Meet Veronique Benhayoun | Owner, Chunkee Munkee Baking Companee

We had the good fortune of connecting with Veronique Benhayoun and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Veronique, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
People outside of the baking industry are unaware of the amount of time and effort that is required when you make a cake or cupcakes. It can sometimes take hours & hours. Depending on an orders size, sourcing ingredients, especially with supply shortage challenges while trying to find cost effective items to keep prices low for clients can be a multi day process. This is all prior to making an order. Once you get started from ingredient prep to decoration can also take many hours depending on the complexity of an order.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have a very customer service heavy employment background. Being a home based business/baker, I feel like this alone sets me apart from other homebased companies that may not offer the same customer service that I can and will offer. Everything that I have ever done professionally has been a stepping stone to get me to the point I am at today. To get to my current point was a journey. I started my company when I was a stay at home mom in an extremely unhealthy relationship. My company has lasted through divorce, relocations, an entire pandemic and many other life changes. Although my post Covid business model is completely different than my pre-Covid model I am still here, adapting and trying to continue growing. Being open to change is the best way to overcome the challenges. Throughout the years I have taken breaks and then come back. I live by the motto, minor setback, major comeback. I have learned A LOT of lessons along the way. Everyone wont like you or your products, its not the end of the world. I want people to know that my brand is the result of dedication and hard work and that even with trials and tribulations – I still prevailed!

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 I had a friend visiting some of the restaurants I would take them too would be Tatts and Tacos in Oakland Park, Foxxy Brown in East Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas Cuisine in Plantation and Shooters on Fort Lauderdale Beach. If I had a choice of a hotel I would definitely recommend The Atlantic Hotel and Spa on Fort Lauderdale Beach. For things to do, we’d have a beach day on Deerfield beach, have a night out at Fat Tuesdays on Fort Lauderdale Beach and maybe grab some bakery Items at La Antioquena in Tamarac.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My kids Christopher, Catreena, Caitlyn, Caylee & Cameron for being my built in food critics. My boyfriend Kyle for pushing me to pursue my hopes and dreams even when I did not feel like I was good enough. And last but certainly not least Kyle’s mother for being the mom I’ve never had and ALWAYS supporting me behind the scenes.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Chunkeemunkeebakingcompanee

Instagram: _chunkee_munkee_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veebee99510

Other: TikTok @queen_of_chaosapparently OR _chunkee_munkee_