We recently connected with Victoria (VeeAnn) Mahdieh and have shared our conversation below.

Victoria (VeeAnn), thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with important influences in our lives. Is there a historical figure you look up to?

A legend in her own time, Julia Child, was a pioneer in the food industry. She created her own destiny by just going after it. Much hard work was behind her success, but she didn’t take no for an answer, or let mistakes keep her down. She kept going and created a legacy. She made women believe they could do hard things, by making it look easy. And by making everyone feel welcome at her table.

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

My love for food came at an early age, watching and helping my Grandmothers in the kitchen. It was a love language that carried down through the generations. My passion for creating special memories through beautiful events, eventually turned into a business. Starting from just the love to nurture my own family- with their favorite cakes, and goodies-and spreading out to friends and family. Studying the craft and honing my skills, eventually built a following and a customer base.
There is nothing more wonderful to me, than helping people to create beautiful celebrations for their loved ones!.There is a lot of ‘behind the scenes’ hard work, but persistence pays off, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a happy business, and I love it!

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

When life throws you a curve ball, don’t be afraid to pivot. Sometimes you just might find yourself. My husband and I were in the restaurant business for many years, When that season ended, we faced a new and unknown chapter. We had to pivot. And we landed successfully where God intended us to be.
. This venture has been uniquely my own, from start to finish, doing what I love to do. It hasn’t been easy, but it is very rewarding.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Striving for excellence and not stopping until you get it just right. There are a lot of technical parts in baking and designing . If a cake is beautiful, but doesn’t taste good, no one comes back for seconds. Learn, study, practice, and grow. Leave them wanting more.
My great grandfather, Nuncio DiMaggio, came from Sicily, as a young man, leaving behind his parents and everything he knew. Not even speaking English. He worked hard, built a business and ended up becoming the very first Italian City Councilman of Ybor City. My father’s (Nick DiMaggio) passion was sports.. He worked hard as a coach and Athletic Director, and became a 4 time Hall of Fame Inductee. My husband came to America, from Iran. Learned English while bussing tables at a restaurant. He ended up owning 8 restaurants.
That is what builds a reputation- hard work and striving for excellence in everything that you do,—not stopping until you succeed .
I come from a long line of talented women also, and it’s an honor to be the first woman in my family to create my own business, but I know I won’t be the last. My daughters are already on their way.
I started with 1 cake, 1 cookie order, kept going, made them better, practiced, tried and tried again. Learned from mistakes, but didn’t let them stop me. The greatest compliments are- “Everything was beautiful and tasted even better!” And then they refer a friend… That’s how building a reputation’ helps you to grow.
Most recently I even had the honor of making a cake for Ric Flair, to commemorate his 50th year in wrestling. That was cool.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @sugarbartampa
• Facebook: SugarBar Tampa
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
My own photos