Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Gonzales.
Hi Nina, 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 and cake balls about 8 years ago. I would make them as gifts for Christmas or birthday parties. My best friend encouraged me to try and start selling my cake pops, and after a few orders here and there, I thought I would give it a shot. Being a single mom, it was a perfect way to get extra income, while still being at home with my daughter. Word of mouth and some amazing friends got my business out there. Eventually, I was doing weddings and events with 200 plus cake pops. And then the dreaded question came “Do you make cakes too?” I swore I would never make cakes and, in the beginning, it was so stressful and scary. But I felt like I was losing opportunities to expand my business, not to mention I could see money disappearing before my eyes. I’m so thankful for the people who trusted me in the beginning, because it was ugly. Ugly, lopsided, yet delicious cakes.
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 has not been smooth at all. For starters, I work full time at a Children’s Hospital, Monday thru Friday. I try to keep Sunday and Monday as my days off from baking but the more business I get the harder that has become. Can’t complain about being busy though! Typically, I work every day until about 10 to 11 pm working on pieces for the upcoming week. Also, I am a self-taught baker, so there has been a lot of bumps along the way. But practice makes perfect and I have had a lot of practice. Also, I don’t think it mentioned enough that baking is DANGEROUS lol. In October of last year, I suffered second-degree burns to both my hands after a fondant mishap. I had to take more than a month off of orders, and that has been the hardest thing I’ve had to overcome during my business. It put things into perspective for me, I was sad, depressed, and scared that there was potential nerve damage. The accident made me realize how much baking brings me happiness, and how much work I’ve put into my craft.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a self-taught baker and specialize in cake pops but can make all the treats. I think that’s something that sets me apart, as most Cottage Bakers specialize in one type of treat. I can make, cakes, cookies, cake pops, and other dipped desserts. Macaroons are next on my list and have been semi-successful with those, but one day I will conquer them. lol. I think something I am most proud of is teaching my daughter that you have the capability to be successful with just your two hands. She has watched me go from my first vendor event, handing out samples, to be fully booked months in advance. She saw me struggle and watch YouTube to learn how to make and decorate cakes, to now making 4 to 5 cakes a weekend. It makes me proud when she comes in to examine my work and gasp with “Wow mom, that looks amazing.” One thing I’ve always applied to being a mom is, tiny eyes are always watching. And it speaks volumes because it’s true. She has watched me struggle and conquer. She even started her own little cinnamon rolls business to make extra cash on the side. I also love being able to play a role in people lives. My full-time job, is in Pediatrics, specifically Pediatric Oncology. Sometimes my weeks at work are sad, seeing parents lose their children. So being able to get off work to make beautiful treats to celebrate another year of life, is the perfect balance for what I see on a daily basis. Seeing the smiling faces when you make their cake or dessert dreams come true, is a talent I can say I’m very honored and proud to have.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Oh gosh, the support I have had has been amazing. First off, my best friend Ashely of 20 plus years, has always got my back. If no one believes in me, she does. Also, the people that first ordered cakes from me and continued to order from me, those are the real MVPs. Lol I’m sorry for the things I created years ago but thankful for you continuing to order from me to rectify those orders. And I have been so lucky to have some amazing mentors. One thing I learned with baking, is the North Fort Worth Cottage baking community is amazing! We are mostly moms, trying to better ourselves, so when one reaches out to the other with questions, the love and support is given. Que Dulce is where I took one of my first cookie classes and she still is available anytime I have questions, which is beyond amazing. Many of the popular local baking ladies here are actually very friendly and informative. Another one is A Dancing Baker in Dallas, her work is amazing and she is the kindest, I look up to her a lot. I hope one day to get enough knowledge, that I too can share tips and magical baking secrets like they do!
Contact Info:
- Email: bitesizeddelightsdfw@gmail.com
- Instagram: Bite Sized Delights DFW
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ftworthbitesizeddelights/
Image Credits
The Fort Worth Photographer
Jessica Martinez
