Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Rodriguez.
Hi Ana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It all started on my youngest daughter’s birthday party. She had turned 3 at the time, and she asked for a Cinderella theme party,she didn’t ask for anything specific, but she loved that movie and wanted everything girly. Our budget couldn’t afford much, and I thought, how hard can it be to make a cake?… well, little did I know, that moment opened a new chapter and I wasn’t ready for what happened after that ugly, crooked, bad looking, but good tasting cake.
I started baking here and there, just for cravings for my family and me.
My husband and I had another baby, and we decided to get married and have a party and all that comes with it. We had everything prepared and the date was getting close, 1 month before we could say “I Do” before God, family and friends, I had an accident that left me in bed with a back injury, unable to walk without horrible pain, therefore our wedding had to be canceled.
This event changed many things, I was on a wheelchair for a while, dealing with back pain and a house with little kids that needed my care and my presence, and I couldn’t be completely there for them. I was drowning in depression, frustration and so many negative feelings for not being able to function. My son Damian was 2 years old and I couldn’t carry him, nevertheless play with him or chase him around, my oldest daughter Evelin(11-12 at the time) she had to learn extra chores just to help around the house, and my daughter Dominick was around 6 pushing me on the wheelchair around just to spend time with her mom, my husband was holding 3 jobs, cooking meals and doing as much as he could for our family. Seeing everyone doing so much, and me, just feeling like I wasn’t helping at all, it was some of the darkest times we’ve been through as a team. I needed to do something, I wasn’t going to let depression and pain pills control my life and ruin my family, and with the little time I could stand, I kept baking.
Eventually, my husband gathered enough money for me to get a spinal surgery, but it had to be in Mexico, otherwise we could never afford to make it happen here. With savings, tight budgeting and borrowing money from my in-laws, he made it happen. That sacrifice my whole family endured, was my motivation to make this right, prove that it was all worth it, and all those years of feeling hopeless and like a burden (all in my head) led me to challenge myself and keep pushing until I could say, I’m Ana and this is what I do, and let my work speak for me. I’m still miles away from where I want to be, but I know I’m getting closer every day, I can walk, I can move freely, pain never leaves my body but I can manage it. I have the support of my family and many dreams to work on, just one cake at a time…
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?
Definitely not a smooth one, from learning to bake, decorate and manage pain, being a full time mom and wife, physical therapy and making many mistakes and investing in so many tools and equipment before getting something right. It’s been a very bumpy road, but very fulfilling and somehow therapeutic.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I consider my cakes a form of art, edible art. I make custom cakes, I specialize in fondant designs for all type of events. Most people look for my work when it comes to special birthdays and baby themes, but little by little, my Wedding and Quinceañera requests had been increasing as well. I know people look for good looks, good tasting products, and that’s why they book with me. I have a passion for what I do and try my best with every order. Big and small budgets, I look for ways to make a special moment for them.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I love reading! My favorite book is
“A good earth” from Pearl S Buck
And absolutely love John Steinbeck’s stories, they’re full of adversity and resilience. I love informative and interesting podcasts and I listen to them in English and Spanish while I work, I have to have either music or something in the background to calm my intrusive thoughts.
Favorite movies to play while working, The lord of the rings and all The Hobbit.
Pricing:
- Minimum to order is $85
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Anabakesgc.com
- Instagram: @anabakesgc
- Facebook: Ana Bakes, GC
- Other: @anabakesgc on TikTok
