Few sweet treats are as delightful as a macaron. They’re beautiful and elegant to look at and taste even better. 

With their signature shiny top and bottom as well as the ruffled edges - (did you know they’re called feet?) Sending a box of branded macarons is sure to make an impression. 

We met with Rachel, who brought her love of macarons back from the cobbled streets of Paris to…well…the cobbled streets of Edinburgh! 

Here’s what Rachel had to say about her turning her love of macarons into a thriving business. 

Business: Mademoiselle Macaron

Founder: Rachel Hanretty

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

1. What inspired you to start your business?

I lived in Paris as part of my degree in English and French and absolutely love everything to do with French culture. Whilst living there I happened to go to a cookery school where I learned how to make macarons. 

When I came back to Scotland I missed macarons and couldn't find them easily so I set about making them and sold them at farmer's markets. The rest they say, is history.

2. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far on your journey? 

The founder's mindset and mentality can make or break a business. Any time something has knocked me in my personal life, it has ended up affecting my work in part because having no energy to bring your best self to work ends up being felt by your team. This includes having a baby! I hadn't prepared myself or the business for the change that comes from becoming a parent.

I know how important it is to take care of yourself and whilst it can be hard, I know that neglecting myself will do damage in the long run.

3. What makes your business special? 

Our attention to detail doesn't stop and start at the macaron and taste alone. Our commitment to creating a little moment of luxury can start from the moment you get in touch with us. We aim to respond to emails within 1-2 hours and we'll create something special to your brief for events. Our gift box packaging is designed to be similar to a jewellery box with a magnetic clasp, lifting to reveal an array of edible jewels.

We include little macaron passports in our orders to whisk people away to Paris for a little moment of tastebud tourism. I believe that all of these small steps combine to make our business special.

4.What's your favourite product and why?

We are able to use a specially adapted food printer to put logos and images onto our macarons and it's been amazing to see all sorts of images appear on our macarons. The customisation opportunities are endless so it's wonderful to know you're creating something absolutely bespoke and special for your customer. Our purpose and belief is that every Mademoiselle and Monsieur deserves a moment of luxury and this product definitely helps deliver that.

5. What’s the top piece of advice you would give to fellow small business owners? 

A more practical tip I have is if you run a business that starts out with you making the product, it's really important to factor in your time when it comes to making it. When I started out it was just me making macarons at home but when it reached the point I had to pay people to make them, I had completely misjudged the cost of labour and how that ate into margins!

6. What’s the most memorable gift you’ve ever received?

My mum gave me a cookbook one Christmas that had recipes from my childhood and for dishes she makes which I love. Having them written in her handwriting makes it extra special and I know it's something I'll pass on to my little girl.