Collin Harmon
In the heart of Santa Barbara, Mesalina—known affectionately as “Messy”—has been serving up her unique, inspired baked goods since the pandemic began. Messy’s baking journey started almost by accident during COVID, with a 50-pound bag of flour and two pounds of yeast. Suddenly gifted with time and an abundance of ingredients, Messy threw herself into baking, using her coworkers as eager “taste testers.” Now, her passion has grown into a thriving business, offering a range of delicious, daring, and sometimes spicy creations for anyone craving something truly unique this holiday season.
For Messy, baking was never a lifelong ambition. In fact, a teenage mishap with holiday quick bread once left her vowing never to bake again. But when the world slowed down in 2020, she decided to try her hand at baking from scratch, starting with classic banana bread. Soon, Messy found herself experimenting with every type of dough and batter she could think of, sparking a new creative outlet she hadn’t expected. She laughs, “I just had to use up all that flour and yeast!” Her homemade treats quickly won over her coworkers, giving her the confidence to sell her goods on Etsy and then at local markets.
Today, Messy the Baker has become a beloved fixture at Santa Barbara and Ventura County’s makers markets. From cookies to flan and even spicy chocolate treats, her unique creations have gained a loyal following, eager to see what bold flavor she’ll bring next. As Messy tells it, she loves to experiment with ingredients like chile in her cookies, which often sparks lively conversations at her market stalls. “I wanted to create an experience people couldn’t find anywhere else,” she explains, describing her Spicy Chocolate cookies made with habanero and ghost pepper chocolate bars.
One of Messy’s standout offerings is her “Cookie of the Month Club,” a subscription that ships nationwide. Designed to introduce her customers to new and adventurous flavors, the club offers cookies crafted with gourmet ingredients, often with unexpected flavor combinations. “I want people to be open-minded when it comes to flavors and textures,” she says. Each month brings a new surprise, making this an ideal gift for those seeking a bit of holiday cheer and a taste of the unexpected.
Messy’s holiday menu is equally festive, filled with treats perfect for gatherings and cozy nights in. This year, she’s introducing a special Christmas Treat Box, which will include her famous cookies, brownies, and—for the first time—fudge and gingerbread men. Her holiday lineup also includes Star Bread and Rosca de Reyes for Dia de Reyes on January 6th, a traditional pastry that is highly anticipated by her Instagram followers.
When asked about the most rewarding part of her journey, Messy is quick to credit the support of her husband, son, and community. “Balancing a full-time job, family, and a baking business is hard, but knowing my baked goods bring joy to someone’s celebration or brighten up a day makes it all worthwhile,” she reflects. Messy’s heartfelt approach to her business has resonated with her customers, many of whom eagerly follow her latest baking adventures on Instagram.
For aspiring home bakers, Messy has some encouraging words. “Don’t be afraid to try new things! Baking is all about trial and error,” she advises. She shares that it took her years to perfect her favorite oatmeal raisin cookie recipe, reminding bakers that persistence is part of the process.
As the holidays approach, Messy invites everyone to shop small and support local. She’ll be attending the Goodland Market at Old Town Coffee in Goleta on December 1st, the perfect opportunity to stock up on treats or place holiday orders. For those unable to visit in person, Messy’s baked goods are also available through her website, and she’s currently taking preorders to ensure every customer can enjoy her handmade treats throughout the season.
With a dedication to quality and creativity, Messy the Baker brings a taste of joy and nostalgia with every bite. This holiday season, her treats make for a heartfelt gift, sharing the warmth of family tradition and the boldness of her unique Santa Barbara-inspired flavors. So, when you’re looking for that perfect festive treat, remember to support Messy the Baker—a holiday hero whose journey from lockdown baking to local favorite is as sweet as her creations.
Follow her on Instagram at @messythebaker.
