Daily Inspiration: Meet Paola Reyes Peluzzo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Reyes Peluzzo.

Hi Paola, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My passion for baking started at age 9, helping my uncle make sweets to sell and later assisting my cousin with butter cookies for special occasions. Over the years, I sold treats at school events, took culinary courses, and never stopped learning—always dreaming of becoming a pastry chef.

After moving to Los Angeles I enrolled at The Art Institute and kept pushing forward. During the pandemic, I launched 36Bakery, turning my passion into a business.

From mini cheesecakes to custom, intricate cakes, everything I make is crafted with love and care. I’m grateful to every customer who trusts me to bring their sweet moments to life.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been easy, especially while also working and being a mom, a wife, and a woman. Balancing all of that with the time and dedication required to provide good customer service is a real challenge. Many times, I spend hours answering every question from a potential client, and in the end, the response is just a ‘thank you,’ or they say they don’t have the budget, or simply don’t come back because they found a better price. With so many options in the market, staying focused and motivated takes a lot of passion, consistency, and commitment.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am fully committed to growing as a professional and delivering high-quality desserts every single day. Whether it’s a cake, cookie, cupcake, or any other treat, my goal is always the same: to create delicious, handcrafted products that exceed expectations.

I work from scratch using only the finest ingredients available, even if that means investing more in materials—because quality matters. Every cake is made to order, with no frozen or pre-made components. Each recipe has been carefully developed and refined over time to ensure the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

From the syrup that keeps the cake moist, to the smooth, not-too-sweet buttercream, to the final decoration—every detail is made with care. I’m proud of the results and even prouder when I see the joy my desserts bring to others.

My desserts are flavorful, you can taste the quality in every bite—they’re crafted to bring happiness and memorable moments to every celebration.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Taking risks shows you’re brave, confident, and open to new ideas—even when things feel uncertain. For me, the biggest risk I’ve taken professionally was starting to offer my baking services. It meant believing in myself and feeling like I could compete with all the amazing options already out there. It’s about trusting your passion, growing every day, and always making sure your customers are happy with what you deliver.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @36bakery by Paola R.
• Facebook: 36bakery

Image Credits
Myself