Meet Denise Guel Najera | Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Denise Guel Najera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Denise, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well, I’ve always loved baking and trying out recipes, then tweaking them or getting what I liked from each recipe and making it my own. Watching shows on channel 13 or food network. Jacques Torres, Julia Childs, among so many others would spark that interest in the kitchen for me.

Then, few years later I took a few decorating classes with 2 great friends and that was so much fun that I could see myself decorating cakes in the future. Which I did, for family then friends and now for so many awesome customers of mine.
Which actually, came true after having my son.. I took a break from the medical field as a medical assistant and jumped right into it once I was able to get going. Taking advantage of my nephews birthday’s and family’s birthday, I was perfecting my skills and recipes. Sometimes I had bad day and sometimes good days but each time I was learning something new and getting better at it. Watching videos on YouTube while feeding my son late at night.. that’s what kept me wanting to try it again and again until I got it right.
After several birthday parties, trial and errors I was getting somewhere and people started asking me about my cakes and if I could make them a cake. From that point on I became Nina’s Treats and has been an awesome ride. Of course it’s had its ups and downs but I get back up and do it again. Most of all I can’t wait to see how far I get and one day have my own store front to showcase those yummy treats.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets me apart is that I strive in using great quality ingredients, fresh fruits and from scratch cakes. Try my best to keep a not so sweet tasting cake and buttercream.

Well to tell you the truth, baking was always my favorite thing to do from the beginning, I tried different recipes from time to time. When I had my son I decided to take some time off and try this whole baking thing. Was it easy? Nope.. it was hard at times trying to get the word out. Social media wasn’t what it is now. Learning to balance mom life, home and work all at the same time.. yes it was hard at times. But, one thing for sure it was worth it. I loved it! I wanted to take breaks or stop at times because of one bad day but I would get a text for a cake order and I’m hooked again.

Lessons I’ve learned is that always ask for a deposit.. you only do that once and you never forget after that. Having order forms and balancing things. Always get a head start when possible. Take your time so everything looks perfect.

I would like for them to know that I appreciate every order I get. I strive to give them exactly what they ask for, if not better. That my cakes are always from scratch and taste great. Not that cake box isn’t great but for me keeping it simple and knowing what’s inside a cake is always best.

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.
Well Dallas is such a big place to visit. For sure Clyde Warren Park is a must with all the food trucks to try something new. Or Bishop arts district has a great night life entertainment. A place that I myself want to visit Is down town Dallas… it’s getting so much better and the night life is soo nice I hear.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To my family and my son. Thanks to them I am able to grow, learn and explore a few techniques.

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