We were lucky to catch up with Leia Perez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Leia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.
The Orlando Brunchfest proudly contributes to Wedding Wish by Candyland Designs, the heart and soul behind Orlando Brunchfest. Wedding Wish is a non-profit organization that grants wedding and mental health services to couples who are facing life-altering health circumstances. We understand the significance of love, hope, and the power of community, and it’s why we are committed to bringing joy and support to those in need.
Orlando Brunchfest, is a breakfast and bottomless mimosas event organized by Wedding Wish by Candyland Designs and is far more than just a culinary celebration. It’s a testament to our dedication to spreading happiness and building a sense of togetherness within our community. This event serves local chef prepared brunch offerings, bottomless mimosas, live entertainment, and an atmosphere brimming with energy and positivity. It’s a day for our community to come together, savor the flavors of life, create unforgettable memories, and support our local restaurants and food vendors in marketing their delectable creations to the local crowd.
What sets Orlando Brunchfest apart is not only its exceptional offerings but also its impact. All the proceeds generated from Orlando Brunchfest go directly to the Community Wellness Workshop hosted by Wedding Wish. The Wellness Workshop is a community-focused event designed to promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being through mindfulness, art, yoga, and access to local wellness resources. We firmly believe that mental, emotional, and physical well-being are essential aspects of overall health, and the Wellness Workshop aims to empower individuals with the tools and resources they need to thrive, even in the face of adversity.
The decision to direct our efforts toward this cause was deeply rooted in our commitment to enhancing the lives of those in need. The path to recovery is often challenging, and by supporting the Wellness Workshop, we hope to make it a little easier for individuals and their families. It’s all about giving back, spreading love, and creating a positive impact, one brunch at a time. Thank you for your interest and support in our mission!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Leia Perez, the founder and creative force behind Candyland Designs. My professional background lies in Business Management and Finance. For nearly two decades, I managed accounting and marketing accounts for various firms. However, my life took a more creative turn when I decided to channel my passion for art and design into the world of pastry. This prompted the birth of Candyland Designs, a couture cake bakery located in downtown Kissimmee.
Candyland Designs is all about crafting bespoke wedding cakes and delectable desserts that transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. We specialize in creating visually stunning and incredibly delicious cakes for various occasions, from weddings to birthdays and beyond. What sets us apart is the meticulous artistry that goes into every cake, ensuring it’s not only a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes.
But Candyland Designs isn’t just about sweet indulgences; it’s also about making a positive impact. A portion of our bakery’s profits is dedicated each month to support two of our favorite charities: No Kid Hungry and Wedding Wish by Candyland Designs.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
Our nonprofit organization, Wedding Wish by Candyland Designs is a profound extension of our bakery journey. It all began in 2017, driven by a heartfelt desire to give back on a more personal level. The bakery offered a free wedding cake to a couple with an inspiring story of love and resilience. The response was overwhelming, and my heart was deeply moved by the challenges these couples faced due to life-altering illnesses.
As the stories of these courageous couples poured in, it became clear that we needed to do more. This is when Wedding Wish took shape. I began rallying local businesses and wedding professionals, uniting our efforts to create something truly extraordinary: free wedding services for couples in need. What was initially intended as a gift for a single deserving couple soon found itself as an entire foundation inundated with touching love stories. Each one was as compelling as the last, making it impossible to choose just one.
In response to this tidal wave of love and support, Wedding Wish by Candyland Designs evolved into a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission was to transform the dreams of couples battling serious illnesses into beautiful, love-filled realities. The key milestones were not just in the number of weddings we granted, but in the lives we touched and the love we witnessed. What I’m most proud of is how our creations and charitable work have brought happiness to people’s lives. We’re not just granting free wedding services; we’re creating unforgettable moments for deserving couples and their families.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Candyland Designs had always been the primary source of funding for our Wedding Wish initiative, supporting couples facing serious illnesses. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, our bakery sales took a significant hit. It was a challenging time for many businesses, including ours.
In the face of this adversity, we knew we had to find alternative ways to fund and continue our mission of granting dream weddings to deserving couples. That’s when the idea for Orlando Brunchfest came to life. This event not only provided us with a new revenue stream but also allowed us to connect with our community in a unique and uplifting way.
After Orlando Brunchfest, we were able to generate some profits, which played a pivotal role in sustaining our Wedding Wish initiative during these challenging times. However, the impact extended beyond just financial support. Inspired by the success of our community events, we realized the tremendous potential in bringing people together to share knowledge, promote well-being, and build connections.
This realization led to the birth of the Wellness Workshop, a community-focused event that goes beyond just fundraising. The Wellness Workshop is designed to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge necessary to prioritize their mental and physical health. It’s a place where we believe that by promoting self-care and mental health awareness, we can make a profound impact on the well-being of our community members, especially those who are facing significant challenges due to life-altering circumstances.
The workshop includes a variety of components, including yoga and meditation sessions to help attendees reconnect with their bodies and minds, interactive art activities that nurture mental wellness through artistic expression, mindfulness techniques to promote mental clarity and emotional resilience, access to local wellness experts and clinicians who provide valuable resources and guidance, and a platform for creating deep connections with like-minded individuals who share a passion for art and mental health.
This story underscores our resilience and determination to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. Instead of being deterred by the obstacles presented by the pandemic, we sought creative solutions and new avenues to continue our mission of spreading love and joy. It’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others, no matter the challenges we face. We hope that by sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences at the Wellness Workshop, we can help individuals lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://candylanddesignsco.com/ http://weddingwish.org/ https://orlandobrunchfest.com/
- Instagram: @candylanddesigns | @weddingwish_org | @orlandobrunchfest
- Facebook: @candylanddesigns | @weddingwish.org | @orlandobrunchfest
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leiaperez/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYY5cqhrVBmoa_1-dg0vP8A
Image Credits
Melina Perez