We recently connected with Marta Kantorowicz and have shared our conversation below.
Marta, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think it takes to be successful?
To be successful, it takes a combination of several factors. First and foremost, it requires having a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Setting specific goals and having a sense of direction will help you to stay focused and motivated. Next, success often requires hard work and dedication. it’s important to put in the necessary effort and consistently work towards your goals, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. Perseverance and resilience are key qualities that will help you overcome obstacles along the way.
Additionally, successful individuals often process good time management and organizational skills. Being able to prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively will allow you to make the most out of each day and accomplish more in the long run.
Furthermore, continuous learning and self-improvement are vital for success. Embracing a growth mindset and seeking new knowledge and skills will help you adapt to changing circumstances and stay ahead of the curve.
Lastly, success is often fueled by a positive mindset and the ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial for long-term success and overall fulfillment.
Ultimately, success is subjective and can vary from person to person. It’s important to define what success means to you personally and work towards achieving it in a way that aligns with your values and passions.
I am a chemist by profession, a florist by passion, and a pastry chef, cakes artist by obsession. I have lived many different lives, and I believe that each experience has enriched my perspective and my work. However, reaching the point where I am today was not an easy task. It required years of sacrifice, hard work and long days. I overcame these challenges by pushing through, maintaining a strong vision, and understanding that success takes time and patience. Throughout my journey, I have learned the importance of never giving up on your vision and dreams. Being where I am today, as the corporate pastry chef at the Barton G Restaurants and founder of my own online pastry boutique, Mala Sweet Treats, specializing in the most addictive Chocolate Chip Cookies and Couture Cake Designs, proves that dedication to your vision is one of the important values a successful entrepreneur should have.
Marta, 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?
With a wealth of experience spanning over a decade, my passion for creating visually stunning and delectable desserts knows no bounds. Growing up in Poland, I was surrounded by a world of limitless creativity and culinary delights from an early age. While my initial career path led me towards the sciences, my true ardor for the arts ultimately guided me towards a different trajectory. Fueled by an unwavering love for baking and a burning desire to delve deeper into my creative abilities, I embarked on a transformative journey at the renowned French Pastry School in Chicago, emerging as a graduate with exceptional skills and a thirst for innovation. Under the expert tutelage of renowned pastry chefs, I honed my craft and swiftly established myself as a name to be reckoned with in the world of pastries. For countless years, I had the honor of delighting esteemed members of the exclusive Soho House with my exquisite creations. From the bustling streets of Chicago to the vibrant cities of Los Angeles and Miami, my desserts graced numerous tables, capturing the hearts and palates of those fortunate enough to indulge in their decadence.
In addition to my prowess in the realm of cakes and pastries, my skills in floral arrangement have also played an integral role in the weddings I have been privileged to be a part of. Each wedding is a unique and beautiful love story, presenting me with the opportunity to collaborate with couples who possess an array of endless ideas. There is nothing that brings me greater joy than being a part of their special day, creating cherished memories and designing the perfect wedding experience. Every wedding has its own unique story, and I believe that the secret to perfection lies in the intricate details.
Now, as the esteemed Corporate Pastry Chef at Barton G Restaurants and the proud founder of my own online pastry boutique, Mala Sweet Treats, I am driven by an insatiable desire to craft new and exhilarating creations. With an unwavering attention to detail and a keen eye for perfection, I continue to push the boundaries of my creativity, consistently delivering extraordinary experiences through the realm of pastry. Whether it is within the confines of a restaurant or at a special event, I am committed to bringing unrivaled artistry and unparalleled flavor to every occasion.
With a heartwarming touch, I take immense pride in knowing that my Chocolate Chip Cookies have become an addiction for many of my loyal customers. These delectable treats, crafted with the utmost care and attention, have a way of making hearts smile and taste buds dance with delight. In addition, I am deeply drawn to the world of edible art. As a skilled florist, I find immense joy in crafting delicate sugar flowers and wafer paper creations that adorn the exquisite custom-designed cakes I create. I believe that every special celebration, whether it be a wedding or a simple birthday, should be elevated with the beauty and elegance of couture cake design. By infusing each creation with a touch of edible art, we can truly celebrate life’s precious moments in a unique and unforgettable way.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
As I mentioned before, resilience is one of the key qualities that will help you overcome obstacles along the way. When you are resilient, you have the ability to be knocked down by the hardship of life and come back even stronger. One of my favorite life quotes is, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”, and it definitely contributes to building resilience. Moving by myself from Poland and setting myself up for success in a new country was a challenging journey right from the start. However, I didn’t give up. I set goals for myself and reminded determined. Despite facing numerous obstacles, I knew I had to stay strong every single day. I developed a tough skin through the hardship I encountered. Even when I started working in the hospitality industry, I felt the need to go the extra mile and prove that being a woman does not make me weaker or incapable of being a role models for others. It does not mean I cannot handle long days or the fast-paced and stressful environment of the kitchen. Being a woman does not make me weaker, period. With each challenge I faced, I became even more determined to prove myself. I worked tirelessly, putting in long hours and pushing myself to excel in my craft. I refused to let the stress and pressure of the kitchen break my spirit. Instead, I used it as fuel to become even stronger and more resilient. Through my hard work and perseverance, I not only earned the respect of my colleagues but also became a role model for other women in the industry. I showed them that being a woman should never be seen as a weakness, but rather as a strength that brings diversity and innovation to the culinary world. My story serves as a reminder that resilience knows no gender. It’s about having the strength to face adversity head-on, to rise above the challenges, and to prove to ourselves and others that we are capable of doing anything we set our minds to. Let my journey inspire us all to embrace our own resilience and to never let anyone define our capabilities based on outdated stereotypes.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I feel like I have experienced several pivots in my life, and interestingly, all the significant changes in my career and direction seem to be interconnected. I still remember when I was working as a florist for weddings and special events. While creating floral designs, I started to develop a strong fascination for the beautiful cakes and sweet tables that adorned the venues. This ignited a hunger within me for more. Realizing the need to reassess my goals and values, I knew it was time to align myself with a new path. I understood that this might involve acquiring new skills, seeking different opportunities, and exploring new areas of interest. Stepping outside of my comfort zone was necessary. I made the decision to dive into the captivating world of edible creations, wanting to explore this truly beautiful venture. And just like that, I became a “hungry” pastry chef, driven by a passion for crafting visually stunning and delectable desserts, while still maintaining my love for flowers. Creating edible flowers to adorn someone’s special cake brings immense joy to my heart. I continue to delve into the depths of my creativity, crafting extraordinary experiences as the corporate pastry chef for the Barton G Restaurant, and as the founder of Mala Sweet Treats, where I have the freedom to bring my unique vision to life and design luxury custom cakes for special souls out there. Whether working as the florist or a pastry chef, both bring me immense satisfaction and happiness. Pivoting in life can be both exciting and challenging, but embracing it can lead to personal growth, increased fulfillment, and the pursuit of a more meaningful and satisfying life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bartong.com ; www.malasweettreats.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mkamelia/ ; https://instagram.com/mala_sweettreats/
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/marta-kantorowicz-a1199276
Image Credits
Antonio Cuellar