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

Alright, Esmeralda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you have any advice regarding quality control and maintaining quality as your brand grows?

The best advice we were given was, “Take it one step at a time.” As much as we would love to shortcut the tedious process of Macaron baking, we can’t. Macarons are precise and they require alot of patience. Our hands- on approach to each macaron, gives our desserts a delicious quality and we pour our love and experience into every step of that creation process. I think this patience translates into our product. With our growth comes the mindful decision to not compromise our quality for quantity.

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, Esmeralda, have been in the industry for YEARS and I’ve always known that pastry would lead my future. I was fortunate enough to work alongside Gourmet Chef’s who helped me grow, learn and develop the skill needed for delicate pastries. Now, I’m a new mom and I’ve decided to balance my strong work ethic and my family life. This combination naturally developed into Buttercream Houston.

We’ve combined my catering experience with all the love I have for pastries. These model components created the perfect recipe for our next venture- Becoming a Wedding Vendor with a focus on Macarons.

What’s more beautiful than a macaron? What other dessert associates itself with perfection, delicacies, mastery? We want to create beauty through pastries, that couples and their families can enjoy for years to come, without compromising our talent. Bonding over food, over pastries, seems like an over-reach for most people. I whole- heartedly disagree, dessert = love.

I have spent YEARS learning the craft, and perfecting it so that when my clients take a bite of our Macarons, they swoon. My brides’ eyes light up, as if pleasantly surprised we could fit so much flavor into one little cookie. This is the reaction every chef looks for. If I can make a bride smile and create that memory for her on her most important day, then I’ve done my job.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

With years comes the experience. I was told plenty of times, just take the orders, it’s money! THIS IS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE.

My experience has taught me that not every client is the right client for me. I have pivoted into a specialty that requires alot of trial and error, recipe development and quite simply, time. Instead of tying to sell every dessert imaginable, I focus on offering ONLY my specialties, because that’s what they are. Buttercream Houston offers the desserts that mean more to me than dollar signs $$, Every recipe on our menu has been thoughtfully perfected, and will not disappoint you.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Our reputation has been built on kindness, honesty and a genuine love for human interaction. A lot of the people I’ve met in our industry, started with genuine appreciation for their work. Being kind, and understanding that there’s room for everyone in our market definitely makes a difference when trying to grow.

Also, being honest with our clients. If a request is made for something not on our menu, we’re open and honest about it. We believe that communication is key. If that initial request can turn into something that we offer, that’s perfect! If not, then the partnership just isn’t the right fit- and THAT’S OKAY! There are so many incredible bakers in Houston and it’s surrounding areas. Everyone has something that sets them apart.

The most important tool, is connecting with our clients. Our clients are amazing! Everyone we’ve catered to has been either 1)Met in person via a free sample, or 2) word of mouth. Our customers want Buttercream Houston to succeed and that is the best form of endorsement. When someone comes up to us and says “OMG, you did my friend’s wedding desserts and we all loved it!” It’s the best feeling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.buttercreamhouston.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttercreamhouston/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buttercreamhouston
• Other: Email us at: [email protected] and follow us on IG!

Image Credits
Photos by Amy Maddox Photography – Houston TX