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

Selene , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

I would say everything was right place, right time, right mind. Being in the Culinary Industry, I barely had time for my family let alone starting a business. When My Daughter was born I started to question my career choice. Can’t forget to mention that we don’t have family locally to help out if she ever got sick. Right as I’m feeling the pressure, COVID changed everything for the better. It forced me to sit down and think about my future. I was enjoying the extra time with my daughter while also baking at home. Before you know it, a cake I made for my neighbor turned into me starting my own cake business. So in reality, my family is the root of me starting my path into being an Entrepreneur.

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 honestly didn’t grow up wanting to be a baker, I just fell into it. I started Culinary from zero experience at the age of 16. My first job at a fine dining restaurant was what sparked everything for me. The fact that I had a leader who believed in me meant so much. I learned so much about myself. I’m a hands on learning type of gal and of course I have a sweet tooth. With just watching my chef make her recipes I started to develop a love for pastry. So throughout the years I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work with a lot of talented chefs at different hotels and restaurants. Traveling and living in different cities has also helped tremendously. I didn’t know what a Johnny Cake was until I went to the Virgin Islands, or I didn’t have a clue of what a pastelito was until I came to Miami. That’s the sweet side of things… on the other hand, Culinary requires you to put in a lot of time. You don’t have a set schedule. You have to work holidays. That’s the busiest time of the year. If you want to climb the ladder in positions you also have to put in more time. When I was single with no kids it wasn’t a problem. Fast forward to 2018, I made it as far as becoming a Pastry Sou Chef. With all the work I put in to get there, it wasn’t the right fit for my new life. Family is everything to me. I watched my Mother work two jobs to support us and I didn’t want to repeat that story. I just didn’t know how to go about starting something new. COVID redirected my career path. With starting my Brand/Cake Business I’m able to still do what I love and spend time with my loved ones. I have a schedule that works for me without any pressure. I get to create beautiful cakes for my awesome clients. With every cake order I learn something new. I may not have a cool chef to guide me anymore, but at least I have social media LOL
I also have a YouTube Channel where I get to show others recipes I’ve learned throughout the years. If I can help anyone learn a new technique or recipe I’m all for it.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Exactly that. Supporting creatives comes in so many different forms. By simply following or liking posts on social media. Sharing posts or their information. Letting us create freely. I’m aware that my art may not be for everyone, but I’m certain someone out there will love it. Understanding our pricing for our work and time that goes into our art. Stop comparing grocery store pricing to actual Bakeries or Small Business Home Bakers. Grocery Cakes may look good, but once you take that first bite you will be able taste the difference. They are made in bulk with cost-saving ingredients to have enough product for every costumer while remaining cost-effective. Custom cakes consist of fresh recipes and quality ingredients.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Seeing peoples faces when they finally get their cake is a great feeling. The long hours and hard work is all worth it to know that you are a big part of that persons special moment. Then later receiving a picture of that person with your work of art. Warms my heart.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sweetsbyselene
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sweetsbyselene1
• Youtube: www.Youtube.com/SweetsBySelene
• Other: TikTok/ @SweetsBySelene