Hello, I’m Mili.
meet the author:
Milissa Takashima
growing up Italian-American
Most of my favorite memories revolve around good food. Being hands-on and creative isn’t just a passion – it is woven into who I am. Raised as a first-generation American, I’m deeply influenced by my Italian-born mother who fostered my love of faith, family, food, and all things homemade.
As a child, I spent Sundays at my Nonna’s house, admiring her hands that made everything from scratch: baking bread, shaping orecchiette, roasting coffee beans, and tending to her garden. At home, I would hover beside my mom, begging to help mix or stir whatever she was making. I wanted to be part of what filled and defined our home.
made it my own
I’m the first in my immediate family to attend college, earning degrees in Journalism and Marketing from San Diego State University. I built a career and worked my way up to Vice President of Marketing and PR for global lifestyle apparel brands.
After marrying the love of my life, I stepped away from the corporate world to become a stay-at-home mom. I was the mom who made all the baby food from scratch; and the mom who found personal joy in creative outlets. I cherished time alongside my two little ones, who were just as eager as I was to learn hands-on in the kitchen and beyond.
When my baby boy was diagnosed with severe peanut and tree nut allergies, (at a time when food labeling was not standardized) I had to take matters into my own hands. I began cooking and baking more – determined to make most everything myself. This lead me to leap into building a dessert catering business that allowed me to fulfill my calling to create while in service to others – especially those, like my son, who deserve well-made desserts without the worry of life threatening allergens.
It took courage and thousands of hours of self-taught practice to become a professional. I established Mili’s Sweets in 2010. In 2013, I started this blog to document recipes, my work, and the everyday moments in home cooking. In 2019, I expanded my creative-work passions by launching Glorified Hobby, a floral services business, in partnership with a dear friend and collaborator.
Nonna’s influence
My precious mom (aka Nonna) has lived with our family for more than 20 years. It has been such a gift to have my best friend and soulmate woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. One of many gifts she has given me, is sharing her Italian heritage through recipes. Aging alongside her, and cooking with her, has been a most meaningful and treasured part of my life.
Beyond what she’s taught me, she inspires everyone who knows her. Each day, I strive to grow – both in the kitchen and as a person – guided by her loving example.
these days
Family is where my heart is. Life is so different now that our kids are grown ups! My roles have expanded from wife, mom, and business owner, to “Nonni,” and my mom’s caretaker. A favorite truth my mom would say: “You have good kids!” My mom is no longer able to do what she could before, and I am privileged to be her person and caretaker, supported by loved ones at home, and extended family.
When I have spare time, I volunteer with local high school students, work on photography, and play in the kitchen for recipe development. Outside this space, I want to be at the beach with a picnic and a book, or on a hike in the mountains. I’m like a child when it comes to nature and to seeing the world. Taking big trips is an amazing gift, but I feel that same excitement while exploring right here, in my hometown of San Diego, and throughout our beautiful state of California.
this space
Glorified Hobby is an extension of the joy in hands on creating, where I share not just what I make and bake, but the heart behind it.
Catch behind-the-scenes moments and clips on the Glorified Hobby YouTube Channel.
If you’d like to learn more about my professional background, feel free to visit the “about” pages of milissweets.com or glorifiedhobbyflorals.com.