Today we’d like to introduce you to Nataliia Lopez
Nataliia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Natalia Lopez, originally from Ukraine, and I started my little home bakery Chantilly Custom Desserts in 2017. Bakery represents both American and Eastern European desserts and cakes, bringing the best from two such different cultures. Over the years I had opportunity to bake for so many people, be a part of special moments, celebrations, various events, including a few of my dessert tasting parties, classes – cupcake decorating and fruit board decorating parties.
It all started with my love for pastry art, as I was lucky enough to work with so many amazing Chefs here in San Antonio, and learn from them during my culinary internship. Being fortunate to learn from the best Chefs, I decided to develop my passion for pastry art into my own small business. It’s a big blessing to be able to do what you love, and I am excited to see what’s coming next for Chantilly Custom Desserts.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Having a home bakery has its own advantages. It gives more flexibility with your time, schedule, but there are times when being the only person running the whole operation gets really hard, especially during holidays. Like any other small businesses run by one person, you need to be ready to deal with not only production (in my case – baking and cake decorating), but also deal with all the documentation, taxes, communication with clients, ordering supplies and so many other things. Sometimes it can get really overwhelming and stressful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The best thing I love about what I do is being able to be a part of special moments of my clients, I have made cakes and desserts for so many occasions, but the best feeling is when you have clients who are with you for so many years, that you can see their family grow. When you make their engagement, wedding cakes, then later – baby shower, first birthday, celebrating different milestones. I am grateful to have so many amazing people in my life who allow me to create cakes and desserts to celebrate their special moments.
One of the things that is my absolute bestseller since I started Chantilly Custom Desserts is the honey cake. This Eastern European cake became local favorite really fast, making majority of my sales during all these years. This type of cake can be made as a classic round cake, as well as number or letter cakes, mini cakes. It is always a part of my holiday menus as it can be easily customized depending on the theme, or season, or occasion.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in Ukraine, and lived there till I moved to United States at the age of 23 (10 years ago). I had a great, happy childhood. Ukraine is truly a great, beautiful country. Growing up I always had an interest in music (piano), and foreign languages, arts. Later on I developed interest for culinary arts, which led me to choosing my career path – I have masters degree in hotel and restaurant business.
Pricing:
- Mini honey cakes: starting at $25
- Custom round cakes: starting at $75 (6”); $120 (8”)
- Bite size desserts: starting at $25
- Number/letter cakes: starting at $60
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sa.chantilly?igsh=MTlnOGJzNml2eHB2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18jJopdypQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
