Today we’d like to introduce you to Yari Sanchez.
Yari, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Baking has always been a part of my life since I was a little girl. I normally baked for my family friends for fun but it was not something I had taken seriously, nor did I ever imagine it would become such a passion. Back in 2012, a friend of mine called me and asked me if I was willing to try something I had never done before. He asked me to recreate a 3D cake version of a Louis Vuitton purse. He encouraged and reassured me and said to me, “I know you can do this!”. I was scared, nervous and didn’t know how it would turn out but I decided to give it a shot. I met up with him and we discussed all the cake details. I then learned he had rented out a section of Club 50….. NO PRESSURE, right?!
I had never done a scratch recipe before. I had never worked with fondant or with edible images. I was so clueless as to what I was doing but I couldn’t let my friend down. After 16 hours of watching numerous YouTube videos, tutorials and reading forums, I lost my mind. I told my mom I couldn’t do this and that I was going to refund him the money. She told me I couldn’t do that and gave me a small pep talk. I kind of pulled it together and after hours of tears and feeling stressed, the cake came together. For being my first time doing something of that caliper, it came out pretty amazing. As I showed all my family and friends, I was told that this was my “God given talent” and that I should pursue this as a career. Eight years later, here I am. I am established, successful and my business grows by the day. Despite this, though, I admit that everyday I learn something new. My journey has had a lot of ups and downs, but I can definitely say that the last four years have really shaped me as a person and business owner and it’s taught me a lot about having and growing a company. I am grateful and thankful for every person that has helped me, supported me, guided me and most of all, to every client that has ordered a cake. Every cake that goes out of my door is a blessing to me.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. When I started, I was only 19 and, let’s be honest,we aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed at that stage of life. It’s an age of partying, exploring and learning about who you are as an individual. Life sure does teach us a lot of lessons. There were so many times where I wanted to quit and walk away but I knew that if I pushed hard, I could make something out of myself. The years have definitely shown me a lot of responsibility, maturity, professionalism and gratitude. There weremany times that I took my talent for granted and the temptation to “enjoy life” seemed so much more fun and easier but we know nothing great comes out of anything easy. My creativity and agility (with my hands) definitely helped it be “easier” in some aspects but to answer your question, no; this was not easy and there are still times were it isn’t. I am a one woman show and that’s never easy. From handling all calls, emails, texts, DM’s, etc to doing all the manual work to delivery… it’s all on me. I recently expanded to event planning where I provide all the services so the increased juggling act is making it a challenge but one I am looking forward to take on.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Divine Sweetss – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m extremely proud of how far this company has gone. It’s been a one woman show for the most part and I’m taken back sometimes by what one person is capable of. As a business owner, I”m most proud of my work ethic and growth but above that, what makes me the proudest is the smiles and memories I help create. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large party, my company allows for someone’s idea and desire to come to life during a special event or moment in their life. I pride myself in ensuring that my cakes do not only look good but taste just as great. So many times, I heard of people complalin that the cake was nice but the taste wasn’t up to part and peoople would be upset that they spent their hard earned money on it and I vouched to do my very best to never have anyone feel this way about anythingn provided by Divine Sweetss. I think that most of us in the cake/sweets inductry love what we do and so I can’t say this is what sets me apart but I can say that making my clients happy is my priority. I truly believe that a successful and powerful business runs on #1 customer satisfaction. I am not going to lie. Living in Miami as a business owner totally puts me up for a challenge very often but with time and strength, I’ve learned to overcome them and continue moving forward.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the very near future are to finally expand and open my very first shop. I am looking forward to hiring employees who enjoy the same craft. Unfortunatley, I’m not ready to fully discuss it but I do (*fingers crossed*) have another business plan/venture that’s tied with Divine Sweetss and,if all goes as planned, it will be an amazing addition to my company.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.divinesweetss.com
- Phone: 786-217-8491
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @divinesweetss
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/divine-sweetss-miami-2?osq=Divine+Sweets
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