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

Hi Maria, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I first started using a camera while living in Germany for my online jewelry business. Alongside that, I started a food blog, and that’s when I really began practicing food photography. I taught myself a lot through YouTube videos, picking up tips and tricks along the way. Eventually, I closed the jewelry business, and after moving through a few countries, I launched Sweet Fix Baker while living in Illinois. By then, I had a good understanding of how to use a camera.

It wasn’t until I moved to Cincinnati, though, that I really started investing in myself—both in terms of my skills and equipment. If I could go back, I would’ve done that earlier. The most essential skills have been mastering lighting, composition, and storytelling through visuals, both in photography and videography. Recipe development is also an important part of what I do, which requires a lot of testing and refining.

The biggest obstacle was self-doubt—wondering if I could really make this work. But once I started trusting my vision and investing in myself, everything started to come together.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m the founder of Sweet Fix Baker, and my work revolves around food photography, videography, and recipe development. My journey into this industry began in Germany, where I started using a camera for my online jewelry business. Around the same time, I also started a food blog, which is where my love for food photography truly developed. After moving through several countries, I launched Sweet Fix Baker while living in Illinois, and then moved to Cincinnati, where I really began investing in myself and my craft.

What sets my work apart is the focus on combining visually stunning content with recipes that are approachable, delicious, and well-tested. I specialize in creating food imagery and videos that tell a story—whether it’s for a personal recipe, a brand collaboration, or a social media campaign. My goal is to highlight the beauty and textures of food in a way that captivates people and draws them in.

I work with clients in the food industry who are looking for content that will engage their audience and elevate their brand. From food photography and videography to recipe development, I help bring their vision to life. Whether it’s a restaurant needing mouth-watering visuals for their social media, a brand looking for recipe development with stunning imagery, or someone in need of step-by-step videos, I cover all aspects of food content creation.

I also run a blog at www.sweetfixbaker.com, where I share a variety of easy dessert recipes, providing readers with accessible and delicious ideas they can try at home.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come in blending my creative and technical skills to serve my clients and followers. I’m also proud of being able to work with many brands I’ve grown with, used, and loved since I was a kid. Finally, I’m proud of the connections I’ve made with my audience. I want them to not only enjoy the recipes but also feel inspired by the visuals and the stories behind them.

For me, Sweet Fix Baker is about more than just recipes—it’s about creating an experience. Whether someone is making a recipe from my blog or a brand is using my photography to connect with their customers, I want the content to feel authentic and exciting.

I hope my followers and clients know that everything I do is driven by my passion for food and visual storytelling, and that I’m always striving to create something that looks and tastes amazing.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most significant times I had to pivot was when I moved to Germany shortly after getting married. My husband spoke the language fluently, but I had no knowledge of German, and I had never been to the country before. I quit my job to join him, which made the transition even more challenging. While he was busy with work during the week and studying for his master’s degree on the weekends, I found myself feeling quite lonely.

Determined to make the most of my time, I immersed myself in learning German, dedicating about 4-5 hours a day to it. As I was learning, I started to feel restless because finding a job in a country where I didn’t speak the language was tough. That’s when I decided to start my own business. I launched an online jewelry business, and to my surprise, it really took off. I even got published in one of the largest women’s magazines in Germany, which helped my business thrive.

Eventually, life led us to Spain, but I quickly realized that the market was vastly different. At that time, Spanish women weren’t as inclined to buy jewelry online like their German counterparts. I had to pivot again, and this time, I partnered with my sister-in-law to sell artisan clothes and accessories made by talented artisans in Mexico. We opened both an online shop and a physical store in Mexico, but shortly after, we faced another challenge when COVID hit, forcing us to close our shops.

While living in Illinois during the pandemic, I found myself with a lot of free time and no structured tasks from my previous business. So, I turned to baking, taking photos of my desserts, and sharing them on social media. It became a source of joy for me during that difficult time. My Instagram account, @sweetfixbaker, began to grow, and I realized I wanted to turn this passion into a profitable business.

Coincidentally, the week I was moving to Cincinnati, I registered my business and landed my first client. As I settled into my new life in Cincinnati, so did my new venture. I spent two wonderful years there, but then we moved again, this time to Atlanta. By then, I had learned that I needed a business model that could move with me. Sweet Fix Baker was the perfect fit—I just needed a small studio and my equipment to keep it going.

Now, after all these changes, I’ve found a way to adapt and thrive, no matter where life takes me.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been quite the journey, and the first thing I want to emphasize is that the algorithm is constantly changing, so it’s crucial not to get discouraged. There will always be ups and downs, but I’ve found a few key strategies that have really helped me along the way.

First, find a niche and stick to it. This is the foundation of building your audience. Without a clear niche, the subsequent steps become challenging. When you define your niche, it’s easier to understand your followers and potential followers—their interests, what they’re looking for, and what they enjoy.

The second important aspect is consistency. Posting regularly and being present for your followers is key. Initially, I posted Monday to Saturday, but I now post Monday to Friday. I always strive to ensure that my content is useful or resonates with what my followers are looking for. If you have a niche, it makes this much easier to achieve.

The third thing, which I admit is a bit more challenging for me, is connecting with my audience on a personal level. I tend to be a private person, so I find it difficult, but showing my face, responding to messages, and engaging with comments makes a significant difference in building those connections.

As an extra tip, if you have the budget, consider investing in Instagram ads. This can help boost your already valuable content to reach potential followers who might be interested in what you have to offer.

Building an audience takes time and effort, but with a clear niche, consistency, and personal connection, you’ll be well on your way to growing your social media presence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sweetfixbaker.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetfixbaker
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetfixrecipes
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sweetfixbaker

Image Credits

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