We’re looking forward to introducing you to Landi Orza. Check out our conversation below.
Landi, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Nothing brings me more joy than my husband and all of my family. Whether it’s family dinner, traveling together, or just the every day routine of life, they are the most important part of my day and a priority over everything else.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Landi Orza, and I am the Chief Caking Officer of The Caker Houston. On the surface, my business is a custom cake and cookie business, but it’s much more than that to me. While I love bringing my customers’ cake and cookie visions come to life, I also value my role in the community. As a small business owner, I do my best to support local causes and give back. I created a group called Cake Powered Athletes to foster a healthy community of kids and adults. Through that group, I currently sponsor events for Ainsley’s Angels, an organization promoting inclusion for children with disabilities, as well as a youth triathlon team. At The Caker and Cake Powered, we want to celebrate everyone, and if custom cookies are involved, well, that’s just icing on the cake!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My dad taught me the most about work and work ethic, along with the creativity needed to continue to grow. Throughout my childhood, I watched him constantly coming up with new ideas, new projects and continue to challenge himself in his career. I value that immensely. I have always wanted to be more than just a job or a career. I want to use my skills to leave a positive impact on my community.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
“Giving up” has such a negative connotation. I would say I lean more towards stubbornly hanging on to things that aren’t serving me, rather than throwing in the towel. I spent my early years after college diligently focused on climbing the corporate ladder, but in the back of my mind I knew it wasn’t fulfilling me. I was scared to bet on myself and start over, but eventually, I decided giving up on what I thought my life would be (corporate America) could open doors to opportunities I never expected. So I took a leap of faith. Was it always easy and immediately successful? Absolutely, not. I don’t think anyone who is self employed would ever describe it as easy! However, it has been immensely rewarding, and I wouldn’t change any of it.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I don’t admire anyone for their power, but character is vital. I admire anyone who puts others before themself; is eager to learn about other people, beliefs and lifestyles; and who gives back without asking for recognition. We are nothing without our character, which is why I put so much value on helping others and supporting my community where I am able. You get out of life what you put in. Power has very little to do with it.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Working! Much to the sadness of my cookie addicts. If I knew I had limited time left, (and we were in some dream reality where finances don’t matter) I would spend all of my time with my husband and my family. I can’t imagine anything mattering more than that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecakerhouston.square.site/
- Instagram: @thecakerhouston & @cakepoweredathletes
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/thecakerhouston
