Today we’d like to introduce you to Virginia Barnuevo.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I remember the day when my husband and I started to talk about how to take my Pastry Chef career to the next level. We were in our condo pool in Miami, relaxing and disconnecting from our busy week, remembering our wedding party. Then I remembered how was the set up the pastry tables, using traditional Venezuelan sweets and desserts a friend of mine brought from a place called “Dulces Alicia” in my hometown. That was my AHA moment! I realized that as big as our Latino community might be, there were no catering options for traditional sweets or desserts using culinary techniques or skills. That’s how Kokada was born. The name ‘Kokada’ was inspired in the Cocada: a coconut preserve made with milk, originally from Maracaibo, Venezuela. Sooo delicious…!
A few years passed by, gaining experience in fine dining restaurants, high-end catering companies, bakeries, etc. One day we decided to move from San Antonio to Houston. My husband encouraged me to start my business. Sure it wasn’t easy, as it is a very competitive market, but soon my efforts paid off. I’m proud to be part of a wonderful community in Katy, where I met amazing people that gave me a hand without even knowing me, something I never experienced moving from another town. Doing what I love to do and being in the right place surrounded by amazing people is my version of success.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Doing what I love to do and feeling passionate about your work just ease the struggle. Nothing smooth on starting your business. The secret is to stay true to yourself, remember where you come from, what you stand for, and to love the process. No job is easy, and it’s not true that you will love every part of it. I need to wear different hats along the way, I don’t always get to do the fun part, sometimes I have to go down to the dirt. As long as you know this, enjoy the fun part and stay focus with the ugly part, you will be alright, and successful.
Please tell us about Kokada.
Kokada is a catering company based in Katy TX, also serving in Houston Area, offering savory gourmet Latin American and Caribbean desserts. Highly influenced by the coconut, papaya, pineapple, passion fruit and many other Caribbean fruits. We work alongside by side with other party planners, focusing on the dessert table.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I feel blessed for how everything has been so far. I never expected to have this success in such a short time. So for me, it’s hard to think of anything different I might have done. I’m a big believer of the Cult of Done Manifesto. That’s why I try to plan every step, but to hesitate the less possible when executing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kokadasweets.com
- Phone: (786)477-3755
- Email: kokadasweets@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kokadasweets/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kokadasweets/
Image Credit:
Thanks to my husband for these amazing photos. IG: leo_b
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