Meet Claudia Aponte

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Claudia Aponte. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Claudia below.

Claudia, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Our resilience comes from the deeply personal journey that inspired Camila’s Patisserie. The loss of our beloved Camila was a devastating tragedy, but it became a catalyst for transformation. Turning our grief into a source of inspiration, we created this business as a tribute to her memory. Our roots in Honduras and Venezuela also play a significant role, infusing us with a strong sense of heritage and strength.

Additionally, we have had the honor of receiving tremendous support from our community. The love and encouragement of our friends and family have been essential in helping us navigate challenges and stay committed to our mission. This blend of personal loss, cultural pride, and unwavering community support fuels our dedication and perseverance, allowing us to grow and thrive with unwavering determination.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

At Camila’s Patisserie, I am the founder and self-taught baker, driven by a passion for creating unique and delicious artisanal Burnt Basque Cheesecakes. Our patisserie offers a variety of flavors, from classics like Camila’s Classic with a hint of almond and vanilla to more exotic options like Ube, Pistachio, Coco Ash, Limoncello, Orange Creamsicle and others. Each Basque Cheesecake is crafted with the highest quality ingredients, reflecting our commitment to freshness and excellence.

What excites me most about our work is the ability to connect with people through the universal language of food. Our roots in Honduras and Venezuela infuse our creations with a unique Latin twist, making our Basque Cheesecakes not just a treat for the palate but also a celebration of cultural heritage. Our journey is deeply personal and rooted in honoring the memory of Camila, turning a heartbreaking loss into a source of inspiration and resilience.

Since our establishment in January 2023, we’ve expanded to 14+ restaurants and cafes, selling over 2800+ whole cheesecakes. This rapid growth is a testament to the quality and popularity of our products. We are also excited to announce that we will begin nationwide shipping in the coming months, allowing more people to experience our unique flavors.

In addition to our culinary creations, Camila’s Patisserie is also a place where we support others through Nico’s Promise and the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, reflecting our commitment to community and giving back.

Our focus remains on maintaining the highest standards and continuing to innovate with new flavors and products. We aim to bring joy to our customers and honor Camila’s legacy through every cheesecake we create. That’s why at Camila’s Patisserie, #everycheesecakehasastory and will be forever grateful for supporting our journey and being part of our community.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, creativity, and community connection.

**Resilience** was crucial in overcoming the challenges and turning a personal tragedy into a source of inspiration. For those early in their journey, I advise developing resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Stay committed to your vision, even when things get tough.

**Creativity** played a significant role in crafting unique and appealing flavors for our Burnt Basque Cheesecakes. To cultivate creativity, allow yourself to experiment and take risks. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and infuse your personal experiences and cultural heritage into your work.

**Community connection** has been vital in building a supportive network and a loyal customer base. I recommend fostering strong relationships with your community by being genuine, listening to feedback, and giving back. Engage with your community through events, collaborations, and charitable initiatives.

For those starting their journey, focus on these qualities by setting clear goals, being open to learning, and staying connected with others who share your passion. Remember, your unique story and dedication will set you apart and drive your success.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, we are always looking for folks to partner or collaborate with. At Camila’s Patisserie, we are interested in collaborating with like-minded individuals and businesses who share our passion for high-quality, artisanal Burnt Basque Cheesecakes and a commitment to community and cultural heritage.

We are particularly interested in partnering with:
– **Local cafes and restaurants** looking to feature unique and delicious basque cheesecakes.

– **Food bloggers and influencers** who are passionate about artisanal baking and Latin flavors.

– **Event planners and caterers** who want to offer their clients something special and memorable.

– **Nonprofit organizations** that align with our values and community support initiatives.

If you are interested in collaborating, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us via our website www.camilaspatisserie.com or social media channels @camilaspatisserie or email us directly at [email protected]. We look forward to exploring potential partnerships and creating stories together with our cheesecakes from heaven.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.camilaspatisserie.com
• Instagram: @camilaspatisserie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camilaspatisseriemia?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits

Sofia Prieto
@yourartsyhub