Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Villanueva
Hi Rachel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always loved to bake, this love is rooted in my childhood and sparked by my mom. She always included my siblings and I in cooking, baking and kitchen activities. I didn’t know it at the time, but my parents probably couldn’t afford a huge birthday cake, cookie platter, or things alike. So my mom baked almost everything from scratch. After graduating Nursing school at 21, I began to question what was in all the processed things available in the grocery, and realized “Mom was right all along.” Not only was it more economical for our family during that time, but it was also better for her growing children – this is the cornerstone of why I do what I do.
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?
In life there will always be struggles. Before having my daughter I was a full time ICU Nurse and my husband was in graduate school – a full time student. I had this dream of growing a following and inspiring others to bake along side me but I struggled with work/life balance as I was the primary bread winner, and ultimately had to take a break during my pregnancy.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I own and operate a cottage bakery business with the hope to expand into cakes. I’m a one woman show who prioritizes wholesome ingredients, and knowing where our food comes from. I am so proud of my sourdough bread journey, but also seeing how far I have come with my cake decorating skills. Having a cake is such an engrained part in our society, whether it is for a birthday, baby shower, wedding, retirement, cake is usually a centerpiece to these events. Providing high quality cakes with simple ingredients is a true passion of mine.
I don’t use food dyes unless specifically asked for by the customer.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
One of the biggest supporters I have is my mom is one of my best friends, she is always up for an adventure with baking, going on a cake delivery, helping package bread, or even watching my daughter while I do something for an order. I would be remiss to not mention my husband as well who is so supportive and the best taste tester.
Pricing:
- Organic Sourdough Bread (10$)
- Vintage Heart Cakes (70$)
- Custom cakes ($variable)
Contact Info:
