Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Valencia.
Hi Vanessa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always baked for my family and friends. I started out with cakes and just worked my way to cookies. I started Nessa’s Goodies in 2018 never really thinking I’d make it as far as I have. It hasn’t always been easy, but the sleepless nights have been worth it. Just getting the permit alone took longer than expected. My friends started off being my first clients and then it just grew from there. Word of mouth is a powerful thing. I went from taking orders via DMs to having a website with clients all over the US. Honestly to have made it through the pandemic was an achievement. I seriously considered closing up for good but people kept contacting me for cookies so I stayed open. People still wanted these little works of art even if it was just to have with their morning coffee.
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?
Honestly I struggled at the beginning not just with gaining clients but self doubt. I wasn’t sure I would make it past a year which was my ultimate goal. I didn’t think I was good enough or creative enough to put myself out there. However I’ve always been the type to go for it. If it failed then it failed but at least I put my all into it and here I am going into year 5 of being a part of the cookie community. Also I have to say being a small business owner during a pandemic was stressful and very challenging. Not only because you had to deal with the changes on how we conducted business but everyone and their mom was learning to make bread lol. Like there was a shortage of flour and butter which made it difficult to fulfill orders. I made it work though and only had to stop offering cookies for 3 month.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a custom cookie artist. I specialize in decorated sugar cookies for any and all occasions. I’m known for painting cookies and sealing them in resin; mainly amongst friends. It’s something new I’ve been doing so people can preserve their cookies forever. I’m most proud of my Beetlejuice collab from Halloween 2021. I love it so much its hanging in my living room. I think what sets me apart from most is I don’t shy away from designs that some may find too complicated or daring. I love to bring my clients vision to life even if the risqué ones lol.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was very quiet growing up. I always kept to myself and spent most of my time surrounded by adults. I’ve always been interested in art and making things by hand. I’m a lot like my mom that way. She’s an amazing baker and I take after her. It’s a love language for us to bake something special for friends and family. I’m alot more social now as an adult. I love going to dinner with friends, paint and sips. I even take cookie classes online or in person if I’m up for the drive. If I’m not making cookies I’m painting hydro flask or shoes. I always need to have some form of creative outlet whether it be making cookies or custom shoes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nessasgoodies.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NessasGoodies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nessasgoodies-256318511843425/
