Meet Cristina de Vilches | Tarta Bakery

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cristina de Vilches and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cristina, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Success has different meanings for different people; success might be money or recognition for some, but for others like me, it means doing something I enjoy. Something fulfilling, both personally and professionally.

It is hard to list all the factors behind my success without understanding the path I have traveled and the learning experiences that have led me to where I am today.

I’m a qualified Graphic Designer and have always loved art. Over the years, I have worked for several global advertising agencies, developing my creativity. Then I moved into Retail Design, where everything was about the consumer experience. One of the jobs I liked the most was working for one of the most remarkable and trendiest hospitality groups in Mexico, whose only mission was making clients enjoy every single detail and create a wonderful experience.

When I decided to switch jobs from being an accomplished Graphic Designer into being a full-time mom, I thought my professional life would be on the back burner. I thought it would be tough to balance work and being a mother/wife. Still, I realized there may be some opportunities to achieve the perfect balance. It’s funny because, of all the business possibilities I had considered, based on my creative background, I never thought of plunging into the food business until I started baking for my family. I noticed how much I enjoyed baking cakes for unique moments and turning them into multi-sensorial memories, with an excellent taste and tailored flavors! My friends and my community have played an essential role in my success. They encouraged me to turn my idea into a business. They literally did everything for me: opened my Instagram account, Venmo, Invoicing, etc., and spreading the word with their friends. They knew how much I loved baking, so they helped me pursue this crazy idea.

Last but not least, my clients, who like me, enjoy a good slice of cake and think that there has to be an edible piece of art in every special celebration. I enjoy having such good clients that let me create whatever I want. They trust me, and they like surprises! As a graphic designer, I know that it could be tricky working with clients because they seem to feel they own the project and tend to interrupt the creative process. That doesn’t happen when I bake, and that is absolutely a joy! I enjoy the creative process as much as I enjoy making it happen.

And obviously to my husband and kids (Even though they demand most of my time, haha!!), who encourage me and celebrate with me every project!

I could see what a cake could do to my family, what a beautiful moment could be created, and I wanted to share this joy with other people by creating edibles pieces of art.

All these ingredients combined are Tarta’s perfect recipe: a spoonful of graphic designer, a big slice of mother, a cup of creativity, and many sweet teeth!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I put in hold my professional life because it was really hard to find balance between work and family. I have three little kids and they took pretty much all my time. I never thought to start a food related business but It kind of start happening the moment I started cooking for my family. I realized I enjoyed so much baking for them and I decided to start baking for other people. My creative background and my time working in corporations, gave me all the expertise I needed to start my small business! What I enjoy the most, it’s being part of the whole process, from the moment I take my clients order to the moment I start sketching, creating and baking until the moment they have the first bite! Every cake is a unique piece of art, its different from each other as every person in this world!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
DMA 6th floor museum
Holocaust Museum
Pecan Lodge
KLyde Warren Park
View of the skyline and the bridges
Uchi
Stockyards

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family, my friends and my clients!

Instagram: Tarta.bakery