Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vanessa “Nessa” Valencia . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Vanessa “Nessa”, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
When it’s come to developing my confidence I try to look at what I’m good at and build from there. I like to challenge myself with my craft by learning something new about cookie art. Different techniques and methods of achieving a certain look. I’ll even take breaks and focus on painting to get a different perspective on techniques and what I can use in the cookie world. Cookies are just a different type of canvas. I like to look back on what I’ve achieved so far. When I started I gave myself a year to get Nessa’s Goodies off the ground and now I’m walking into my fifth year. I’ve set goals for myself and I plan to achieve them. My ultimate goal is to be on the Food Network and I’ll continue to do what I need to get there. In order to develop my self esteem I’ve learned what I find to be the most important thing and that’s learning to say no. As a small business owner you want to get your name out there but to what cost? Lack of sleep? Health deteriorating? Sometimes saying yes can hurt a business. It’s important to have a good work/ life balance. Surround yourself with good people who movtivate and uplift you as much as you do for yourself. Be your own cheerleader and be kind to yourself. Mistakes happen but they don’t define you. Keep your eye on the prize and above all love what you do.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a custom cookie artist that caters to all occasions. I love working on cookies that resemble true art or have a powerful message behind them. I think what’s exciting about what I do is the creative freedom I get from my clients. The ability I have to bring their ideas to life in a delicious way makes it that more special. I work mainly with vanilla sugar cookies but am looking to expand my flavor profile this year. I plan to add more cookie options for those who aren’t into decorated cookies. I also want to work on rebranding and having some products for sale besides cookies. This is my year to check some goals off my list.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think what helped me most in starting and maintaining my small business is my passion. I’ve always been of the mindset that anything is possible as long as you have the drive. I know that sometimes things don’t work out. That doesn’t make you a failure. We just have to get back up and find a way to do the damn thing. I knew that my baking background was gonna help me. I’ve always been an artist one way or another. I’ve always loved baking, painting and crafting. This has definitely helped me when it comes to ideas and techniques for my cookies. Do I know all things cookies? No, education is such a big factor in how successful you become. I make it a point to watch YouTube videos or take in person classes to help make me a better baker. All I can tell those who are starting off in whatever your journey is don’t give up. All new journeys come with hiccups but they aren’t permanent. Sometimes it’s ok to take a step back and take time for yourself. When you are good mentally and physically your business flourishes. Have fun with it and love what you do.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would LOVE to partner or collaborate with locals looking to add a little razzle dazzle to their brand. My dream partner would have my cookies in their boutique. Someone who is creative and open minded to mutual ideas. Someone who is fun and uplifting. Ideally someone who we can benefit from mutually. Expanding our brands by cross selling our items. Referring each other even working on possible flash sales or classes. If anyone is out there who wants to get together hit up my email. Let’s get to work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nessasgoodies.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NessasGoodies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nessasgoodies-256318511843425/
