Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erliz Caren Vanessa Din Maddox. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Erliz Caren Vanessa Din, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

My parents are my true heroes, as they have been instrumental in shaping the person I am today. From a young age, they taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and integrity. Their unwavering support and belief in my abilities have inspired me to fearlessly pursue my dreams and overcome any obstacles that come my way. They have also instilled in me the values of humility, compassion, and empathy, teaching me to always treat others with kindness and respect. Their constant guidance and encouragement have been crucial in my personal and academic journey, pushing me to strive for excellence and never settle for mediocrity. I am forever grateful for their unwavering love and guidance, as they have truly influenced and continue to shape my path in life.

I vividly recall the heartwarming moments when we gathered as a family for meals, and it was during these times that my dad instilled valuable life lessons within us. Above all, he emphasized the importance of sharing, encouraging us to always think about others and avoid selfishness. As we sat around the table, he would remind us that the act of sharing not only brought joy to those who received, but also fostered a sense of togetherness and compassion within our own hearts. Through his guidance, we learned the profound impact that selflessness can have on our relationships and the world around us. These memories continue to shape my character, reminding me to always consider the needs of others and to share the abundance of love and kindness that we possess.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Erliz Caren Vanessa Maddox, originally from the Philippines, who moved to Austin, Texas in January 2018 to pursue a career in the culinary field. My passion for cooking began during my childhood, when my mother went abroad for work and I took it upon myself to learn how to prepare simple Filipino dishes. This allowed me to take care of my family, including my siblings and father, who were also occupied with their own responsibilities. Presently, I have a family of my own, consisting of a husband and three daughters.

I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Perpetual Help College of Manila. During my time there, I actively participated in various cooking competitions, achieving notable success. My team and I were awarded the Gold medal in ASEAN Fusion, the Silver medal in Cake Decorating, the Bronze medal in Centerpiece Making, and the Bronze medal in Classical Cuisine.

In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020, my colleague Clarissa Veraguas and I initiated the establishment of Bake’n Bite. We commenced by baking traditional Filipino goods to cater to the Filipino community in Austin, Texas, with the intention of generating supplementary income. Since then, our business has expanded to incorporate a diverse range of baked goods.

Following my relocation to a new neighborhood, Clarissa and I decided to pursue separate paths. However, I have continued to pursue my passion for baking. Over time, my skills has expanded to include custom cakes, cupcakes, pies, and my renowned Heavenly Sinnamon Rolls, which have garnered significant popularity among my neighbors. The first cake I created was commissioned by a friend for a birthday celebration, and through word of mouth, my creations have gained widespread recognition and attracted numerous custom orders. Ultimately, my aspiration is to establish my own bakery one day, as I find cake decorating to be both enjoyable and an artistic endeavor. With the unwavering support of my current clientele, family, and friends, I am confident that I will realize my dream in due course. For now, I will continue to bake within the confines of my home, utilizing its familiar comforts.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My journey as a baker and a mom beautifully illustrates my unwavering resilience and determination. Balancing late nights baking with early mornings to fulfill cake orders while also managing the responsibilities of being a mom and holding a full-time job is truly commendable. It’s remarkable how I’ve been able to handle it all simultaneously. My belief in myself and my abilities has been the driving force behind my accomplishments. Through faith and trust in myself and a higher power, I’ve overcome challenging situations and proved that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible. My journey serves as an inspiration to others, showing that resilience and faith can lead to extraordinary achievements.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Throughout my life, one of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the belief that “it matters what people think of me.” Growing up where the opinions of others held great significance, I felt a constant pressure to seek approval and validation from others. This mindset heavily influenced my decisions and actions, especially during my high school years when I strived to excel academically to make my family proud.

However, a pivotal moment came when I encountered a supportive and understanding guidance counselor at my school. Her words of wisdom resonated deeply with me and sparked a significant shift in my perspective.

She wisely told me that I didn’t need to live my life for the sake of others; instead, I should focus on doing things for myself and my own well-being. She posed a crucial question: “What if that person whose approval you seek isn’t around anymore? Will you stop striving for your goals?” This question forced me to reevaluate my motivations and made me realize that seeking validation from others was an unreliable and unsustainable source of motivation.

This counselor’s advice taught me the value of self-validation and inner growth. I began to understand that my worth should not be determined by others’ opinions of me. Instead, I learned to prioritize my own happiness, aspirations, and personal growth. Over time, this lesson has become a core principle in my life, guiding my decisions and actions.

While I’m still on the journey of fully embracing this mindset, I am deeply grateful for Ms. Chelo who influence in helping me unlearn the harmful belief of seeking external validation. I now remind myself regularly that what truly matters is how I perceive myself and how I strive to be a better version of myself each day. This realization has brought me a sense of freedom and empowerment, allowing me to pursue my dreams and goals without the burden of seeking approval from others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bake.nbiteatx/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bakeNbiteATX

Image Credits
Erliz Maddox