Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Pastrana Perez.
Maria, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was raised in Orlando, Fl. After having my three children by 24, I ended up in Ohio. As a single parent, I began making cakes from home and participating in weekend Farmers Markets. From there, my business began to grow and I opened my first 900 sqft shop. I didn’t go to school for my craft, I was self-taught, it is truly a God-given talent. I can make anything out of cake. My business grew tremendously in that little shop and after almost nine years at the small location, & through the city’s Minority SBA program, I purchased a 3,000 sqft building. I had it remodeled and opened a coffee, retail & designer cake bakery and a supply center with a cake school. In total, I had the business and lived in Ohio for 17 years. I was invited & participated in the local NBC affiliate Station (wfmj) and did almost Qtrly., Live morning show segments as well as the yearly LIVE Wedding the Station hosted. I even did the Mayors wedding and even bigger, a cake for the Elton John when he was in town for a concert, which was very exciting. As a single mom, I raised my three children from this business and even purchased a home. When the economy crash happened, my business started to plummet. I ended up closing the business but was hired within months by a Dairy Plant in Tampa which manufactured a product I’d used for those 17 years! They moved me back here to Florida. Within a year, the product brand was purchased by a Worldwide manufacturer, & they grandfathered me in. I was promoted to the intl. division as CCA (Caribbean, Central America) manager & traveled for almost ten years throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America managing the Brand and opening Distribution throughout those Regions. I retired/ was laid off” in 2019.
As I’m a super active human, I did every unimaginable project in my home.
And now as to where I’m at, and by encouragement from friends & family, I decided to get back into my passion which is 3-Dimensional Cakes. At the same time, I began helping my daughter start her own cake business (my three babes grew up in the business so they’re all talented and very driven). As she veered into her own passion, I came into an opportunity with a local cake supplier (Cake & Craft). He gave me the opportunity to use his cake classroom, he said I could use it and teach from there. I named the business NANIS EDIBLE ART (my two beautiful grandbabies call me NANIS). And shortly after I began teaching, That’s where CAKING WITH A TWIST™️ was born! I thought it’d be neat to do cake classes for adults (over 21) where they could enjoy a fun cake decorating experience while enjoying a glass of wine and some charcuterie. The concept has taken off and I’m loving every minute of it! I think I’m more excited than the participants! I also love the KIDS events we do as well! I plan different themes for each class. They participate with an Adult. Both of the events are structured (for 2) creating teamwork and a memorable fun time. The participants get to fill, frost and decorate their own cake creation and they take home something tangible that they can enjoy or even gift! We also offer sugar-free and gluten-free cakes too for the classes. Each class has a bonus activity which can range from chocolate-dipped strawberries to cupcakes to designer marshmallow pops! We host Private Events as well where we bring everything to a host’s venue of choice. They can pick a theme and I design their cake /event around that theme. We now collaborate with breweries and restaurants to help bring consumers to their own businesses and mutually benefit from each other…
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?
I’d say the biggest struggle is having to carry everything back and forth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Creative Cake Event Instructor. I’m known for being so passionate with my craft.
I’m most proud of everything I’ve accomplished as a single mom, raised three beautiful children who are now grown and leading healthy lives.
What sets me apart from others is my drive and passion in not only teaching but helping others with the same craft so that they can generate their own additional income.
Contact Info:
- Email: Cakingwithatwistllc@gmail.com
- Instagram: Nanis_edibleart
- Facebook: Nani’s Edible Art
