Meet Priscila Leal-Arizpe | Owner of Dolce Vita Bakery

We had the good fortune of connecting with Priscila Leal-Arizpe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Priscila, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
As a business owner, I think it’s so funny how, When I thought of the idea of working independent, I wouldn’t have to worry about a boss, a schedule, getting out of work late, working weekends…that I would have so much more time for myself and doing things that I love, however it is NOT like that. As a business owner, It has molded me to become more disciplined than I was when I worked for someone else, because I am now a one woman show. I make sure to get up early to respond to clients, I make time and a schedule on when I will bake, when I will decorate, when I will interact on social media. There are a lot of roles that I take on in my business, but at the same time, it’s enjoyable. I do, however make time for family, for commitments, for doing other things that I enjoy, I typically put those things first, and schedule work around those plans. I will say, , I do have a lot more freedom when it comes to the work life balance because I am in control of those plans and decide how to move my schedule. If I have plans in the morning, it’s totally fine, because I can work late nights and vice versa

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I was young, I was always told, Culinary/ Pastry arts will never get you money, and will never make you successful. And I think that saying is what pushed me away from doing what I am most passionate about, which makes me very sad and I regret ever pushing it away. A couple of years later, I met my now significant other, and he was AMAZED at the creations that I could do with my cake art. That support and motivational encouragement made me see the talent that I truly have and that I CAN be successful by following my passion. I can tell you, no entrepreneur will ever say it was easy. Many will doubt you, many will put fears in your mind, many close friends and even family members won’t support you, and I think that has been my biggest challenge. I learned, during my stage of pre-entrepreneur that money does not bring you happiness. I realized I don’t want to work for others for the rest of my life knowing I have a gift that needs to be put to use. I would rather do what makes me happy, live a happy life, live knowing I am proud of what I am doing with my life and always looking to grow. With that said, the first few years I remember, as a cake artist, I was creating beautiful cakes, but even then, I was not happy with the type of cakes I was doing. I felt I had no artist privilege in the cake orders I was given because my clients then, would not give me free-reign to my creativity. I had to remind myself that money does not buy happiness. Yes, I am finally working for myself, but what fun is it if I can’t express my artist creativity in my work? That’s when I decided to solely create bespoke wedding cakes, which is what I truly love, and I enjoy. And that is what has made me and has kept me successful, it’s being able to express my artist creativity through my work, that’s what sets my work apart from others. I am always innovating and always finding inspiration everywhere I go, to create a story or give all my cakes life and form.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dallas aquarium is always a fun time to see different animals and enjoy a relaxing time, The Dallas arboretum is also very pleasant and fun to have picnics and take photos. The Dallas art museum is a good place to find inspiration. I would also go to cedar ridge preserve where I love to go running. As far as restaurants, Mariscos La Reyna in Cockrell hill has delicious seafood, Salsa Verde Taqueria in Northwest Dallas has AMAZING tacos. Oh and the best Colombian food is definitely found in El Portal Cafe in Carrollton.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First of all, THANK GOD! I am always thanking him for putting this talent in me. My boyfriend, Mauricio has been a big support in helping me take that leap of faith and supporting me in my decision of leaving the healthcare industry to pursue a childhood dream of mine. Thanks to my parents for letting me work for this dream to come true, Definitely a big thanks to my one and only instructor, Karen Harris who showed me a couple of tricks in culinary which opened up the culinary and pastry arts to me when I was young.

Website: www.dvbakery.net

Instagram: @dvbakery

Facebook: facebook.com/dvcake

Image Credits
Photos by Sky Visuals LLC