Meet Blanca Barajas | Bakery owner & Tattoo apprentice

We had the good fortune of connecting with Blanca Barajas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Blanca, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As far back as I can remember growing up I’ve always been creating art. Most of the time it was drawing, painting, sculpting and even playing music. Those were the foundations of my love for art. As I continued to grow older I realized that the art I created would always bring me a sense of happiness. By the time my first son (Maysin) was born, for his first birthday I decided to attempt to make a 3D type cake. It turned out better than I expected and at that point I realized how much not only did I enjoy making custom sculpted cakes. I was actually really good at it. I then took my art skills and defined them through cake art. I slowly throughout the years developed a pristine skill set as a cake artist. I developed a large clientele and at that point I decided to officially open my own bakery. I’ve successfully have ran my own bakery for years now. However, I still wanted to learn and grow as an artist. So recently I have decided to advance my artistic career and focus more on my drawing and design abilities. I have taken a tattoo apprenticeship at a local tattoo shop in Fort Worth (Sleepy Hollow tattoos). I’m looking forward to learning from all the amazingly talented artists there. I never want to stop learning and growing as an artist so I’m ecstatic for this opportunity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a very diverse artist I’d like to think that my work is different in its own way because I put my heart in every cake and drawing I create. I don’t replicate any cakes or designs of mine. Each cake or drawing design I create is unique and custom in its own way for my clients. I like to customize the perfect cake specific to my clients needs. I try spending some time with my clients to get a better understanding what they are needing in a cake. I design a cake specifically for the person, it’s not just a person looking for a cake. I will also bring this practice of personalizing a design in my tattoo career as well. I believe understanding your client and producing a high quality art is very important in both of my cake and tattoo careers.

Professionally it definitely has not been a breeze to get to where I’m at today. When I first decided to make that jump into opening my business it was very scary to say the least. Honestly, I didn’t have much confidence in my work at that time when I first started professionally. I didn’t think that anyone would even want to try or order any of my cake creations. I pushed forward and let my work speak for itself and to my surprise at that time I learned I’m pretty good at what I do. I’ve also faced some adversity within my business as well being a Mexican American based bakery. I’ve had many individuals look past my capabilities purely based on my name and my business name. Also, being a woman in the tattoo industry has its own challenges as well. The tattoo community can be more male dominate. However, that doesn’t bother me much as I know I will be able to push past any adversities and will focus on my art in order to grow as a tattoo artist. And I’m looking forward to be a part of the tattoo artist community with everyone.

I’m a very proud Mexican American/Chicana and I do not shy from the fact that my creations are inspired by my families heritage. I don’t let any of those difficulties affect my overall outlook of my capabilities and my success. When I experience such despise, I use that negativity to my benefit and I manifest my own future in a more positive manner. My story is honest, I’m just a hard working chingona trying to make it professionally through my art.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I definitely will recommend if you’re interested in getting a tattoo, to come by the shop in Fort Worth at Sleepy Hollow. There are many different style of tattoo artists there so you’ll be able to find the perfect artist depending on what you’re wanting. For some good eats, I’d suggest one of my personal favorites Serious Pizza. You’d definitely want to go there with an appetite as the pizza is huge.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Firstly, I’d like to thank my beautiful 2 boys Maysin and Oliver for always believing in me. They give me the strength to keep going everyday and never giving up on myself. Everything I do and all the work I put into my career is for them and the future I’m building for our family. Without them I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. I would also like to thank my man; my ride or die Jordan.  Thank you for always pushing me to my potential and reminding me of my capabilities. You’re always there for me when I need you the most. And you never stop believing in me even when I’m hard on myself.

Also, shoutout to Jeramy Kitchens and the whole Sleepy Hollow crew for welcoming and giving me an opportunity to apprentice along such talented artists.

Website: https://diadeloscupcakes.wixsite.com/ddlc

Instagram: @blanquitatattoos

Other: Instagram: @diadeloscupcakes