We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Diana Mendez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Diana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The first time I realized I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was when I was making custom treats for my daughter’s birthday parties. I poured so much love into every detail—from the colors to the flavors—and seeing the joy on her face, and on the faces of our guests, lit something in me. After a few parties, people started asking me, “Did you make these? Can you make them for my event?” And more than a few said, “You should really start your own business.” At first, I brushed it off, but the more I heard it, the more I realized—this wasn’t just a hobby I loved. It was a skill I could grow into something real. That encouragement from friends and family gave me the confidence to turn my creativity into a business. It wasn’t one moment—it was a series of them, filled with melted chocolate, sprinkles, and smiles.

Diana, 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?

Hi! I’m the owner and creative behind a custom treat business that started from something very personal—creating special, one-of-a-kind treats for my daughter’s birthday parties. What began as a labor of love quickly turned into something more. Friends, family, and even guests at those parties started asking me if I could make the same treats for their events. I started getting messages saying, “You should really do this as a business,” and after hearing it enough times, I decided to take the leap.

My business focuses on handcrafted, personalized treats—whether it’s custom cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries, themed dessert tables, or any other sweet creation tailored to a client’s vision. I specialize in making moments memorable through edible art. I work closely with my clients to make sure every detail matches their theme, vibe, and vision.

What sets me apart is the level of care and customization I put into every single order. Each treat is made to feel special—because I believe desserts aren’t just a part of the party, they’re often the highlight. I also pride myself on excellent communication and reliability. I know how important these events are—whether it’s a baby shower, birthday, wedding, or graduation—and I treat each order with that same level of importance.

This business has grown from a simple passion project to something that now helps support my journey toward earning my nursing degree. Every order brings me one step closer to reaching that goal, and I’m so grateful that I get to pursue both my creative side and my calling in healthcare at the same time.

I’m also fluent in Spanish, which allows me to connect and communicate with a wider range of clients and make the ordering process easier and more personal for Spanish-speaking customers.

I’m most proud of how far this business has come from such humble beginnings. I built it from scratch, fueled by passion, word-of-mouth, and a real love for creativity and celebration. What I want clients and followers to know is that when you order from me, you’re not just getting something that looks good—you’re getting something made with heart, quality, and a deep commitment to bringing your vision to life.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, absolutely. One of the biggest goals driving my creative journey is my daughter. I want her to grow up knowing that she can reach for the stars and create the life she dreams of. I want her to see, firsthand, what it looks like to work hard, be passionate, and take pride in what you build. Everything I do in this business is a reflection of that—of showing her that with dedication and heart, anything is possible.

Another major goal I have is to continue growing and expanding. I would love to one day take on large-scale events, corporate functions, and brand collaborations. I see this business evolving into something much bigger—something that serves not just individuals and families, but companies and communities as well. That dream of scaling up keeps me focused, motivated, and always looking for ways to elevate my work.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe one of the best ways society can support artists and creatives is by recognizing the value of our work—not just as something “pretty” or “fun,” but as something that takes real skill, time, and dedication. Supporting creatives means investing in them—whether that’s by shopping small, paying fair prices, sharing their work, or just taking the time to understand the heart behind what they do.

There’s also so much power in community. Creatives thrive when there’s space to collaborate, connect, and learn from one another. Local events, markets, and online platforms that spotlight small businesses and independent artists are a huge help. But even more than that, I think it’s about respect—respecting our time, our creativity, and the hustle that goes into every piece of work we put out.

For me personally, every order supports not just my art, but my family and my future. So when someone chooses to support a small business like mine, they’re helping build something much bigger than just a treat—they’re helping build a dream.

Image Credits

Tania Sosa Photo