We recently had the chance to connect with Erika Alonso and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Erika, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I think all three — intelligence, energy, and integrity — work together. You can’t really succeed in a meaningful way if one of them is missing. You can have all the intelligence and energy in the world, but without integrity, your success won’t last or feel right. And if you’re smart but don’t have the drive or energy to act on your ideas, nothing really happens.
For me, integrity is the foundation. It’s what guides every decision I make with Cakeology — from the ingredients we use to the way we treat our customers and team. I never want to look back and feel like I compromised my values or hurt someone just to get ahead. Every cake that leaves our kitchen represents trust — people are choosing us to be part of their celebrations, their memories. That’s something I take seriously.
At the end of the day, I want to feel proud of how I built this business — not just what I achieved, but how I achieved it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Erika Alonso, the founder and baker behind Cakeology Miami — a boutique online bakery known for its unapologetically flavorful, layered naked cakes. What started as a way to support my family during the pandemic has grown into a recognized Miami brand that celebrates nostalgia, craftsmanship, and flavor that’s truly worth every bite.
Every Cakeology recipe comes from my Venezuelan roots and family traditions, reimagined for today’s dessert lovers who crave something real — not overly decorated, but full of heart and flavor. Our cakes are baked fresh daily and layered with homemade fillings, balancing simplicity with sophistication.
What makes Cakeology special isn’t just the cakes themselves — it’s the joy and connection they bring. I’m passionate about empowering the women who work alongside me, creating opportunities for them to grow and believe in their potential.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding Cakeology’s reach through nationwide shipping, curated corporate gifting, and new distribution points in select specialty markets across Miami — so more people can experience what makes our cakes so special, one slice at a time.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
So many people — my family, friends, mentors, even customers. Sometimes others see the light in you before you’re ready to recognize it yourself. I used to question whether I was ‘good enough’ to turn Cakeology into a real business. But their confidence in me helped me see that what I was building had meaning — not just as a bakery, but as something that connects people.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes — multiple times. Building a business from the ground up has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Being an entrepreneur can be a very lonely road; there are moments when you question everything, and you don’t always feel the strength or motivation to keep going.
There were nights when orders didn’t go as planned, equipment broke, or sales slowed down — and I honestly wondered if it was all worth it. But every time I got close to giving up, something small would pull me back in — a kind review, a loyal customer, or seeing someone’s face light up when they tried one of our cakes.
Looking back, I’m so grateful I didn’t quit. You eventually realize that persistence and consistency really do pay off. It doesn’t happen overnight, but when you start seeing the results of all that effort — the growth, the trust, the impact — you understand exactly why you kept pushing.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think one of the biggest problems in our society today is the lack of commitment. People want fast results — overnight success, instant gratification — but they’re not always willing to stick with something long enough to see it grow. Businesses are expected to become million-dollar brands in a year, jobs have to be flexible to the point of having no structure, and relationships get thrown away as soon as things get hard.
The truth is, commitment is what builds character. It’s what gives you the strength to fight for what you believe in, even when it’s not easy or glamorous. With Cakeology, nothing happened overnight. It took years of consistency, long hours, and faith in the process. I think if more people learned to stay the course — to commit, even when things get uncomfortable — we’d see a lot more purpose-driven success in the world.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
What I would regret most is not enjoying life. I really believe everything is about balance. It’s hard living in a world that measures success by speed and numbers — where you’re expected to grow fast, post results, and constantly chase the next milestone. But I’ve learned that real success also means slowing down to appreciate what you already have.
For me, that’s my family. I’ve always made it a priority to spend time with my kids, to celebrate even the small wins, and to enjoy the life I’m building — even if that means growth comes a little slower. I never want to look back and realize I was too busy to smile, to be present, or to enjoy the moments that matter most. That’s actually why Cakeology started in the first place — as a way to create something meaningful while being there for my family. It always brings me back to my ‘why’: to live with joy, gratitude, and presence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cakeology.miami
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cakeology.miami/
- Linkedin: https://www.instagram.com/cakeology.miami/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cakeology-miami-2?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
Image Credits
Eleven Media Photography
