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

Hi Maria, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Back in 2018, I was working as an Assistant Vice President at a large international financial institution. The world as we know it in regards to international finance has made many changes in the way customer service call centers and workforces are managed. The establishment that I was employed with, chose to move a great portion of its workforce and customer service call center overseas. This would mean that I would have to uproot myself and leave my family behind in the United States.

After considering my pros and cons, since I was newly engaged, I chose to leave my position with the establishment and move forward with opening Designs by GG Boutique Bakery.

Designs by GG Boutique Bakery has been established in 2008, yet was only a small business with a large dream of becoming a full time business in the DFW Metroplex.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m known for higher end wedding and quinceanera cakes, yet my passion is creating 3D edible art. Most bakers are self taught, I was one of those. As time progressed, I made the decision to pursue a degree in design and attended the Wilton Institute. Upon finishing my course, I continued and became an instructor, all while working a full time in the financial industry. My co-workers were very supportive as they were the benefactors of all the delicious pastries and cakes I was creating. They became my first clientele and to this day, I still get referrals from them.

It was not an easy process, as I was raising a family, working a full time position and going to school. Can I say it was worth it? Without a doubt, I would do it all again to achieve where I am at this point in my like.

Along the way, I have mastered the art of communication, being able to converse with my clients to bring their vision to life through edible 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.
We would eat and have drinks at Sal’s on Wycliffe. Then I would take my best friend to a Drag show in the Cedar Springs/Oak Lawn area. Our LGBTQ+ community is amazing and has produced from of the best Drag Shows I have ever seen. Hunky’s is a great burger place.

When I have out of town guests, we would visit the 6th floor museum, Reunion Tower, Dallas World Aquarium and the Ft. Worth Zoo. One of our favorite restaurants is Villas Grill in Irving. Other cool places to visit is AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Park.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost I thank God for the gifts and talents He has bestowed upon me. My loving husband, David Dennis, that encouraged me to follow my dreams and desires to make edible art and making others happy. My children that gave me the push to be more creative by making their favorite characters come to life in sugar paste and cake. My family for their affirmations and being there to sample and taste all my creative flavors.

My sister-in-law, Sherrie Lee-Dennis and daughter-in-law, Ashely Gil, for being my right and left hand during large orders and deliveries. They are exceptional students and work hard to make Designs by GG Boutique Bakery what it is.

Website: http://designsbygg.co

Instagram: http://instagram.com/designsbygg2008

Linkedin: Maria(Grace) Dennis (Argote-Gil)

Twitter: @infolnf91064976

Facebook: http://facebook.com/designsbyggcakes

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