Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorena Mejia.
Hi Lorena, 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.
A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina with a passion for baking since I was a little girl and Inspired by my grandmother’s delicious baking goods, I decided to pursue baking as a career. I worked making confections and hand-dipping chocolates at the famous Webb’s, old fashion candy store in Davenport. Upon graduating as a distinguished student in the pastry and baking program from Valencia College, I was determined to use baking as a tool to reach out to the community.
I opened Bake N Glow LLC, a cookie decorating studio to allow those that want to explore with their creativity using colored royal icing. My mission is to help others discover their hidden talents by allowing their ideas to be splashed onto cookie canvas. All that, gave life to the name of the company. In my mind, I thought that I could do the baking, but the students would be the ones making those cookies glow with their own unique style. I get to see that in every class, no matter which age I am teaching, their faces when they see the finished products are priceless! They glow because they can see their ability to create, they feel their hands at work and some even discover a new passion. Teaching is absolutely rewarding; I believe that if you don’t share what you have learned all that knowledge stays with you. I see it as paying it forward.
Currently, I am teaching classes to children, adults, and private parties alike. My Bake N Glow business promotes and sells theme cookies and treats for all kinds of events. I am also working with a Dramatic Education after-school program that allows me to reach out the students of 22 different OCPS (Orange County Public Schools) to teach cookie decorating classes. I teach at Right Choice Day care center every month and at Mt Dora Christian Academy every week on the enrichment clubs. I hold classes regularly at my studio for children ages 8-12, mom & me classes where besides decorating cookies individually they create a project together, which provides them with a nice quality time shared. I also tested, with great success, a “women’s night out class” and I discovered that the classes provide women not only with a fun time but a space to themselves and the possibility of meeting new people.
As Bake N Glow continues to grow, I can only say that I feel grateful for the relationship that I have with my clients, and my students, and the possibility to be part of this colorful and artistic experience where love at the end is the main ingredient.
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?
There is never a smooth road in any business, there are challenges and risks to take. I registered Bake N Glow LLC, 2 weeks before we went on lockdown with Covid. That didn’t stop me, I worked from home and baked for my friends. Then, I was able to open my first class with all the measurements for everyone to be safe. We all had to take courage and learned how to reinvent ourselves. I am proud and happy for not allowing fear to interfere to make this dream a reality.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a pastry chef, but I specialized in teaching cookie decorating and I enjoy preparing customized orders. I love to be part of my client’s/friends’ celebrations with a sweet touch. I am proud of who I became thanks to this beautiful career of teaching what I love. I am proud of becoming an entrepreneur in a foreign country overcoming language barriers and embracing the process of learning to be able to reach out to more people.
I love the approach I took on my pastry chef career of giving back and making a difference, especially among children. Seeing the results daily fill my heart with joy.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I am extremely happy I had created Bake N Glow as a tool for others to appreciate art in the form of food. Growing up I have learned to see art expressed in different ways and materials.
My mom is an art teacher, and my dad is a stained-glass artist. I took drawing lessons, learned how to make a Tiffany lamp, and I study interior design. I embraced everything I have learned and so should you. I understood that sooner or later in life you will find yourself applying it in one way or another.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/bakenglow
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bake N Glow
Image Credits
Bake N Glow
