Meet a Mom — Mackenzie Rubish — North County Winner of Roku’s The Great American Baking Show

If you’re into baking and you live in North County, you probably know her. She’s the Oceanside native who made her mark across the pond in a show ironically titled The Great American Baking Show on The Roku Channel. Filmed in London, American hosts, Casey Wilson & Zach Cherry, join the show’s English and South African celebrity judges, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith to turn out another season of the American-centric amateur baking show, a spinoff of The Great British Bake Off.

Seated, (left to right) – Celebrity judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith and standing, hosts Zach Cherry and Casey Wilson.

The winner, Mackenzie Rubish, is our hometown baking queen! And San Diego can’t get enough of her — whether an honored parade guest during an Independence Day celebration, a featured star on multiple local news’ segments, or the subject of many write ups in our local papers and magazines. Now, it’s my turn! I got to chitchat with this kind soul, determined multi-tasker (who proudly dons an octopus tattoo on her forearm to prove it) and The Great American Baking Show‘s latest Star Baker!

As you might have guessed, I’m excited to share my interview with Mackenzie — a Quality Analyst in the telecom industry by day, and a devoted Fallbrook wife and mom of three daughters… not to mention three dogs, a cat and a pet pig!  And I’m equally excited to taste the anniversary cake I’ll be ordering from her for an upcoming celebration. Yes, I’ll be sure take pix and do a follow-up post so you know how much it was enjoyed. Until then, it’s time to slice into a fun exchange with Sweet Mackenzie, America’s new sweetheart and amateur baker extraordinaire… Yet, there’s nothing “amateur” about the creations she turns out! If you haven’t yet tuned into season 2 of The Great American Baking Show on The Roku Channel to see what I mean, simply start by reading below and discover that Mackenzie is a pro!

Maria: Let’s start at the beginning, Mackenzie. I’d love to hear about your heritage and how it has played a role in developing your interests around baking.

Mackenzie:  I am a first-generation American Samoan. My dad was born and raised in American Samoa and came to the United States when he was a preteen as part of my grandfather joining the U.S. Military. Since American Samoan was a territory if the U.S., residents of the island could join the military and come to the United States.

Maria: I find it fascinating that your maiden name ironically identifies you as a baker but, as you said on the show, it also describes you as someone who might like to party! Tell us all about this prophetic name.

Mackenzie: My maiden name, Faumuina (FA-UMU-INA) translates to “in the way (FA) of food (UMU/oven) and drinks (INA). Which in a nutshell means, “Let’s party!” 

Maria: Simply perfect. I love that! Tell us more.

Mackenzie: I was raised in a large family, where weekend gatherings around food and love was common. We didn’t wait for special occasions to gather.

And it sounds like your family name gave you both permission and an excuse to celebrate family… just because.

Maria: How has your role as mom influenced your role as baker?

Mackenzie: Being a mom has taught me a lot about how to juggle multiple things. Baking involves a lot of concentration, but being a mom never stops. So as I bake, I still have to be the mom who grabs the snack, braids the hair, etc. It has taught me to balance all the hats I have to wear.

Maria: While there may be similarities in the family lives of moms in many areas, there are always unique ways of doing “family” that each of us experience. Please tell us about your family life and the uniqueness that is your experience.

Mackenzie: Family life is busy!!! I have an almost 9-year-old going into 4th grade, and then 4 year-old twins. All girls. This past year they were attending three different schools, all with three different start and end times. On top of this, I worked full-time. My husband also works full-time. We lean on my external family (Grandma and Auntie) to help. I truly believe it takes a village. It is an understanding we all help where we can, there is no obligation. If we are unable to, then we say it. There are no grudges or anger when the schedule doesn’t work. We take one day at a time. Weekends are spent at home baking, riding bikes, chalking the driveway, and just trying to refuel for the busy week ahead.

Maria: I heard you mention that you have a career outside of baking. Please tell us about it.

Mackenzie: I am a Quality Analyst for a Telecommunications company and have been there for almost 8 years. It is a demanding job, luckily, they promote a work-life balance culture. They were more than supportive of me leaving for a month to film The Great American Baking Show.

Oceanside, CA – Harbor

Maria: How is living in Fallbrook different than living in Oceanside?

Mackenzie: Living in Fallbrook is quiet and quaint. Much different from Oceanside, which can be little bit more fast-paced. However, I spend a lot of time in Oceanside since that is where my family lives.

Fallbrook, CA

Maria: Prior to the show, did you consider yourself an amateur or professional baker?

