the challenges he’s faced, and the advice he has for fellow minority-owned businesses:
What’s your name, role, and business’ name?
Hi, my name is Michael Huynh, I am the owner of Macadons.
What does your business do?
We do all things Macarons. We have regular macarons, we have little mini macarons that are like the size of a dime, and we have ice cream macarons. We also make macaron ice cream cakes and macaron cakes that are like 9 inches big.
Why did you decide to create this business?
I decided to create this business because I wanted to change everything that I didn’t like about working for other people. I want people on our team to prioritize their personal life over their work life.
Tell us more about journey of your business. How did you start off and where are you now?
We started off with a cottage food permit making macarons at home, just for friends and family. It just kind of grew organically. We opened our storefront in White Center in 2007 and then relocated to our storefront in Renton in 2022. We’ve been in a few different commercial kitchens, but the commercial kitchen that we’re now in, is in SoDo. That’s where we produce about 10,000 macarons a week and we also do all our ice cream production.
How did you get to where you are?
I got to where I am by failing. I feel like the best way to learn is to fail, to try things out, see what works, see what doesn’t work, and fix it. I also wouldn’t be where I am today without all the coaches, mentors, and supporters that have been in my life.
What do you love about your business?
What I love about my business is the ability to help people. Early in my life, I was very lost and didn’t know what I wanted to do. I didn’t really have any direction. And I see that in a lot of our new employees that are looking for a job. They’re not looking to open a macaron shop or anything. So, being in a position to help guide or mentor them, see what things they’re good at and giving them the opportunities to try those things is really rewarding to me.
I mean, there’s tons of challenges. We made it through COVD. It’s just all sorts of different things at different stages of the business. You’re constantly trying to figure out something new every day. It doesn’t get easier; it just gets different. But it’s rewarding, so I’m happy I get to do what I do.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MacadonsSeattle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macadons/
Website: https://macadons.com/
Storefront: 826 S 3rd St, Renton, WA
For corporations, Macadons offers on-site printing, allowing people to scan a QR code, upload an image, and have it printed on a macaron within minutes. It’s a fun and engaging activity for everyone! Additionally, Macadons can handle large orders for company parties, client gifting, or any other event you can imagine. The largest single order Macadons has completed to date was approximately 8,000 macarons, so it’s safe to say they can handle orders of any size!
To place an order, email orders@macadons.com.
Thank you, Michael, for sharing your story and the journey of Macadons with us!
About the NWMMSDC
The Northwest Mountain MSDC, an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering minority-owned businesses by certifying, developing, and connecting Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) with major corporations and public agencies.
Since 1978, the Council has been a driving force for advancing supplier programs and creating opportunities that enable minority-owned businesses to thrive. Serving the Pacific Northwest Mountain region – encompassing Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming – the NWMMSDC is committed to fostering meaningful business partnerships and driving economic growth.
For more information about the NWMMSDC and its programs, visit www.nwmmsdc.org.
To learn more about how certifying your minority-owned business can benefit you, click here.
If you would like to certify your minority-owned business as well, click here.