We recently had the chance to connect with Valentina Flores-Prado and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Valentina , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
I know everyone probably says yes, but I genuinely would because I’m meticulous to the core. I care about every detail, I work hard, and I don’t stop until what I make feels right. I have high standards, I keep learning, and I pour my whole self into what I do. That kind of energy is exactly what I’d hire.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Valentina Flores Prado, the owner and creator behind Sugar Bee Custom Cookies, a creative bakery where I make personalized cookies and desserts for absolutely any occasion. From birthdays and weddings to the most wild and unexpected ideas, I can turn any picture or even someone’s face into a cookie. They may look too pretty to eat, but they taste even better than they look. I started my business back in 2017 while still in high school, and what began as a small hobby quickly became my passion. I was originally planning to attend medical school and even had a scholarship ready, but just a few days before leaving I chose to follow my heart and dedicate myself to the art of baking instead. I went on to study culinary arts, became a pastry chef, and now run Sugar Bee full time, creating cookies that don’t just look beautiful but tell stories and celebrate meaningful moments. I currently take custom orders, and you can find my creations in various collectives and stores throughout San Diego and even across the border in Tijuana.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I’ve learned the most about work from a mix of three things: life, my dad, and my customers. My dad taught me the meaning of hard work and what it truly means to give your best. He showed me that you are your own wall, your own limit, and that the key is to keep breaking through it. He’s the kind of person who built everything he has through effort, discipline, and resilience, and that’s something I deeply admire. Life itself has also been a huge teacher, constantly reminding me that not everything goes as planned but that every challenge carries a lesson. And my customers have taught me so much too. Through their trust, their feedback, and their excitement for what I create, they’ve shown me how meaningful it is to put heart into every single detail. The quality of my work is what they value the most, and many of them have told me that’s why they always come back to Sugar Bee Custom Cookies. They see it as something unique, something that stands apart from any other cookie business out there.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there have been times when I’ve felt close to giving up. Whenever that happens, I’ve learned it usually means I’m burnt out and need to step back for a moment. Taking time off to recharge helps me clear my mind and find inspiration again. I love visiting art galleries, watching movies, traveling, or exploring other creative outlets like painting. Experiencing new places and cultures always reminds me why I started and helps me come back stronger, with fresh energy and new ideas.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to think that once you had a logo or a certain look for your brand, you couldn’t change it without losing its essence. I was scared that changing my colors or aesthetic would confuse people or take away from what I had built. But I realized that evolving your brand doesn’t mean losing its identity, it means letting it grow with you. When I refreshed my logo and colors, it actually worked perfectly. It made Sugar Bee Custom Cookies feel more current and true to where I am now. You have to stay trendy, adapt, and never be afraid to evolve.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m definitely doing what I was born to do. Before starting Sugar Bee, the plan was for me to become a plastic surgeon. Almost everyone in my family works in the medical field, whether as a nurse, doctor, surgeon, or even in administration. It wasn’t that anyone told me I had to follow that path, I just grew up thinking it was what I was meant to do. I’ve always loved medicine and had a full scholarship ready to start medical school, but just a few days before leaving, I felt this strong pull telling me to stop. I realized that if I went, I’d be giving up the creative and artistic side of me that’s now at the heart of Sugar Bee. That moment changed everything. I chose to follow what I was truly meant to do, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sugarbee.cc
