Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Serrano.
Marissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a young teenager, being the oldest, some responsibilities just come with being just that. Growing up watching my sisters something I always had to keep in mind was, “what will I be cooking next?” They were young and growing and always wanted the answer. So, what did I do? I cooked. It started with small things like pancakes and grilled cheese, then soon to lasagna and rice and beans! Eventually, in high school, I had the opportunity to join the culinary team and soon found my passion, or so I thought. After graduating and moving on to college at The Culinary Institute of America, I pursued to be a chef. After about 6-7 years of professionally working in kitchens, Covid hit and I was left without a job. Like most, I struggled to figure out how I was going to pay my bills but to my benefit, I just started my business – Fork Worthy. I decided to push meal preps and catering-style foods and eventually dipped into the baking world a bit. It started off with cinnamon rolls and cheesecakes but then I got a request for a custom cake. I haven’t done many cakes before but then again, I never looked into making it anything more than a hobby. After successfully making the order, I decided to invest in some tools and equipment and give it a try. After a couple months of baking from home, I got the opportunity to join a designer bakery and do it professionally. It’s been a little over a year now and I think it’s safe to say, I now know what I want for my end goal in life. After working in kitchens for 7 years, switching to baking has been the best decision. I’ve grown more in the last year and I still have a lot to learn but one day I hope to see a bakery with my business name, Fork Worthy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To say this journey has been smooth, I would definitely be lying. This entire journey has been a huge learning process. From the moment I decided to make my name into a sole proprietor, to trying to figure out reasonable prices for my customers. Due to losing my jobs during the pandemic, I was forced to seek new sources of income. I began doing catering and meal preps, but I didn’t feel like it was what I wanted in my business. Eventually, I was asked to make a birthday cake which is something I only did occasionally, and definitely not professionally. My close friend was turning 21 which was special, so I had to deliver. After finishing the cake and exceeding my expectations, I decided to invest more time in baking instead of cooking. In September of 2020 a job opening for a cake decorator position opened up, and I decided to take a leap of faith! The hours weren’t long, but I took what I could get and promoted my business in my free time. With just focusing on one job, I was able to focus on growing my business and skills. Now over a year later, my skills have grown tremendously and I am blessed to say I have a steady income of orders in my business doing cakes. This year I was almost able to reach my financial goal for my business but this year was mostly about investing. I invested in mostly equipment and tools, but next year I want to invest in learning more about running a business properly and successfully!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Since changing from the kitchen to the bakery my skills have become a lot different. From throwing steaks on the grill and vigorously chopping. now to “gently landing the airplane” -which I tell my coworker when using an offset to make crisp clean edges on a cake. Two different environments, one I thought would never be a part of my journey has become my favorite part yet. Buttercream is something I work with daily, but fondant only a handful of times. I definitely enjoy challenging myself and taking orders with fondant, it allows me to practice outside of work and try new things. I like to think I specialize more in buttercream, after a few months of working with it, it came very natural. Having clean, sharp edges was something I struggled with but after searching tips and tools, I eventually got it. YouTube and Instagram are great sources for videos and tips from other bakers on how to be a successful baker. Some things that set me apart from others is my organization and my need for speed, I like to work with a purpose. Being organized allows me to set up my day to make it as proficient as possible. I’m most proud when I see all my work at the end of the week. People pick up their cakes with smiles on their face, and it only gets bigger when we actually show them the cake. It is not as easy work as some people think and successfully finishing a cake and pleasing the customer is always the goal.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Some apps that I find resourceful are Instagram and YouTube, as well as, my coworkers. Everyone has something different to offer and new ways to do things. I am a hands-on learner, so if I can’t get help in person videos are always the next best thing. I like to watch different techniques and get new ideas for future orders to help me further my business. Not only are the videos good for cake decorating techniques but also tips on how to run your business and promote yourself better.
Contact Info:
- Email: forkworthy1@gmail.com
- Instagram: @_chef_issa_
- Facebook: Fork Worthy
