Meet Berenice Rodriguez | Baker & Event Planner

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

Hi Berenice, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
2020 was the peak of Covid-19 quarantined, and I was working from home. My youngest sister in 4th grade was struggling with Zoom classes and her work. I noticed she was not where she needed to be educationally and decided to get her a psychoeducational evaluation, which is pretty expensive. Instead of pulling $2,000 out of my savings account in unpredictable times, I decided to sell chocolate-covered strawberries and flans for Mother’s Day weekend as a whole family effort to raise the money. After being tested, my sister was diagnosed with a learning disability called Dyslexia. I knew immediately that she needed a better educational environment. I applied for her to go to a private school and once she was accepted, the tuition cost was the next thing on my mind. My intention was never to start a business, but as time went by orders kept coming in. I decided to formally create my business to help pay for her yearly tuition. All of my earnings not only go to her tuition, but to private tutors and extracurricular activities. My sister’s education is my biggest investment and I truly grew to love baking and creating things that bring people joy on their special days from birthdays to weddings.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I first got into baking from a college elective my senior year. I learned about European-based techniques and recipes. I now enjoy blending Mexican and Latin American flavors with European-based desserts. But, I actually do have a full-time job in a nonprofit organization. Before becoming a director at the organization, I was doing direct pro-bono legal representation to individuals facing deportation proceedings and recent arrivals requesting asylum from all over the world. My job can become stressful and demanding at times, but baking and creating events is a huge stress reliever and as a huge plus, the thing helping me fund my sister’s education.

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.

This is super hard! I would take them to Carroll Street Cafe for brunch or Petit Chou. Then go for a stroll along the beltline and walk around Ponce City Market to enjoy the view on the rooftop. Dinner would either be at Barcelona Wine Bar or Kevin Rathbun Steak or Osha sushi.

The next day I would take them to get some dank hot and lemon pepper wangss from my stomping grounds growing up in Southside Atlanta. We could also go watch an Atlanta Braves or Atlanta United Game (whichever is in Season). If we get hungry after the team’s victory, we can stop by Waffle House. Yes, WaffleHouse is better late at night! If there are no games, then I would go to the Works for drinks and food. Either Sakura Ramen or Tyde Tate for food.

Finally, on the last day, we need to make it to Busy Bees for the best Southern food out there and then walk around Piedmont Park and go get some Antico’s Pizza afterward.

At some point, it would be crucial to go to Buford Hwy to get some Banh Mi sandwiches or tacos. Gotta get some Boba from Sweet Hut.

Yes, lots of food basically pregame meals before the actual meals. My friends can attest to simply eating and walking around in Atlanta.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family, my partner, and my friends are my main support. They help me execute big events and most importantly clean up. After a long weekend of events and baking, I appreciate them so much for helping me clean dishes and put things away in storage.

Instagram: baestreats.n.events

Facebook: Baestreats and Events

Other: Baestreats@gmail.com

Image Credits
AndresLopezFilms