Daily Inspiration: Meet Melissa Vargas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Vargas.

Hi Melissa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In April 2020, I was furloughed from my position with the Walt Disney Company with no return date in sight. Much like many people, I decided to occupy my time trying new recipes and creating baked goods. I ended up going through recipes faster than expected so I decided to try making macarons as they are known to be one of the hardest desserts to make. I ended up picking up on them quicker than I thought and in May 2020 a friend asked me to create 150 for a bridal shower at the end of that summer. I had no idea what I was doing or even how much to charge for something like that but I was thankful she believed in me from the start. I officially launched Sweet Creations By Melissa on July 27, 2020 and the support I received from my family, friends, and former coworkers was incredible. Initially, I thought this would be something cool to do while I got called back. However, that did not happen and I was laid off in fall 2020. I decided to take a deep dive into the possibilities for what I could create with the macarons. I added new flavors to my flavor list and started offering shaped macarons. Now I regularly deliver across the southwest area of Orlando, including the Universal and Disney resorts, and I’m always up for a challenge in creating something new. I have also been working on some fun new offerings for the upcoming holiday season as well the possibility to start shipping soon!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In general, it has been a smooth road in terms of meeting people and gaining new clients but I have definitely had my struggles. I had to figure out how could people place orders, how would I take payments, when I would deliver the macarons, and whether or not I would have a minimum. As time went on and I started receiving a larger number of orders, I realized it was time to streamline the ordering process so I created a website. I had a few friends test it so I could ensure I was receiving the information I needed and that officially launched July 27, 2021.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My background is in the creative field, I grew up loving physical and digital art. I have a bachelor of fine arts in Graphic Design which has been wonderful with designing my logo, website, and overall branding. I also have a master of science in Hospitality and Tourism Management which allowed me to explore the creative side of events, marketing, and customer service. Aside from starting my business in the middle of a pandemic, I am most that I have been able to combine my past background in graphic design, events, and customer service to create something new that I can share with people from all across the nation.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next 5-10 years, I see the baking industry having to meet a much higher demand for allergy friendly goods. Right now, I have noticed there are a lot of people who have very specific allergies that cannot easily find desserts. I believe a meal is not complete until you have dessert so I do hope the baking industry shifts to be able to accommodate more allergies.

Pricing:

• $26 per dozen circle macarons

Contact Info:

• Email: SweetCreationsByMelissa1@gmail.com
• Website: www.SweetCreationsByMelissa.net
• Instagram: instagram.com/SweetCreationsByMelissa
• Facebook: Facebook.com/SweetCreationsByMelissa

Image Credits
Personal photo – Alex Mertens