Today we’d like to introduce you to Violeta Perez
Hi Violeta, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Ever since I can remember, baking has been a part of my life; in my family, it is a tradition passed down from generation to generation. Eighteen years ago, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life—I quit my office job to take care of my premature son. Although it was a decision filled with love, it also presented a great personal challenge. I have always been an active person, and suddenly finding myself without a purpose outside of motherhood led me into a deep depression.
In search of a way to stay busy and find joy again, I started baking in large quantities. I gave my creations away to every friend who visited me, never imagining that this small gesture would open a new door in my life. One day, a friend asked me a question that changed everything: “Why don’t you sell them?” Until that moment, it had never occurred to me to turn my passion into a business, but I decided to give it a try. With determination, I went door to door, selling my pastries to homes and businesses. Through hard work and dedication, I managed to establish myself and secured five restaurants as clients.
However, fate had other plans. The economic crisis hit hard, many of those restaurants closed, and unfortunately, I had to close my business as well.
Years later, the pandemic brought another challenge—I once again found myself without a job, stuck at home with no clear path forward. It felt like history was repeating itself, but this time, I decided to write a new chapter. I turned to baking once again, but with a different approach: I started sharing my creations on social media. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that what started as a simple hobby would become the rebirth of Violys Sweets and Pastries.
From that day forward, I have never stopped baking. My business has grown beyond anything I ever dreamed of, and today, I specialize in custom cakes for weddings, quinceañeras, and all kinds of special occasions. What once was just a hobby is now my greatest passion and a testament to my perseverance.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Transitioning from a stable job to full-time motherhood was challenging and led to a period of depression. Starting my business was tough—I had no experience, faced rejection, and built everything from scratch. Just when I found success, the economic downturn forced many of my clients to close, and I had to shut down my business.
During the pandemic, I once again found myself without work, but instead of giving up, I turned to social media. Sharing my work online revived Violys Sweets and Pastries, and since then, I haven’t stopped baking.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Violys Sweets and Pastries is all about creating beautifully crafted, custom desserts for every special occasion. We specialize in personalized cakes for weddings, quinceañeras, and celebrations of all kinds. What sets us apart is our attention to detail, unique designs, and the love poured into every creation.
We take pride in bringing our clients’ visions to life, ensuring each cake is not only stunning but also delicious. Our brand is built on passion, creativity, and a deep commitment to making every event sweeter and more memorable.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor and building a strong network is key to growing any business. My advice is to connect with people in your industry, whether through social media, local business groups, or community events. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions—most successful entrepreneurs are happy to share their experiences.
For me, social media has been a game-changer. Engaging with other bakers, joining online baking communities, and sharing my journey helped me build relationships and learn from others. Also, word of mouth is powerful—talk to your clients, collaborate with other local businesses, and always be open to learning. The right connections can inspire and elevate your business in ways you never imagined!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Violy’s Sweets & Pastries
- Facebook: Violy’s Sweets & Pastries
