Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Tocci.
Hi Paola, 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?
I’ve always believed that the best stories start in the kitchen.
Even though I was born in the U.S., I spent most of my childhood in Peru, living with my grandparents and my parents. My grandmother was my first mentor—she loved to bake and paint, and I spent countless hours by her side, watching, learning, and creating. She had this incredible pecan cake that, to this day, remains my favorite dessert. And whenever we painted together, she’d tell me, “You need a signature.” She would draw a little logo for me: curly hair, freckles, just like me. That sketch stayed with me, evolving into what is now the Freck and Bake brand.
Baking was always a part of my life, but so was experimenting. In school, I loved tweaking recipes to match my own tastes, and my friends would always say, “I’ve never had a brownie like this!” So, naturally, I started selling them. But it wasn’t just about baking—it was about purpose.
As I got older, my love for animals led me to volunteer at a local dog rescue in Peru. Unlike in the U.S., there were no official shelters—just kind-hearted people doing their best with what little they had. I opened my home to sick puppies, nursing them back to health and finding them forever homes. But helping them required more than love; it required resources. That’s when I created “Pecas de Cocoa”, my first baking brand, using my logo and selling brownies and cakes to cover vet bills, medicine, and food.
At the time, I was also building my career in advertising, a field I worked in for years. I managed social media and branding for major companies, but deep down, I knew my true passion lay elsewhere. When I moved back to the U.S. two years ago, I felt both excitement and uncertainty. Starting over wasn’t easy, but I saw an opportunity, blend everything I love: baking, branding, and giving back.
Freck and Bake isn’t just a dessert brand. It’s a piece of my childhood, my creativity, and my mission. I dream of one day being able to dedicate more time to animal rescue, and this brand is a step toward that goal. For now, I pour my heart into every jar, hoping to bring joy to others the same way my grandmother’s pecan cake did for me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth? Not at all. But worth it? Absolutely.
Packing your entire life into two suitcases and starting fresh in a new country is never easy. There were moments of uncertainty, moments where I questioned if I was making the right choice. I come from a family that taught me to never give up, to believe that when one door closes, a window opens. Growth isn’t linear, but patience and perseverance will always lead you forward.
One of the hardest realizations was knowing that I couldn’t dedicate myself entirely to volunteering, not because I didn’t want to, but because stability matters, because I dream of growing my family and giving my children memories they’ll never forget, wrapped in a bite of something sweet.
Through every challenge, I’ve had the unwavering support of my husband, and there’s nothing more beautiful than that. Yes, it’s been hard. But if I weigh the struggles against everything this journey has given me on a personal level, there aren’t enough words to express my gratitude.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work revolves around crafting and elevating brands. With over a decade of experience in advertising, digital marketing, social media, and branding, I specialize in helping businesses find their voice, build strong identities, and create meaningful connections with their audience. From global campaigns to small businesses with big dreams, I’ve had the opportunity to shape brands across industries like technology, retail, beauty, and finance.
One of my proudest achievements is Freck and Bake, a brand that merges my expertise in marketing with my passion for creating indulgent, feel-good experiences. It’s more than just a dessert business—it’s a testament to how branding, storytelling, and emotional connection can turn a simple concept into something people truly love.
As for what sets me apart? I can’t speak for others, there are incredibly talented and capable professionals in this field. But what I can say with certainty is that when a brand is built with heart and purpose, and when it fulfills you as much as it excites your audience, you stop competing with others, you only compete with yourself.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If there’s one thing I wish I knew when I was starting out, it’s the legal and administrative process of launching a brand in the U.S. The regulations, paperwork, and requirements can be overwhelming, and navigating them felt tedious at times. But through it all, I learned so much things I never expected to need but that have made me a stronger business owner.
My advice? Do your research, ask for guidance, and don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Having the right support makes all the difference, and I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by great mentors who have guided me along the way. Starting something new is never easy, but if you’re passionate about what you do, every challenge becomes part of the journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freckandbake
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1865GxF5BV/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/freckandbake.info