Mackenzie: Definitely amateur! I never went to culinary school, although I would love to take classes now.

Maria: Has there been a change in that classification since appearing (and winning) the show?

Mackenzie:  No, no change in classification since winning, but there is a lot more weight to me being a baker now! I would love to open my own bakery someday.

You have my vote, Mackenzie. We would be so lucky to have a “Mackenzie Bakery” in North County!

Maria: How long have you been a baker?

Mackenzie: I have been baking my whole life, here and there. However, I started baking a lot in high-school, college, work, etc. Dessert is my love language, and it was my way of bringing a gift to those who needed it. Whether it was to celebrate a huge accomplishment, or to mourn.

Maria: How did you get started baking?

Mackenzie: We have a few family staples, and I would bake those a lot growing up, then would expand more out of my comfort zone. I would find recipes, or YouTube videos that inspired me. I’d teach myself the technique and trial it at home. I would visit local bakeries and then go home and try and recreate it in my own way.

Maria: Tell us about your North County baking business. How can our audience of moms connect with you and order a Mackenzie’s Under the Sea Cake (a standout challenge task you created for the show) or another fanciful creation for their child’s next birthday bash?

Mackenzie: Yes, orders can be placed at www.umubakehouse.com. Once the form is filled out, I will reach out the person and we will chat.

Maria: Do you bake special requests or prefer customers order from a menu? (Given your enhanced ability since being on the show, I’m sure you’re pretty comfortable with creating on demand!)

Mackenzie: I have a list of cake flavors, and other desserts I make, but I always like to talk to the customer and see what they are looking for, then we go and build a custom menu from there.

Now, for the extra good stuff… let’s chat about the life-changing television show that brought this North County native to the consciousness of a country. As Zack voiced in the final episode, you approached each challenge with a mix of “fun, focus, and finesse.”

Zach Cherry, GABS host

Maria: Let’s begin at the beginning. How did you connect, apply, and audition for The Great American Baking Show?

Mackenzie: I applied through an ad on my Instagram. Was scrolling one night and saw it. It happened to be May 4th, and I thought “May the 4th be with me” and applied.

I love that. Watching the show, one of the things viewers get to appreciate is your playful yet confident nature.

Maria: How did you learn you were picked as a contestant?

Mackenzie: After a phone interview, zoom interview, producer tasting, and final audition, I was contacted by the team and told that I was chosen. I was beside myself and couldn’t believe it. I called the hubby crying!!!

Maria: How did the producers do a taste test? Did they come for a visit or did they send you to a studio in LA or elsewhere to taste and audition?

Mackenzie: I had to pick 2 bakes (any bakes) and drive them up to LA. It was intense driving up to LA in morning rush hour. 

Maria: Was the application process this year or last year? How long was the selection process? When did you have to report to London after being picked? I know… so many questions!

Mackenzie: The application process began in May of 2023, and I was told I made the show in late June. It was definitely a quick turnaround. I showed up in London the first week of August 2023 to film. 

Maria: Where did the show shoot the episodes, and how long were you away from your family?

Mackenzie: We filmed at Pinewood Studios in London. I was go for about 30 days.

Wow! Facetime must have become a family friend.

Mackenzie: Not too much facetime, but I called home every day!! The time difference didn’t allow for a lot of calls, but at least once a day. 

Maria: Was that your first trip to London?

Mackenzie: This was my third trip to London, but my first time to this area. 

GABS contestants (left to right): RJ, Chris, Brad, Nicole, Jenn, Victoria, Mackenzie, and Ruoyun.

Maria: I’m curious about the dynamic with the other contestants. Did you become friends or was there a rivalry? It seemed like you were each more of a team, supporting one another.

Mackenzie: Friends all the way! We still talk to this day. We are all rooting for one another because we all know the stress we are each experiencing.

Maria: Were you star struck meeting the hosts and judges of The Great American Baking Show?

Mackenzie: Oh absolutely. I definitely looked at them as “Auntie” and “Uncle” to help my mind not lose it over the fact they were THE Paul and Prue. I treated the situation as if I was home surrounded by family and not on a famous baking TV show.

So it must have felt surreal when Prue told you, “You’re a good baker, no question,” after the tart challenge during the final episode. And you got the first Paul Hollywood handshake.

Mackenzie reacts to the first Paul Hollywood handshake of the season!

Maria: Your timed tasks seemed stressful from my viewer’s perspective, but you appeared unfrazzled for the most part. Are you typically calm under pressure, or did you find Casey and Zach’s time calls stress-inducing?

