Meet Andres Calette

We were lucky to catch up with Andres Calette recently and have shared our conversation below.

Andres, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

I keep my creativity alive by always staying curious and never settling for “good enough.” For me, making cannoli isn’t just about following a recipe, it’s about blending tradition with imagination. I love experimenting with new flavors, from seasonal fruits to unexpected twists like ube, pumpkin or matcha. Inspiration can come from anywhere; a dessert I tried while traveling, a holiday ingredient, or even a customer who says, “You know what would be amazing?”

I also believe creativity grows when you keep learning and surrounding yourself with inspiration. I visit local markets, try other desserts, and collaborate with other small food businesses to spark new ideas. Every time I step into the kitchen, I treat it like an opportunity to create something people haven’t experienced before.

Most of all, seeing the reactions on people’s faces, that first bite, that “wow” moment, motivates me. It reminds me that creativity isn’t just about making something new; it’s about creating joy and memories through flavor and presentation. That’s what keeps me inspired every day.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At The Cannoli Bar, every bite is a taste of tradition with a modern twist. We specialize in made-to-order cannoli dedicated to crafting each shell and filling entirely from scratch; because we believe dessert should be as fresh as it is unforgettable.

Our concept is simple: you choose, we fill. From classic ricotta and chocolate chip to creative seasonal flavors, each cannoli is piped fresh right in front of you for the ultimate crisp and creamy experience.

What started as a love for authentic Italian desserts has grown into a passion for creating joyful moments at farmers markets, weddings, events, and celebrations of all kinds. Whether it’s our roaming cannoli bar or custom dessert setup, we bring the sweetness; one handmade cannolo at a time.

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

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were creativity, consistency, and connection.

Creativity kept the dream alive, not just in coming up with new cannoli filling flavors, but in finding ways to make the business stand out, from presentation to customer experience. I learned that creativity isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you practice every day, even in small details.

Consistency built trust. Making everything from scratch takes time and effort, but it’s what sets us apart. Staying true to quality even on the busiest days taught me that people remember how something makes them feel, and consistency creates that lasting impression.

Connection is what makes it all meaningful. This business grew through genuine relationships, with customers, vendors, and our community. Listening to people, being part of their celebrations, and sharing moments of joy reminded me that food is about connection first, business second.

If I could give one piece of advice to others starting their journey, it would be this: stay passionate about your “why.” There will always be challenges, but when you love what you’re creating and who you’re creating it for, it shows in everything you do.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was teach me the value of hard work and pride in what you create. They showed me that if you’re going to do something, do it with heart, whether it’s cooking, running a business, or simply showing up for people.

They also taught me the importance of sharing food as love. Growing up, great memories were centered around the kitchen That’s where I learned that food isn’t just something you serve; it’s something that brings people together. That lesson shaped everything about The Cannoli Bar and how I approach what I do today.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: The_CannoliBar