Today we’d like to introduce you to Savannah Valdez.
Hi Savannah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My passion for baking and cooking began in early childhood, rooted in warm memories of being in the kitchen with my mom. She was the first to introduce me to the art of crafting delicious treats from strawberry cakes to pigs in a blanket, and countless other sweet delights. I was instantly captivated by the techniques, precision, and creativity required to perfect a pastry. What has always inspired me most is the joy a single baked good can bring to someone’s day. That emotional connection through food is what continues to fuel my love for baking. As I grew older, I began to challenge myself by reimagining the classic pastries I grew up with-infusing them with unexpected, bold flavors that blend the sweet with the savory. My proudest creation, born from this adventurous spirit, is the Messy Croissant a flaky, buttery classic reinvented with layers of homemade, unique flavor combinations. It’s a delicious symbol of my journey as a baker: rooted in tradition, elevated by creativity, and always made with heart.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a business has certainly come with its challenges. One of my biggest struggles in the beginning was finding the courage to build a name for myself and confidently share my passion for baking. I’ve always been a bit on the shy side, which made connecting with other businesses and putting myself out there more difficult.
Along the way, I’ve learned valuable lessons from other business owners and close friends who encouraged me to embrace my talents and hard work with confidence. That initial struggle actually became a turning point—it pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, open up, and share my passion (and messy kitchen adventures!) with everyone I meet.
As I grew more comfortable, new opportunities and accomplishments began to unfold. Seeing the joy and smiles that my pastries bring to people’s faces makes every challenge worthwhile. Knowing that something I created can brighten someone’s day or fill it with a little sweetness has been the most rewarding part of this journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My business is all about creating delicious pastries with a playful twist on classic favorites. At the heart of what I do are my signature Messy Croissants—buttery, flaky, and filled with unique sweet or savory flavors. From bright and tangy lemon meringue and rich chocolate ganache to savory creations like roasted tomato mozzarella and Caprese croissant sandwiches, each one is designed to surprise and delight.
Beyond croissants, I also offer a line of soft, moist cupcakes in flavors like vanilla bean, chocolate, salted caramel, and more. I love experimenting with flavors and textures, which also shines through in my brownies, scones, and other baked treats.
What I’m most proud of—and what truly sets my business apart—is the experience behind my Messy Croissants. They bring out a sense of nostalgia and joy, reminding you of childhood days when making a mess was part of the fun. I encourage people to not only enjoy the flavors but to embrace the playful, hands-on experience of my pastries. It’s more than just food—it’s about creating moments of happiness, laughter, and connection, one messy bite at a time.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
What many people might not know is that the Messy Croissant was born in 2020, in the small garage where I lived with my sister. It all started with a late-night craving—I decided to mix together a random concoction of leftover pastries, chocolate, caramel, and a dusting of powdered sugar. That spontaneous creation turned out to be something magical, and it became the very first Messy Croissant.
My story is a reminder that big things often start small, and with love, creativity, and dedication, they can grow into something truly big and beautiful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://the-messy-croissant.square.site
- Instagram: @themessycroissants
- Facebook: The Messy Croissant
- Yelp: The Messy Croissant
