Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Guevara.
Carla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m originally from Lima, Peru, and moved to the U.S. in July 2001. Thanks to God’s grace, my journey has been incredibly challenging yet rewarding. I cannot be any prouder of myself for everything that I’ve faced and overcome in my life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life is tough for everyone, and we all face daily struggles. The reason why we should be a little bit more patient, compassionate, and tolerant of one another.
My own journey has been unique and filled with hurdles since I remember—from moving countries, experiencing bullying and abuse, dealing with family issues and divorced parents who were juggling to make needs met, learning a new language, sleeping in my car, dealing with a domestic violence relationship, working multiple jobs while going to school to complete a higher-level education, dealing with some dysfunctional family members, disappointments along the way, heartbroken relationships, dealing with my mom’s cancers and almost fatal incident, and now being a single mother and doing absolutely everything completely alone, but the list just go and go. I could write a book about my life!
It’s been difficult. It’s hard, very hard. Every day. Especially when I have a supportive and loving family in Peru.
Despite these trials, each challenge has been a chance for growth and faith. An opportunity to choose and shape the best version of myself. I can’t feel angry about the things that I don’t have control over or how I’d loved things to be. Part of growing up and maturing is accepting things just the way they are, not how we want them to be.
Today, we have a decision to make for our children. It’s crucial to embrace a positive perspective and break generational cycles of conflict and resentment. By surrounding yourself with people who add value to your life and fostering healthy traditions and relationships, we can offer our children a fresh start and a happy childhood.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a Federal Emergency Senior Project Manager for FEMA, I currently handle California’s disaster response under the Public Assistance Program. Additionally, I run Sweet Bella Grace Shop, named after my daughter, Bella Grace my beautiful grace from heaven.
This business, which began as a hobby, has grown into a thriving venture. We specialize in creating elegant chocolate arrangements using premium Belgian chocolate for various events from weddings, anniversaries, birthday celebrations, Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, Christmas parties, and corporate events. Every order is crafted with care and dedication.
On our menu, we have:
• Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Oreos, Jumbo Pretzels, Rice Kristies, Marshmallows
• Gourmet Chocolate Bonbons filled with different Ganache flavors
• Peruvian Alfajores
• French Macarons
• Cup Cakes
• Cake Pops, and many more to come.
We have our Add-ons with edible glitter, luster dust, sprinklers, and edible custom letters and signs.
My daughter gave me the courage to create Sweet Bella Grace Shop and SBGS is allowing me to have a new dream that I’m passionate about. A purpose. Sweet Bella Grace Shop also supports our community by donating 10% of each order to local causes, including feeding the homeless and the BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation. The secret of living is giving. Therefore, I will continue to support those in need and teach my daughter how to give back.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
While my loved ones know me for my hard work and dedication, they may not realize the extent of my discipline and determination to accomplish everything that I put my mind to. I strive for excellence in every task, often working late into the night to ensure every detail is perfect and impeccable.
To accomplish all my orders, I have to do it after regular working hours and managing a baby. I had to educate myself on how to temper the chocolate, choose the best materials & ingredients, cost, marketing, etc. and that takes time, energy, effort, dedication, and determination to get it done. It goes beyond an extra level, but I must do it and I will. I will never give up. I have goals, strong will, high aspirations, and ambitions. When they are directed in a good and positive direction, these personality traits help you to succeed in life because it does not matter how many times you fail, you must rise-up. You stand up 100 times more than you failed, and everything is a lesson to do better than before. It is ok to cry and feel defeated at times, just don’t stay there too long. Chean up and move on.
Inspired by my Abuelito Enrique, who I miss every day, I hold myself to high standards and remain committed to my goals, regardless of challenges. When I give you my word, you can count on it. Each day is a new opportunity to improve and move forward with gratitude and resilience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweet.bella.grace
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559105571792
Image Credits
Patty Brown NonaBella Photography
