Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandra Valle.
Hi Alejandra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2013, I was studying medicine in the Dominican Republic and my husband was finishing his residency in Tampa, Fl. Both of us come from Cuban immigrant parents and were raised in Puerto Rico. That year we found out I was pregnant with our son and after I finished in the DR, I moved back to Florida so we could all be together. I decided to stay at home and raise our boy for the time being. As time went on, I realized that I was steering away from the medical field and falling in love with the baking world. It wasn’t an easy decision, obviously. It was extremely scary to leave behind a solid career to do what I loved. As years went on I continued to practice night after night, really focusing on developing my skills whilst staying at home with both our kids. I learned everything on my own via trial and error and I’m still learning. In 2019 we decided to open Penny Bakes. It’s been a rollercoaster and last year definitely impacted us but we hope to continue moving forward and growing.
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?
Starting a business in August of 2019 and then in March of 2020, life changes for everyone. We had to close temporarily and then reopen. We barely kept Penny Bakes alive but we are hoping to continue to move forward and things are starting to pick up again thanks to our lovely customers. We are so grateful for each and every one of them.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create custom cookies and cakes for every occasion. I would say I specialize in custom cookies. They are what I’m known for and what I’m most proud of. I love getting ideas from my customers and then bringing them to life using cookies and cakes. It brings me so much joy to see their faces and to make them happy on their special days. I focus on flavor and always use the highest quality ingredients. If it doesn’t taste good, I’m not selling it. I feel I have a very specific style: whimsical, mixed with rainbows and bright colors. I think that style, plus my yummy recipes set me apart from others.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am always open to working/collaborate with others! I love participating in events around our lovely community here in College Park. Before the pandemic, We were really starting to get out there but since then, it has been hard to do.
Contact Info:
- Email: penbakes@gmail.com
- Website: www.pennybakes.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pennybake.s
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/pennybakes1