GABS hosts, season 2 — Casey Wilson and Zach Cherry as Casey gives the dreaded baking task time call.

Mackenzie: Honestly, we all knew what we were getting into, so mentally I knew I couldn’t avoid it, so I embraced it, leaned into my confidence, and focused on having fun!

Your confidence showed. You were grace under pressure for sure!

Maria: You seemed to have very few negative critiques from Paul and Prue (which made sense since you ended up winning the show 😉  But for any that you did receive, did you agree with them?

Mackenzie: Oh I absolutely loved all the feedback I received and listened to the feedback the other bakers got. I watched a lot of GBBO [The Great British Bake Off, aka the parent show of GABS] before filming to really take in all the likes and dislikes over the years.

Maria: On a side note, the judges took little nibbles when tasting the contestants’ creations. This question fascinated me after each challenge and tasting: Who got to eat all the baked goods when the cameras turned off?

Mackenzie: We, the bakers, get to try everyone’s and then the crew got to enjoy and feast.

Lucky crew. Nice work benefits!

Maria: What’s next for you? Will the show be calling back previous season winners for an elite bake-off at some point in the future?

Mackenzie: I don’t know what is next for me, but what I want to be next is more TV, open a bakery, and author a cookbook. I thoroughly enjoyed being on TV and would love to have a baking show about how to bake and have fun at home, and how to find inspiration within your community. For a bakery, I would love to open a bakery that is very much European inspired with a tropical twist to honor my culture.

Well, we know for sure that your community loves you. I’m certain we’ll be seeing you making your mark for years to come!

Maria: Beyond GABS, to be clear, you’re considering other production possibilities—baking for TV and your new legion of fans? I know you’ve got them now! You’re so fun to watch with quick wit and gentle kindness.

Mackenzie:  Absolutely!!! So if anyone knows anyone! Send them my way!

Maria: I absolutely love your sense of humor. You’ve got a talent for satirical wit, yet all the while your sweet nature is apparent. You also seem so comfortable on-camera. Do you have a background in acting or performance?

Mackenzie: I have none, but I grew up Polynesian, dancing and being around family so much!

Maria: Tell us about the “wiggle test”.  Love that as a gauge for “doneness”. Is that a real bakers’ technique or was that kind of a throwaway line?

Mackenzie: Yes, this is my visual cue for baked goods, like cake. If there is a wiggle, then it’s still wet and not baked all the way. But a wiggle in a cheesecake is good lol.

Maria: As you said in the finale, “Every move I make has to be with intention.” And you mentioned in an earlier episode of the show that you love spreadsheets and planning (you even have Excel noted in your Instagram profile—very cool). What is your process for planning when you’re in the kitchen—preparing for your next master creation?

Mackenzie: I usually write down the ingredients and then group them based on which ones “go together”. For example, most of the time liquid goes in one bowl and dry in another. So I make notes on what ingredients go with the others or in a separate bowl. Truth, I had never time blocked myself for baking before, but I will in the future, lol.

Maria: Did you have any role models or mentors who inspired you? Was there a particular person who encouraged you to pursue your passion?

Mackenzie: My husband all the way. He was truly my cheerleader and still is… and my Paul Hollywood Stunt Double. He really does taste and critique my baked good. He also has a great design eye. He is also very good at reminding me to be “me” and not to go overboard or over the top trying to impress. It is easy to get lost down that rabbit hole when going on a TV show.

Maria: So, once more for emphasis, would you like to have your own baking show someday?

Mackenzie: ABSOLUTELY!!

Maria: Your husband sounds like he’s completely supportive. How did he manage taking care of your daughters, not to mention your dogs, pig, and cat, during those four weeks when you were shooting the show?

Mackenzie: Him, my mom, and my sister were my “village” when I was away. They helped with the girls when the hubby worked. My mom even potty trained my twins while I was gone! Talk about another win, coming home to potty-trained toddlers!

Moms… they’re the best! 😉 <3

Maria: What are some of the family staples that you bake and some of your husband’s and daughter’s faves?

Mackenzie: I bake a lot of cinnamon rolls, hand pies… muffins. My husband loves my Blueberry Apricot Muffins or loaf from one of the episodes. My girls, love anything sweet—just like any kid, lol.

So as fate would have it, you, RJ and Nicole were the finalists. Love the final challenge (which even included you choosing to remake your macaroons, twice, for your key lime showstopper. And you sum up that resolve with these winning words… “I didn’t make it this far just by playing it safe.” Words to live by!