Today we’d like to introduce you to Alina Freyre.
Alina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My career in food started in 2007-2008 with culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu, which led to my catering company, “For the Love of Food.” From there, I briefly owned a bistro “The River Gourmet” which I had to sell due to my son being diagnosed with Diabetes the day we opened. When I sold the business, I went back to the corporate world but my passion for cooking was too strong, so I wrote a cookbook, “The Diversified Table, with a Latin Twist.” It took me years to write and self publish but I released in 2018.
Not sure what direction I wanted to take, I became a real estate agent in the meantime, which I continue to work while I build the business that I love. Whipped Sugar is basically a dessert bar that is currently online and at Farmers Markets. We specialize in Gourmet and Meringue Cookies. We sell them in bulk, as party favors, corporate promotional items and catering with cookies and milk.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s a pretty new road and it’s a lot of work, but I feel very positive. The hardest part of being in business for yourself is marketing and getting your product tasted. I have even donated desserts to get people to know me.
I would advise young women to pick one thing they love and believe in and stick to it. Consistency is key. Don’t allow slow days to discourage you. If you have to make money in between, don’t stop, just do both things.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of?
I specialize in desserts and I try to add a Latin flare when I can. I have a line of cheesecakes with a separate Cuban dessert incorporated into it. I also have a great chocolate chip cookie, along with a Low Carb/KETO chocolate chip cookie. However, what I love the most are my Meringue Cookies (a.k.a. Merenguitos). I can flavor them, shape them or simply make them the traditional way. I am working on a Low carb one as we speak.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
I know there is a big buzz on females in the workplace, but with anything in life, you have to work for what you get. There are times we get lucky, which I truly feel is when preparation meets opportunity. We have to go for what we want and put ourselves out there. It doesn’t hurt that we have a big female movement happening, so it’s time to seize it!
Contact Info:
- Website: tableofsweets.net
- Phone: 7864860181
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @whippedsugarmiami
- Facebook: @whippedsugar
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
