Today we’d like to introduce you to Yaneth Marmolejo
Hi Yaneth, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started making cake pops for my brother’s soccer tournament fundraiser when I was 12. We made around 150 and sold out—they were such a big hit! That experience made me realize how much I enjoyed making sweets, and I decided to continue doing it. Ever since the age of 9, I loved watching baking shows like Cake Boss, Nailed It, and Sugar Rush Christmas. I also always loved doing art and making things like Legos. This is what sparked my passion for intricate designs and keeping my hands busy.It felt really natural, and the freedom to be creative with the sweets made me love it even more. I got to where I am today because of the continuous support from my community, family, and eagerness to continue even if I failed or made mistakes.
I knew from the beginning that I wanted to turn this into a business, especially since my mom shared the same passion. She would make a variety of desserts like flan, gelatinas, and our birthday cakes, and she still does to this day. Making those cake pops taught me a lot about hard work because of how intricate and delicate they had to be.
If it wasn’t for an assistant principal at my middle school sending out an email to the staff, I wouldn’t have gained a couple of loyal customers and all the support from people in my school district. That initial support from my assistant principal and family really gave me the confidence and motivation to keep going and expand my business.
I’m now doing markets and still selling while in high school as a junior. My platform has grown a lot since I started.
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?
It’s definitely been a learning process. Being a “home-based” business has its challenges because of the restrictions we have (cream cheese, cheesecake, etc.) A few of the struggles I’ve encountered along the way have been time management, periods of time with no orders, and markets being slow.
Time management has been the most challenging part for me since I’ve had to find a balance between school, school events, and having part-time jobs.
Orders being slow has discouraged me at times but I remind myself that God has a plan for me and everything has a right time. Even with these challenges I face, I keep pushing forward because I know it’s all part of my journey. These challenges have taught me a lot about time management and problem-solving, which are skills that will benefit me in the long run.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in custom treats, including personalized items like chocolate-covered strawberries, cake pops, and bento cakes. I’m known for my cake pops and chocolate-covered strawberries within my district. I’m most proud of how well I handle the stress of owning a business at such a young age and my endless ideas for the future. What sets me apart is my thorough attention to every detail and my dedication to customer service and what they want. Additionally, I seek feedback from customers to improve and innovate, making sure that every treat not only meets but exceeds their expectations.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I feel the quality most important for achieving success is being kind and being open-minded. It’s really important to take into consideration what my customers want and make sure they are treated fairly. These qualities have helped me navigate challenging situations and have allowed me to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all my customers. I’ve also always been open to advice from my community of treat makers, that as well has taken me a long way. By focusing on these values, I have built strong relationships with my clients and consistently meet their expectations.
Pricing:
- chocolate covered strawberries , $40 starting price for dozens
- cake pops , $36 starting price for dozens
- bento cakes $25
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dippedby.yaneth/profilecard/?igsh=bWZvaGpqN2RzaXZm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092419482606&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dippedby.yaneth?_t=8qqiVVLZ6zr&_r=1
Image Credits
Robert Hinojosa Robtography
