Exploring Life & Business with Amanda Awadis Perez of Choc Full of Sweets

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Awadis Perez. 

Hi Amanda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have had a passion for baking since I was an early teen. I would take hours-long cooking classes in high school, followed by an apprenticeship at a nearby bakery. Even when I strayed away from a kitchen career path, the passion remained. 

I graduated college in 2018 in a completely different field – science. Funny enough, I relate the two since baking has a complexity that requires precise measurements, certain temperatures, and exact times. I would take on research positions for the next year or so. 

Although I have always felt very fulfilled in my science career, I always thought “what if”. What if I took the leap and started my own baking company? What if I fail? But what if I succeed? So many thoughts and scenarios would play in my mind. 

Toward the end of 2019, I found myself pregnant and unable to work due to associated complications. Living in San Diego can get expensive, so not working wasn’t an option. I needed to generate income, but at my pace and from my home. 

I thought this would be the perfect time to start baking and see what comes from it. It’s now or never. 

I didn’t necessarily have a plan, and there was a LOT of learning as we went. After my baby came and the pandemic hit, it really challenged me to get creative on how I reached my audience. I utilized a friends Facebook group (Shop My Porch) to generate a lot of my customers and prayed people would spread my business through word of mouth. 

After 3 years, many different challenges, so many ups and downs, personal and professional growth, I think we are just getting started to see what Choc Full of Sweets can do. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I am sure most small businesses can relate when I say it has been one bumpy road. I jumped into this with no real business owner experience, but have learned a tremendous amount of knowledge about so many different aspects of running a business. 

The legal aspect of establishing a business was difficult for me during COVID. Asking questions and filling forms became week-long processes. 

Customer service has always been a strong trait for me, but sometimes as a business owner, you still are going to have those off days where you question the service and experience you provided. 

The mental struggles that come with that are heavy as well. When you put your heart into a business, you have so much pride and such high expectations for it to thrive, and when that doesn’t always happen, it can feel defeating. Having a good support system is what keeps me going for sure. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a locally owned and operated in-home bakery! We specialize in decadent cookies and chocolate-covered berries. We service all of San Diego including North County areas. 

We are very community-driven and try to give back when applicable. We participate in neighborhood pop-ups to help support other local artisans as well as donate to local causes in the community. We love supporting other small businesses in any way we can. 

I believe our customer service and satisfaction is what sets us apart from others. I am definitely known to go above and beyond to crazy measures to make sure my clients are more than satisfied. Even if that means losing money on an order. I believe the honest relationship you build with your clients will be the long-lasting road that will keep them coming back. I do always ask myself when dealing with someone, “is this the way I would want to be treated?” 

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Due to the support of people like you, the readers, and authors, and everyone behind the scenes, small businesses like mine are able to operate and continue to fulfill the countless different dreams of each shop owner. Thank you! 

Contact Info:

• Email: Chocfullofsweets@gmail.com
• Website: Chocfullofsweets.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/chocfullofsweets
• Facebook: Facebook.com/chocfullofsweets