Kate Borja, owner and founder of Kate Bakes, says she has always loved cookies. Her business, which started in January 2024, specializes in chunky, gourmet, chewy cookies.
“I love all kinds of cookies — chewy, crispy, soft, you name it,” Borja says.
When she first heard of Levain Bakery’s style of cookies — 6-ounce, chewy cookies — she says she was intrigued and was inspired to create her own version of it.
“I started experimenting with different recipes and techniques, and fell in love with the chunky, gourmet, soft, delightful experience of these cookies,” she says.
Since she was a girl, Borja says she always enjoyed cooking, baking and watching family members create delicious dishes in the kitchen.
“Gifting baked goods during the holidays, baking newly inspired desserts for family and church gatherings, and creating dessert tables for special occasions has always been my love language,” Borja says. “It’s my source of joy and one of my favorite hobbies.”
At work, Borja would participate in bake sales to promote mental health awareness and raise funds for the Waipahu Aloha Club, a non-profit organization. She explains that creating her own home bakery has been on her heart for a while.
“There were many reasons why I wanted to start a home bakery,” she says. “We had recently purchased a new home, we have a son that has medical needs, and we wanted to have an additional income to help finance the dream of having more children, while still being able to give generously to our loved ones, ministries and foundations the Lord places in our hearts.”
Borja explains that she has three sons, but she desired to be a mother to more.
“After experiencing chronic and severe hyperemesis gravidarum in all of my pregnancies, I had been told by my doctors that another pregnancy could potentially put my life at risk,” Borja says. “As we often do with many major life decisions, we prayed about it. Through these prayers, the Lord impressed something deeply in my heart. I may not be able to have any more children of my own, but I can create hope, kindness, aloha and sweet memories through Kate Bakes.”
Coming up with a business name that was both meaningful and personal was integral to Borja.
“‘Kate Bakes’ represents my journey as a mother, my season of healing, and the many ways I’ve experienced God’s provision,” she says. “More than a business name, Kate Bakes reflects my heart to serve, give back and use something I love to bring joy and encouragement to others.”
The business usually features its chunky, gourmet cookies at pop-ups. The biz offers around 15 cookie flavors, according to Borja, who says the menu includes chocolate chip walnut, Oreo cookies n cream, triple chocolate, fruity pebbles with marshmallow, matcha macadamia, ube cheesecake, s’mores, red velvet cheesecake and more. Customers can also look for a featured cookie flavor of the month; cookies usually cost $6.50 each, four for $25, six for $35 and a dozen for $70.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about all the different flavors I could create,” Borja says. “Since Kate Bakes started, I have made more than 60 flavors.
“My hope is that every Kate Bakes purchase brings more than just a delicious cookie made with love,” she adds. “I want each cookie to bring a little kindness, connection and aloha and create sweet memories that people can share with those they love.”
The biz also features its basque cheesecakes ($7 to $8 per slice) — usually two or three flavors — and banana cakes, or banana bread loaves, at pop-ups. Basque cheesecakes can come in flavors like brownie, lilikoʻi, ube, matcha strawberry swirl, hojicha, Vietnamese coffee and Thai tea. Banana bread loaves ($12 per loaf) are usually available in five flavors — ranging from cinnamon walnut and chocolate chip to cinnamon swirl and Oreo — at pop-ups.
Kate Bakes also offers a rotating side menu of treats, including brownies, scones and cupcakes. The biz also features seasonal and holiday specialties, like cake rolls, pumpkin crunch, muffins, financiers, bread pudding and Filipino treats.
“Kate Bakes is about more than what we bake,” Borja says. “We believe every interaction is more than a transaction. We are committed to serving freshly baked goods with genuine care, creating an experience where everyone who visits Kate Bakes feels loved, seen, respected and welcomed as part of our ‘ohana.”
Kate Bakes currently pops up at events across Oʻahu; this Saturday, the business will be at Nordstrom Ala Moana from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The biz also pops up quarterly at Central Pacific Bank Tidepools and at Wahiawā Value Added Product Development Center every third Saturday of the month. Kate Bakes has also participated in other events like What the Truck?! in Waikele and Hoopili Night Market.
The business also accepts catering orders for big and small events, according to Borja, who says the business has been part of birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, company events and more.
“We are blessed and grateful for all the support we have received since we first started Kate Bakes,” Borja says. “The amazing vendors and customers who have become dear friends have shown us the power of community and how we can come together to encourage one another. The spirt of aloha is still alive and well and we are so thankful to be a part of it.”
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
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