We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Camilla Fuentes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Camilla below.

Camilla, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

-Tell us the story of how you came up with the idea for your business? Paint the picture for us so we really understand the context, circumstances, the emotions etc.

What I always like to say is that Kakaiba is 6 months in business, but over 6 years in development. I knew I wanted to make this happen since I was in high school. It took years of constant research and tweaking and boring business duties, but I just didn’t get around to getting off my lazy potato butt until 2023.
I should also mention as a side note, people tend to assume I sell excluively Filipino treats, which isn’t true. I have Ube or other Asian-inspired flavors sometimes, but the reason I chose the name “Kakaiba” (which is Tagalog for weird or unique), is because I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with my Pinoy blood (childhood can be brutal y’all). But I wanted to change that mindset and cement my Filipino roots into my life someway, somehow. And what better way than through the business I’ll be running for the entirety of my life?

-Walk us through how you knew this was a worthwhile endeavor.

Easy. I went through my early life full of constant changes of who I want to be, what I want to do, etc. I went from aspiring to be a chef to a cardiac surgeon to a dermatologist to a fashion designer. But I realized what my early life was also full of was wanting to be accepted by and impress others. I also kept taking career paths that would bring in the modt income. Everything I was doing was at the expense of my own happiness.
The thing is, I started this business while I was married, but was divorced shortly after. I was as broke as could be, and I am now working 3 jobs. But if it means I can keep Kakaiba up and running, I will do whatever it takes.

-Talk to us about the logic of why you felt this would work?

Not everyone loves super sweet food. But other people find a toothache and sugar rush to be worth their sweet treat consumptions. Some people are in the mood for savory. Some are in the mood for sweet AND savory. Some people love to venture out with their food. Some prefer the more traditional tried-and-true flavors.

-Were you solving a problem that no one else was solving?

Yup. Weird sh*t for weird people. A large variety for a large audience. Vegan for the animals and the planet. Gluten-free options for those who are celiac. My flavors are daring but I always put in great effort to ensure that they all work harmoniously.

-Were you offering a unique approach or what about this idea got you most excited?

The very meaning of the bakery name is “unique”! So you bet I offer one-of-a-kind products that you wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere.
And, what else is more exciting in this world than doing what you love for a living? Baking is my passion, and seeing people take a second bite of my creations is my happiness.

Camilla, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

-How you got into your industry / business / discipline / craft etc.

A self-taught b*tch over here! I’ve been baking since the age of 4, and I knew that owning this bakery would be my calling in life back when I was a wee little high schooler.

-What type of products/services/creative works you provide.

The products I provide are the good sh*t.
Kidding. I offer sweet and savory vegan cupcakes and “cupcakes” (akin to mini foods) in very unique and eclectic flavors.

-What problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others.

What sets me apart from others? Discover how weirded out you feel by taking a look at my menu. That’s what sets Kakaiba apart.
Then try them all and find out why they all work together.
And also, I mean, where else could you find a cupcake called “Get Laid Here”?

-What are you most proud of?

Starting my own dam* business by myself, no employees, all from my own vision, all graphic and website design by myself from scratch, all at the ripe age of 21 years old and standing at an impressive 4’10.5″ (IT MATTERS BECAUSE I HAVE NEARLY 0 UPPER BODY STRENGTH AND I HAVE TO REACH FOR HIGH SHELVES EVERYDAY AGHH)

-What are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.

JUST BE YOURSELF! AND TAKE RISKS! No matter how much you might hate yourself. I’m doing it, which sure as all hell means that you can too. Despite not being related to baking, this is the fundamental message of my business to my audience.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

In terms of discovery, that would definitely have to be Instagram. That is where many of my customers found out about my business.

As for sales, farmers markets have been the most helpful by far. A majority of consumers purchase from me at farmers markets vs. pop-ups or online.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Post relevant, engaging content everyday!

Photography and cinematography definitely play a part. Quality posts attract the most attention.

You also NEED to have a brand, and stick to it. It doesn’t matter what your brand is, you just need to focus on one.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kakaibabakery/
• Facebook: facebook.com/kakaibabakery
• Twitter: twitter.com/kakaibabakery
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kakaibabakery