Today we’d like to introduce you to Dessiree Salaverria.
Hi Dessiree, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Dessiree Salaverria, I am a very passionate and exaggeratedly perfectionist, I love helping others, and I love God above all things, owner of Sugar Dreams in Palm Bay, Florida. I am originally from Venezuela; I came to the United States 16 years ago to fulfill my goal as a computer engineer.
Unfortunately, the plan was different, I discovered Zumba (Dance fitness), and I enrolled as a Zumba instructor/trainer (7 years). Unfortunately, when I was at the peak of my career as an instructor, I had a personal injury during a class.
After several surgeries and a partial knee replacement, I had to stop working on that. This is how I found I have a talent, then I came across a cake decorating, and soon enough, I realized that my true passion was to make cakes for the rest of my life.
Gratefully with the support from my husband and my young daughter SugarDreams was created. My journey as a baker making cakes began in 2017. I love making unique wedding cakes, using my creativity, and love to make something special on the most important day of the couple’s life.
Despite all the sadness and craziness that we all experienced with the pandemic, I have made remarkable achievements for which I am very proud. Recently, I have also been featured in Cake Masters Magazine, showing two tutorials. In addition, I have been featured in wedding magazines and wedding blogs in the states. I also was nominated for “Rising of a Star” at the 2022 American Cake Awards.
I participated in a TV show called “Is It Cake?” on Netflix. This was a 360-degree change in my life. It’s been a blessing, personally and professionally. I was super nervous at first; meeting all the competitors was really stressful for me; it was my first time on TV and next to 8 amazing bakers.
The filming was in California during the pandemic, there was no studio audience, and precautions were taken to ensure everyone remained safe and healthy. My favorite cake I made on the show was my rubber duckies; they were inspired by my daughter Amanda; she used to have a collection when she was a baby.
The flavor on that episode: vanilla cake with cookies and cream buttercream, brownie chunks pieces, and chocolate chip cookie dough. Is it cake? was for more than 2 weeks 1st place on the top 10 in Netflix.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it wasn’t easy. I graduated in 2004 as a Computer Science engineer, I got married, and with $700 in our pocket, we came to this country to fulfill our dreams. My goal was to work for Nasa, but it wasn’t possible.
Moving to a new country with a completely different language and leaving my family behind has been the biggest challenge, but that doesn’t stop me. I want to fulfill my dreams,” My biggest trial or challenge for me is not being able to be with my family.
I haven’t hugged my brother and sister in 17 years but makes me the strength to keep going. Another trial and still is the language (English) (I talk like Sofia Vergara hehe) BUT this did not stop me… to never let go of my dreams!”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
People call me Baker, but I consider myself a Cake designer. I’d baked for years; my first cake was far from perfect, but I had so much fun making it! Every day, my talent was awakening, making cakes for families and friends.
Established in 2017 at SugarDreams, a small local home-based business in Palm Bay, FL, I love to use my creativity and passion to design all types of challenging cakes. I am passionate about making unique and memorable wedding cakes.
Recently, I participated in a TV show called “Is It Cake?” on Netflix; I have also been featured in Cake Masters Magazine, showing two tutorials. In addition, I have been featured in wedding magazines and wedding blogs in the states. I also was nominated for “Rising of a Star” at the 2022 American Cake Awards.
Realistic Cake: I really enjoy making cakes look like other objects, using my engineering background regarding attention to detail and some of the gravity-defying effects I use. I am particularly proud of a real-life guitar I made for a 91 years old musician. He was holding the cake when his family was singing happy birthday.
Wedding Cake: I am passionate about weddings; I love designing and making wedding cakes. So I start talking with the couples to know what they like in life and find ideas to create the perfect confection for their big day. I love all my wedding cakes, but I am most proud of the “give me butterflies” styled wedding from Terrie Images, and the minimalistic wedding cake working on a gravity-defying effect I use.
Sugar Flowers: My peace! Making sugar flowers is like being transported to a place of peace, with the perfect musical background (Hauser/two cellos) making the ideal combination for me. I love to study flowers and their colors. Botanical accuracy is of utmost importance to me. All my cakes use edible flowers.
I particularly respect the work of my colleagues. I think my personality makes me different; I consider myself very happy and passionate.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes, people practiced self-care in many ways during the pandemic as we were forced to adjust to new work schedules. In this world that goes so fast, we lose track of time.
We had forgotten to stop for a moment and see our families around us; the time we forgot to admire them, being distanced, made us miss a person again. It taught me how the world is not prepared for a tragedy of this magnitude.
I lost my Dad in the pandemic (he was in Venezuela), and I couldn’t travel to say goodbye or be with my mom; it was very hard for me. We must return to being human, not wait for a moment like this to call our mom or family, your friends. It helped me to reflect that a text message is not the same as a hug.
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned from COVID is that the scientific community working together can do some pretty amazing things. We need to be thankful all the time!
Pricing:
- Birthday Cakes start at $10 per serving and up
- Wedding Cakes start at $12 per serving and up
- Special Cake/Carved Cakes start at $16 per serving
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thesugardreams.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugar_dreams_by_dessy/?hl=en
Image Credits
Terrie Images, Jennifer Nicole Photography & Films
