Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Doris Garcia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Doris, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

I started baking when I was very young. I was always very fascinated with the science of baking. Unfortunately as I grew older I chose a different path/ career and I stopped baking for a very long time . Looking back I was never truly happy with my career, I always felt like I was meant to do something different. 3 years ago I was not in my best mental state during the pandemic, all the uncertainty took a toll on my mental health. My husband remembered stories about how much I loved baking when I was a little girl and thought maybe it would be the perfect time to do it again. I started baking cupcakes for co workers and family, soon after I would bake for anyone that would request cupcakes. Any opportunity meant the world to me and helped me love baking again. I believe things happen for a reason and I started Wicked Cakes at the time I truly needed it to. My husband inspired and gave me words of encouragement during a difficult time. He gave me the confidence that I needed to pursue my dreams. If I had started my business sooner, my business would have failed due to the fact that my husband was not in my life. Wicked Cakes would’ve never happened without my husband’s support.

Doris, 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?

Hi! My name is Doris Ivette Garcia, owner of Wicked Cakes. Wicked Cakes is a Latina owned home bakery based in SoCal.

Welcome! I LOVE baking because I LOVE sweets. I’m a self taught baker/decorator. Baking is both a physical and mental therapy, it has a special place in my heart, and it’s one of my favorite ways to express my creativity. I am always the one to bring baked goods to family gatherings or birthday celebrations. Hearing feedback from my friends and family was my motivation to create delicious desserts! I joined a cake decorating classes online and I followed a lot of advice from my mentors, and of course, a lot of YouTube. It took time and patience to learn techniques and built up my skills . I started my business 3 years ago as a hobby, I would bake for fun and through word of mouth I began receiving orders. Now I work a full time job in the mornings and I bake in my afternoons. Yes, it’s a lot of work, but as the love for baking grew I would take any opportunity to learn and perfect my baking.

I specialize in custom luxury cakes for all celebrations and events. Each order is made personal for each customer. I exclusively work with buttercream-based, floral, custom designed, and vintage cakes. Not only can I make a gorgeous cake for you, but also gourmet cupcakes and a wide variety of pastries, mini desserts, and chocolate covered treats. It is my attention to detail and passion that sets me apart from others. I’m a perfectionist and it shows in my creations.

I love bringing joy to my customers when they see their custom cakes and desserts. I’m passionate about what I do and seeing my customers smile is not only my goal, but my greatest satisfaction. I aim to offer my customers absolute value for their money. My customer service starts with a friendly face, great communication and going above expectations. Customer service comes hand in hand with loyal customers. Without my loyal customers Wicked Cakes would not be here today. I am beyond blessed and thankful for all my customers and vendor friends. I appreciate everyone that have supported me through my journey.

I continue to learn everyday about the baking industry and learn more techniques so that I can further my skills. Eventually I’d like to one day have a mobile bakery or a small bakery shop.
I hope to inspire others to put their heart in what they do, and most of all follow what they like doing and what sparks a light in their soul. You will need passion to love your work, to go big, and deliver beyond expectations.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

As a small business, the best source for acquiring new clients has been through word-of-mouth recommendations. Satisfied customers who have enjoyed my cakes and desserts have been incredibly generous in spreading the word about my business to their friends, family, and colleagues. These personal referrals have proven to be very valuable in bringing in new clients. Additionally, I have found social media platforms to be highly effective in reaching a wider audience and showcasing my creations. By regularly posting visually appealing images of my creations, along with engaging content, I have been able to attract the attention of potential customers who are looking for unique/ delicious cakes and desserts for their special occasions. The combination of word-of-mouth recommendations and a strong online presence has consistently brought in a steady stream of new clients, helping my business thrive.

Recently, my dedication and passion for baking were recognized when I was honored to receive the prestigious Best of Zola award in 2023. This signifies the exceptional quality and creativity that I bring to my craft as a baker. Winning this award has been a humbling and gratifying experience, as it validates the countless hours I have dedicated to perfecting my baking skills and creating unforgettable cakes and desserts.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I have encountered numerous challenges throughout my journey that have tested my resilience. One particular incident stands out vividly in my mind. It was the night before a highly anticipated wedding, and I had finished decorating an extravagant wedding cake. However, disaster struck when the cake accidentally toppled over! Despite the initial shock and despair, I refused to let this setback define me. With determination fueling my every move, I swiftly sprang into action. I managed to salvage what I could from the mess and began the process of reassembling the cake. I worked through the night and managed to recreate the wedding cake, making it even more magnificent than before! The joy and relief that washed over me when the delighted couple saw their restored cake were immeasurable. This experience taught me the invaluable lesson of resilience, reminding me that setbacks are not the end but rather opportunities for growth and triumph.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/wickedxcakes
• Other: Zola: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-cakes-desserts/wicked-cakes–2