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

Hi Nicole, why did you pursue a creative career?
I didn´t choose art, art chose me. I consider myself to be a very creative person. First, it started with music at The Conservatory of Music in Lima, Peru. That transpired me to move to Italy to sign Opera. That´s where my love for pastries was born, as I took pastry courses as a past time during my stay there. Art has liberated me of any limits and has enabled self expression.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I´m a Peruvian-American who resided in Peru most of my life. I started my business in Peru in 2014, it was called Rambhá Artisan Bakery, after a lot of years of hard work i finally opened my bakery in 2019. I did a lot of custom cakes, desserts, and other artisan products. Then, in 2020 the pandemic began and i was forced to close my business. I decide to move to Atlanta, where my sister lives. I had to start over from zero with Pastil, my new business.
My business revolves around the sole use of artisan products and freshly baked goods.
I love representing my peruvian culture through my pastries and introducing them to this new market.
My business has grown due to clients spreading the word of my personalized cakes and other baked goods.

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?
I would take them to Ponce City Market, Piedmont Park, The Beacon at Grant Park, The world of coca cola and maybe include some mountain side.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There was a person that saw a future for me that I couldn´t see at the time. That person pushed me and believed in me more than I believed in myself at times. A cheerleader, a supporter, a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, but most importantly my sister. Her along with my loving and supportive parents, walked behind as I took steps into this new horizon.

Website: www.pastilbakery.com

Instagram: @pastilbakery

Facebook: Pastil Artisan Bakery Ga

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