Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Nogueira.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I officially started my business in 2024 with zero inventory—just a passion for baking and a drive to make it work. I’ve always loved creating pastries and desserts, and after graduating from Dallas College with a degree in Bakery and Pastry Arts, I knew I wanted to turn that passion into something real.
At first, I operated entirely online, taking custom orders and building a presence through social media. Over time, I expanded my menu, started offering seasonal collections, and even joined local markets to bring my baked goods directly to the community. It’s been a journey of learning, adapting, and growing, but every challenge has helped shape my business into what it is today. Now, I get to do what I love every day—baking, creating, and connecting with people through food.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but I don’t think any small business journey ever is. When you start something from zero, with very few people knowing about you, the first customers are almost always friends and family. Building a customer base and getting my name out there took time, consistency, and a lot of effort.
Another big challenge is making a living from a small business. It’s not just about baking—it’s about managing finances, pricing products correctly, handling marketing, and constantly working to grow. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that people don’t always see. Some days are great, and others are slow, but that’s part of the process.
Despite the challenges, every obstacle has been a learning experience. Growing this business has been about adapting, problem-solving, and trusting the process. Seeing people enjoy what I create makes all the hard work worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Pilgrim Bakeshop?
My business is all about creating high-quality, handcrafted baked goods that bring people joy. I specialize in cakes, breads, and seasonal treats, with cakes being a major part of my business. Whether it’s a beautifully decorated celebration cake, a freshly baked loaf of challah, or a unique seasonal macaron, I focus on making every item with care and attention to detail.
What truly sets my bakery apart is the custom attention I give to each and every client. Every order is personal to me, and I work closely with customers to create something that not only looks beautiful but also tastes incredible. Flavor is just as important as design, and I go beyond the usual by using high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations that aren’t commonly found in other bakeries. I want every bite to be memorable.
I’m especially proud of how my brand has grown, starting from small, local orders to becoming a bakery that people in the community recognize and trust. Seeing repeat customers and hearing how much people enjoy my products is the most rewarding part of what I do.
I want readers to know that my bakery is more than just a business—it’s a passion. Every cake, loaf of bread, and pastry is made fresh, with quality and flavor at the forefront. Whether you’re looking for a custom cake for a special occasion, a delicious loaf of bread, or a seasonal treat, I’m here to bring something special to your table.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, cooking has always been a part of my life since I grew up working in my family’s restaurant business. From a young age, I was helping out in the kitchen, learning the ropes, and understanding the importance of quality ingredients and attention to detail. I spent a lot of time experimenting with different recipes and techniques, which naturally led me to fall in love with baking.
While I started off helping with savory dishes, baking quickly became my hobby, probably because of my sweet tooth. It wasn’t just about making something sweet—it was about creating something that would bring me joy. That led me to experiment with different baking techniques and flavor combinations, exploring what made me happiest.
Personality-wise, I’m someone who loves enjoying time with friends around food—whether it’s cooking together or exploring new places to eat. Food has always been a way for me to connect with people, and it’s one of the reasons why I love what I do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thepilgrimm
