Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ DeDiego.
AJ, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
This all started as a YouTube channel back in college. I got my degree in mechanical engineering but knew immediately that I was passionate about food, so I gave myself something to have as a backup. Over the years, that channel has expanded into a business, a cookbook, TV appearances, and so much more.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been nothing but smooth until very recently. Starting something from nothing is quite the undertaking, and there is a lot of learning along the way. In the beginning, I wasn’t 100% sure of where I was going with all this. I knew I loved food and wanted a career with it, but I wanted to be different and needed time to figure out exactly what that would include for me. I’ve struggled with money, motivation, all the things that you face when you’re trying to find the time and energy to fuel something and make it grow from the ground up.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I do a lot. I sell desserts from home, ship dessert mixes nationwide from my website’s store, and I write, film, and edit recipes to post across social media. Those are basically three full-time jobs right there, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. When it comes to the desserts I sell, I sell more cakes than anything, and I’m so proud of how far my creativity and skill have come with my work. My cakes are not only delicious, but I try my hardest to make them beautiful and unique.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I feel that determination is key to success. If you aren’t determined to work as hard as possible to make your dreams happen, then you’ll have a difficult time. Throughout this whole process, keeping in mind I still have far to go, I’ve experienced burnout, and those times when you wish that things would just happen for you and fall in your lap. This whole journey has shown me firsthand that greatness doesn’t come easily.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bakeitwithaj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajdediego
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1312010054
- Twitter: twitter.com/bakeitwithaj
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOUOlfyU_gL8wvdbkajaF0g
- Other: www.tiktok.com/bakeitwithaj
Image Credits
Food Network
