Today we’d like to introduce you to Celinda Damiana Cruz-Arce.
Hi Celinda Damiana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am 23 years old. I am a Latina Baker and Floral Designer born and raised in Highland Park, Los Angeles. Growing up, I was always seen as the life of the party. Always there to give a helping hand for anyone whenever they need it, love being there to motivate and uplift everyone. I started baking when I was seven years old. I would sit in my kitchen watching YouTube videos and do them step by step. I was always so determined to make someone’s day more special. I didn’t care whether it was by having a conversation with them, making them a special treat or gifting them a small floral arrangement.
Over the years, I started to make my friends birthday cakes and custom floral arrangements for my family members. I later came out with this crazy plan to start my own bakery/floral business. Fast forward to May 2020, I executed my plan and it has honestly been an awesome journey. I continue to learn new things everyday. When my little sisters and I were growing up, we would play teacher and they would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up and I would say “a businesswoman”. I always talked like I knew what I was talking about but little did I know that I was manifesting mine and my family’s future. We are now doing family pop-ups at different events and we are planning to open up our own restaurant and start our own non-profit organization for families all around the world. Remember the only way is up and con dios todo es posible.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
To be honest, it has been a long but amazing journey. I have met so many amazing clients, been up for countless hours trying to perfect my business and degree, cried myself to sleep, lost friends even lost family along the way but I push harder everyday because you only get to live one life. So, make sure you live it doing whatever you want and whatever makes you happy.
There is beauty in the struggle. You are going to have bad days and there are going to be good days but it is important to remember why you even started it all. There have been times where I overbook myself, mess up on a cake or have to leave my house for a cake box last minute and I want to sit and cry but I can’t because this is what I worked so hard for. This is what I used to pray to God for every night. I remember for our very first Valentine’s Day, we got over 200+ pre-orders when I was only supposed to take in 50 but we did it. We ran out of roses that same day even though we bought extras but at the end of the day, we made sure everyone was satisfied with their order.
When you have a chance to do what you love, make sure to put your all into it. I used to work at my job full-time and now I do my bakery/floral business full-time and my full-time job is a part-time job. I’m also about to graduate from Cal State University Of Northridge with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology And Minor in Child Development. It has been a long process but believes me when I say it is worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Latina Baker and Floral Designer that loves making someone’s day more special with any arrangement or gourmet treat from my bakery/floral business. Whether it is a birthday, anniversary, wedding or even just because of arrangement. I specialize in custom birthday cakes, gourmet treats, dessert tables and custom floral arrangements for any occasion.
My bakery/floral business is known to be OVER THE TOP when it comes to my floral arrangements, custom cakes and gourmet treats. All of my deserts are freshly handmade everyday. I use only the best quality ingredients when it comes to my chocolate, edible glitters, packaging and anything I use in general for my business. I do all my research and test out certain items before I put them on my menu just because I would never recommend or sell something that is not Cellys Sweets approved. Some of my BEST SELLING items on the menu are the mini cakes, cake pops, stuffed cheesecake mazapan strawberries and our extra decorated birthday cakes.
I am most proud of everything I have accomplished for my business so far. It has only been a year and it’s safe to say that Celly’s Sweets isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. I have turned my hobby into my Full-time time job and I can say it is truly amazing to wake up blessed.
What sets me aside from others is that I love to see everybody win and at the top. I will never get tired of sharing someone else’s story or recommending their business because that’s what makes your job worth it. Knowing that you put in the work everyday to get your name out there. There’s room for everybody at the top.
My main priority is to make sure every client is satisfied and comfortable to put in another order. I also make sure to keep constant communication with all my clients and leave all the decoration details up to them so they can customize any arrangement to their liking. Whatever they want, I give it to them.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons that I have learned along my journey is “scared money doesn’t make money.”
Never be afraid to invest in what you love, your business but most importantly never be afraid to invest in yourself… You are worth it and deserve to do whatever makes you happy.
Your time is very valuable so, make sure you spend it wisely because the only person you should ever be in competition with is yourself. Don’t sleep on yourself.
You also want to make sure you are always providing your clients with the best quality ingredients and products. This is why it is very important for you to do your research before you execute your plan. Yes, another business is trying to do the same thing you are doing but what is your business bringing to the table that makes you different? What makes you stand out from the rest? There’s always going to be haters trying to bring you down and tell you that you’re crazy for trying to pursue your dreams but remember to do whatever makes you happy because at the end of the day, you’re going to be the one putting in the work.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cellys_sweets/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-Service/Cellys-Sweets-And-Arrangements-103400954971856/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/cellyssweets?lang=en
Image Credits:
@Cellys_Sweets
