True Colors: Sandy

Sandy started baking sweets in a small closet in her house. Her workspace was small but her dreams were big. Little by little, with a lot of love, discipline, sacrifice and the help of her family she has built her dream job; she now runs a specialty cake boutique in Little Havana called Sugar Fancies where she bakes with her sisters. She’s not only an inspiration to her siblings but she’s also a testament to the rewards gained by following your true calling. I spent a day at her bakery immersed in Sandy’s sweet world.

LC: HOW WOULD YOUR DESCRIBE SUGAR FANCIES?

SF: The formal description would be a specialty Cake Boutique. In random words: yummy, loving, fun, pink, buttery, fancy yet simple.

LC: TELL US HOW YOU STARTED AND ALL THE STEPS IT TOOK YOU TO BE WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW.

SF: Like most of us, I started from home around eight years ago. Although cliché, I did start my love for the kitchen at a young age, however as I grew older I never thought I could turn my pastime into a business. I started from home with a few orders a month, and grew from there. I think what really brought me to view locally was when I attended a Foundation and offered my services as a donation. We had a great turnout: people really loved our product! With no more time to waste, I decided to perfect my craft and I went off to Pastry School. By no means has any of it been easy or a quick turnaround: on the contrary owning a small business is a constant fight towards achieving your dreams, and keeping the passion that fuels it alive.

LC: YOUR SISTERS ARE A BIG HELP, HOW DID THAT WORKING RELATIONSHIP START?  

SF: I am extremely lucky to say I have a big and amazingly close family. My sisters were a big part of this Journey, as was my mother, father and husband. They have been the mere life and soul of my business, an incredible support-not only emotionally but also as a workforce. They got Sugar Fancies going. It was the love that only a family shares that drove this beautiful journey. My sisters were exposed at a young age to the art of cake design and pastry; it started as a game that turned them into my indispensable right hands. I am lucky we share the talent and love for this wonderful craft.

LC: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR SISTERS?

SF: Life is made of moments. Never allow anyone or anything to stop you from living in the moment, live your dreams today, don’t be afraid. Take your time and make the best out of your moments, as those become your memories and your memories become your life.

LC: DESCRIBE YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT AS A BUSINESS OWNER.

SF: My greatest accomplishment has been to have seen our work recognized by industry professionals, featured in print publications and participating with the Food Network.

LC: WHAT ARE THE NOT-SO-GREAT THINGS ABOUT OWNING A BUSINESS AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THEM?

SF: The numbers! Tax Season is my least favorite part of owning a business. There is no numbers while creating art. However, being prepared and having a positive attitude can help you tackle anything.

LC: LIST 3 THINGS YOU NEED TO GET ON WITH YOUR DAY.

SF: Morning Tea, Soup (no matter the weather) & some type of dessert.

LC: WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

SF: My family, my business and the love to my craft.

LC: WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST WAY TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS?

SF: I would say, firstly, word of mouth, and social media.

LC: HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR CLIENTS HAPPY? 

SF: I like to get involved at a personal level. I like to meet every single client, when possible, to develop a connection with their visions and expectations. We love to provide an experience.

LC: IF YOU COULD, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF 10 YEARS AGO?

SF: You are enough.

LC: IF SUGAR FANCIES WAS 3 COLORS, WHAT COLORS WOULD YOU PICK?

SF: Blush pink, gold, nude and some grey. Sorry, I think I mentioned 4.

Thank you Sandy for letting us into your world!