We recently connected with Stephanie Sorosiak and have shared our conversation below.
Stephanie, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
Yes, I have wondered what a “regular’ job would be like. The thoughts initially occurred when I left the service industry. I was a restaurant server and bartender for years. I did it through college, working late nights and weekends. While the tips are great, there’s no career growth being a server. It’s a superficial job all catered around money. I left in April 2021 and quickly got a job at a local bakery. Unfortunately it wasn’t a great environment either. My boss was dictating, controlling, and didn’t respect my skill level. My coworkers were just as miserable. And I barely made enough money to pay bills. It was a difficult summer. There were numerous times where I thought “if I leave now, I still have time to find a new profession, one that will at least make me more money”. Just when I was about to lose hope, I re-connected with a chef that used to work at my old restaurant. He got promoted at a restaurant I was eyeing for their pastry position. He ultimately got me the job and re-kindled my love for baking. While the story is a typical “it’s who you know” situation, it also goes to show that you need to keep trying. I have a much better work relationship now. This job allows me to be creative and bake every day, while providing the freedom for me to continue Sweets by Stephanie. I never want to think of my work life with a “regular” job. If that means boring, I don’t want it!
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?
The majority of my background is in performing arts. I’m a dancer at heart, classically trained in ballet, who attended school for Dance and performed professionally for the first part of my young adulthood. But behind that, I’ve always loved baking. In October 2020 I decided to start Sweets by Stephanie. I’m an all-natural, custom baker, specializing in gourmet treats. I also cater to those with dietary preferences, like gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
I noticed a gap in the supply of natural desserts. Grocery store cakes are notoriously filled with additives, fake sugars, and artificial dyes. Gross! You don’t have to harm your body, or feel sick, just to “enjoy” a dessert. Sweets by Stephanie allows people the freedom to customize their treats without having to worry about what’s in it.
I value transparency, so I’m always upfront about where my ingredients come from, why I do it, and how my products are priced. I’m most proud of my perseverance. Starting something from nothing isn’t easy, but it’s all been a learning experience that I’m forever grateful for.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
It’s not always about money! In a world where every kind of currency, both physical and digital, seem to run our every move, there can still be a foundation of love, kindness, and compassion. Non-creatives don’t always see that, because unfortunately their jobs lack what it means to be creative! I encourage those who put money first to take a step back and reflect on some of their happiest memories – what emotions derived from it? Was money at the core? Probably not. Money will always be essential in modern-day business, but it doesn’t have to be everything.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Treat us equally and remember where it all comes from. The music you hear on the radio, the TV shows you watch, the art hung on your walls, your clothes, the car you drive, and yes, even the food you eat at a restaurant – were all created by artists. Every one of us offers a key part to society. One that makes us a whole, cohesive, community. We don’t all sit in offices answering the phone all day, checking emails 24/7. But that doesn’t make our passions any less worthy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sweetsbystephanieaz.com
- Instagram: @sweetsbystephanieaz
- Facebook: facebook.com/sweetsbystephanieaz