Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Martinez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up, my mother was always very supportive of anything I took an interest in. I was lucky enough to have someone to nurture my interests and talents as she did. I remember from a young age being eager to dive in, helping my mom bake our favorite desserts from Holiday pies to German chocolate cakes for my father’s birthday.
I was not only fascinated with baking sweets but also, as far back as I remember, always carrying a sketchbook everywhere. Constantly drawing and begging my parents for more Play-Doh I wanted to create as much as possible.
Continuing these artistic and creative practices, I was accepted to HSPVA (High School of Performing and Visual Arts), in which I graduated from the Visual Arts Program in 2006.
Almost a year after having my daughter, at the age of 20, I was introduced to the world of fondant decorated cakes as I was researching for her first birthday. This is when I fell in love with the art of cake decorating. While being a single mom, over the next few years, I would practice making cakes and decorating desserts with any spare time I had.
Now a decade later, my cake business has grown immensely and has given me the opportunity to make this a full-time career, creating a variety of cakes that are colorful, whimsical, and kooky just like me! I couldn’t successfully have gotten to this point without the help and support of my parents, my daughter Dia, and my beautiful fiancé, Larraine.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being a single parent while trying to start a small business is, as one could imagine, challenging to say the least. For one thing, it isn’t as consistent as most jobs having some months busier than others. However, as time has gone by I have built a solid client base that has given me some sort of stability.
Another obstacle is managing my time. Since I am the boss, sole worker & creative behind my business, it sometimes gets hard to juggle work with everyday mom life.
Luckily, I am totally in love with what I do, and that helps with prioritizing my time.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dollface Desserts – what should we know?
My business is a custom dessert company that specializes in fondant covered cakes, cookies & cupcakes. Everything we make is homemade, delicious & customized for each client & their special celebration, whatever that may be.
I take pride in every cake I make and see them each as edible art pieces, and I am very proud of that. With each creation not only will you find signature crisp lines, clean decorative work & bright colors, but you will find flavors & tastes that will bring you back to mom’s kitchen.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost, my mother has been and still is my biggest supporter & cheerleader. Nurturing my talent from a young age, she has always made me feel like if I work hard enough, I could always achieve my goals.
My fiancé, Larraine has also played a pivotal role in my business, helping with emails, deliveries or even if it’s just keeping me company at 3 AM while I’m pulling an all-nighter.
Dia, my ten-year-old, definitely gets the most credit because without her and her birthday I don’t know if I would have even traveled down this path that ultimately lead me to cake decorating and eventually starting my own business.
Contact Info:
- Email: dollfacedessertscakes@gmail.com
- Instagram: @dollface_desserts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dollfacedessertscakes/
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