We recently connected with Karen Belton and have shared our conversation below.
Karen , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
The most profound kindness I’ve experienced is the unwavering belief my family has in me, even when my own confidence falters. This support has not been a one-time gesture but a continuous presence in my life, reinforcing my belief that I can achieve my goals. My family has been a steadfast support system, empowering me to face fears and pursue challenges knowing they will always be there for me.
My husband, in particular, has been my greatest supporter. Over the years, he has helped build my confidence, and along with our three wonderful daughters, has encouraged me to push my limits. Their support is unwavering, and even in moments of failure, they lift me up and encourage me to try again.
A touching example of their kindness occurred when I was unhappy in a job and often came home in tears. My husband noticed my distress and, with a mix of sternness and love, urged me to take action. Although I was overwhelmed and felt stuck, his words motivated me to seek change. As I walked into the house, my daughters silently embraced me, and their comforting hug brought me to tears and reinforced their love and support. It was exactly what I needed in that moment.
The next day, I took my husband’s advice to heart, made efforts to improve my situation, and eventually decided it was time to move on. This decision led me to a new job that transformed my life for the better.
My extended family—parents, siblings, and cousins—have also been my biggest cheerleaders, consistently showing up for me in meaningful ways. One memorable instance of their support was when they surprised me by attending the public unveiling of my first gingerbread house village, which I had worked diligently on. Their presence at the event deeply touched me, and their support meant the world to me. I am profoundly grateful for my family, whose support and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping who I am today. I could not have achieved what I have without them, and they continue to inspire me in everything I do.
Karen , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was born in Los Angeles and raised in North Hollywood as a small Latina girl, one of four siblings. My parents immigrated from El Salvador in the early 1980s, fleeing the Salvadoran Civil War in search of a better life. Despite our modest means, my parents worked tirelessly to provide for us. My father drove our only car to work and came home late each day, while my mother took the bus to her job and back. I remember anxiously waiting at the window for her to come home in the evenings, feeling a deep sense of relief and safety when I finally saw her walking down the street.
One of my earliest memories of baking comes from watching Jacques Torres on PBS making meringue cookies. At just 11 years old, I decided to try it myself, using the last of our eggs and sugar. While my cookies turned out well, my mom was understandably upset about the missing ingredients. Over time, I honed my baking skills, making treats for family, friends, and church events, and eventually began selling cakes on Craigslist. This led me to become a professional baker, running my own home-based business alongside my full-time job. My dream is to see my business grow and eventually open a brick-and-mortar bakery. I specialize in personal-sized custom cakes, but I also create a variety of baked goods, including cupcakes, cookies, pies, cake pops, and elaborate gingerbread houses and villages during the holidays. I find immense joy in crafting these treats, especially when I see the delight they bring to my customers.
In addition to baking, I have a passion for painting and writing. I am gradually building a collection of artwork with the hope of showcasing it in a gallery one day. I also write children’s books and am working on finishing a manuscript to submit for publication. I believe in exploring all my talents and making the most of the life I have, striving to see how far I can go with each of them.
My goal is to infuse every project with heart and soul. I am a perfectionist and dedicated to making my clients happy, creating memorable moments through my work.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
In my view, one of the most effective ways society can support artists and foster a thriving creative ecosystem is by providing opportunities and taking chances on emerging talent. Many artists, especially those who are self-taught or lack formal training, face significant challenges in getting their work seen and appreciated. The fear of judgment and the lack of resources can be major barriers to pursuing a creative career.
To address this, I believe it’s crucial to offer platforms and events that regularly showcase unknown or underrepresented artists. Creating more opportunities for these individuals to present their work can help them gain exposure and build their careers. This includes supporting community events, pop-up galleries, and online platforms that highlight diverse and emerging voices.
By valuing and investing in these opportunities, society can uncover and celebrate hidden talent that might otherwise go unnoticed. This approach not only benefits the artists but also enriches our cultural landscape by introducing new and innovative perspectives. It’s about creating a more inclusive and supportive environment where creativity can truly flourish.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
What drives my creative journey is the desire to set an example for my children, grandchildren, and future generations, as well as for my husband and family. I want them to see that I fully embraced my passions and talents, and that I was not afraid to put myself out there and explore new possibilities. My goal is to show them that every talent should be nurtured and utilized to its fullest potential.
I want my legacy to be one of perseverance and courage—demonstrating that anything is possible if you’re willing to try and that fear should never hold you back. Failure, rather than being a deterrent, should be a motivator to push yourself even harder. My hope is that years and decades from now, my descendants, husband, and family will look back on my life with pride, knowing that I gave it my all and made the most of every opportunity, all for them.
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Image Credits
Iris Preciado-Perez