Meet Katiria Andujar of Kat’s Exquisite Cakes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katiria Andujar.

Katiria, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Back when I was just a little girl my mom introduced me to the types of desserts she loves to make and she grew up with back in Puerto Rico. Being built in this atmosphere, in the kitchen I began to find a passion for something I never imagined would take me this far. Day and night I would sit at home watching every episode of Cake Boss. My ultimate dream has always been to go to Carlos Bakery and one day meet the Boss himself Buddy. But I knew that to be as good as Buddy I had to start somewhere. Getting the opportunity to go to Madison Park Technical Vocational High School was the best thing that happened to me. Not only did this school mold me, but it made me who I am today. My vocational teachers Mr. Lucas, Ms. Larkins, and Ms. Farrell gave me the opportunity to show what I can do in the kitchen. My passion for cake decorating was seen right through me. I was given so many opportunities to be a better me, a better cake decorator. Although I have always been that impatient baker and would become frustrated when things did not go well for me I had the chance to work with Chiquita Carter when she was an assistant back in Madison Park where let me tell you, this woman was able to teach me so much about myself, the patience I needed, my inner talents and about my abilities. I was never the easiest to work with. I gave my teachers headaches, I have annoyed and bothered them to the point where I’m sure they did not want to deal with me anymore (lol), but as soon as I hit sophomore year in HS, I realized that cake decorating is what I want to do with my life. My parents fully supported every decision I made. They began to buy me every single material I needed no matter the cost, put me in cake decorating classes, they allowed me to take over their kitchen to experiment (which looked like there has been a food fight at the end of every night haha), they continued to believe in me and even was willing to lie to me and say my cakes looked and tasted good when in the back of their minds that was all a lie! But I had a support system behind me, and I’ve felt like giving up so many times, and I’ve felt like I wasn’t meant for this, but then I realize I don’t see myself doing anything else but make people happy with even just a small birthday cake. There has been many long nights and many struggles along the way but this is just the beginning. I am now a 21 year old with an associates in Baking and Pastry with just one semester left to receive my bachelors in Culinary Arts Management, eager to learn more in the culinary world.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If I said it was a smooth road, I would be lying. Being a cake decorator at such a young age many underestimated my abilities because I was so young and still am. Many believed that this was the wrong path because it wasn’t going to make me enough money to survive in the future. But I believe that if you love what you do, no money comes in place, which by the way I make a great living out of (haha). But I would definitely say that dealing with grown adults and having to provide that professional customer service I did in many occasions felt like many didn’t take me seriously. Many people also thought I did this for fun and not as a business, others thought that paying me was absurd because I was just ‘starting’ and was so young in the industry. Although I deal with it daily till this day I have let my work speak for itself. Not many people know but I work 2 jobs and go to college full time. My business is something I do on top of all this, and this has been the biggest struggle of my career thus far at just the age of 21 but I refuse to let anything and anyone stop me from doing what I do best. I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights, I’ve cried, I’ve questioned, I’ve struggled but God led me to success. I’m still standing, and will remain standing till I reach all my limits.

Kat’s Exquisite Cakes – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Kat’s Exquisite Cakes provides not only beautiful cake designs, but it also specializes in all types of treats such as cupcakes, cake pops, rice cereal treats, chocolate dipped strawberries/Oreos as well as marshmallows, traditional Puerto Rican style flan and many more. Not only will I try my best to accommodate all my customers’ needs but I will make sure to provide different, fun and great flavors to make your cakes extra special. I works side by side with my mom and dad in where they will provide any decor needed, whether it’s a whole party or even just the cake table. I also work alongside with my sister and her business “Stylish Pressed Garments” by Emma Janice where she provides custom pressed t shirts/hats, stickers and many more for any party or event. Kat’s Exquisite Cakes is very well known for going the extra mile for her customers. I as the owner will provide all the customer service I can to make everyone and anyone happy. I will help all my customers find exactly what they are looking for while staying within budget. In the past few years I have had such a great support system from classmates, teachers, families and friends and I can say that if I’m most proud of anything, it would be that as a young girl since the age of 17 till now and growing my business, I have gained the respect and support from many people as the cake decorator that I am. To have customers change the dates of their parties to accommodate my schedule, to be able to give cake decorating demos, and to be able to teach other young kids to do what I love and what I have learned in my career has been a huge blessing in my life. I’ve never thought I would have the ability and the patience to teach students and have fun doing all of it. I’m super grateful and humbled for the support and response I’ve received. I try my best to make every party special. And I will make sure to go out of my way to make every cake I make beautiful, I will forever try my best and hardest to maintain my supporters satisfied whether that means sometimes overbooking myself to make one extra customer happy. I think that understanding my customers and giving them that great experience they are looking for when ordering a cake and receiving a cake has led me to become who I am today.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
There is never an end to success. Being eager to be a better you everyday will definitely help you succeed. But there is always room for setting bigger goals for yourself. I believe that although I haven’t yet reached my ultimate goal yet, I can definitely say I have succeeded and as long as I continue to strive to be a better me, and a better cake decorator I will proceed to succeed. I do not want to limit myself and I don’t think anyone should. Be proud of yourself and your mistakes but most important take pride in the great things you’ve done in your life and you’ve accomplished thus far. Nothing comes easy but believing in yourself and remaining that positive attitude will lead you to success. I have found myself in many occasions questioning whether or not I will “succeed” not realizing that I already have. Working, going to school full time AND building a business while trying to have a personal life of your own and being so good at balancing it all seems pretty badass to me and at the end of the night it only comes down to keeping that success growing within myself. It only gets and will get better from here. I, Kat, will continue to succeed!

Contact Info:

• Address: Boston, Mass
• Phone: 617-922-5338
• Email: Kats_exquisite_cakes@yahoo.com
• Instagram: @Kats_exquisitecakes
• Facebook: @Katsexquisitecakes

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