Meet Oriana Robinson | Pastry Chef

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

Hi Oriana, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’ve always loved baking and cooking since I was a child. I remember living in Oahu, Hawaii mainly doing potlucks and baking for friends, neighbors and church fellowship, just trying to really make some extra money for my household. One night I was awaken from a dream or as some would say a vision, at 2 am in the morning! God showed me exactly what I would be doing but as a stay-at-home mom along with the struggles of being a military spouse most of my focus ended up on my growing family and supporting my husband in his career and dreams. About 5 years later, my kids were school -aged and at that time we were going through a stressful move back home to Pike Road, Alabama, trying to get back stable. Unfortunately, I ended up getting laid off my job during COVID, times had gotten extremely hard and I eventually just went for it and started my own Gourmet Cinnamon Roll bakery business out of my home, coming up with a name The Pastry Vault and Catering which fit perfectly! From specializing in numorous flavors and customization toppings. I also offered everything from Cheesecakes, Cakes, Cupcakes, PoundCakes, Pies, and Churros and my menu is still growing. I didn’t know anything about starting a business, I was letting God guide my steps and still continue to do so. My business ended up really becoming popular constantly working from sun up to sundown. As I was in my kitchen baking getting orders out one day, I had an epiphany. I remembered God’s promise that was placed on my life and standing there in my kitchen in awe! And I looked up and said, “God you showed me this exact thing what I would be doing with my life. Thank You! I began doing a lot of events and pop-ups that were in and out of the area which gave me tons of experience that I needed and still going to this day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is Baking. Baking is all about patience, time and vision! I always start off with a blank canvas almost like a painting, a work of art. From taking basic cinnamon roll dough and creating a Fried Chicken Cinnamon Roll, or even a Blackberry Cobbler Cinnamon Roll. Starting off with a basic Cheesecake crust or a cupcake and I build my vision of what I want my pastry to look like, to taste like. There is a lot of excitement that comes from experimenting new ideas and critiquing different ways of baking, especially when people get to taste my creations. There are also challenges that come along with having a business especially in the food industry and being a woman and mom of 3 too. Having to find that balance between mom life, my goals, my marriage and making sure my business is successful. For the most part, I have also learned sometimes it’s not what you know it’s who you know. But you have to keep pushing and know that there is success behind all challenges there is a blessing in every storm and throughout that I learned a lot. My main lesson I learned is no one can stop me but me! Going through life I would always think to myself, “Im a mom, a wife, I love my family my life but what else am I meant to do? What other reason was I put on this earth for? I am here to create, to inspire, to uplift, to empower through my brand, through my story.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start our days off with the best coffee shop in the Pike Road area, The Hole In The Wall. Having everything to offer from hot cappuccinos and bubbly mimosa’s and breakfast items. Next I would take them to the heart of the state Montgomery, AL. We would check out all the history that Downtown Montgomery has to offer. From visiting the museums The Rosa Parks and The National Memorial for Freedom and Peace, also the RiverFront all while stopping for a quick snack downtown at The Knicker Knacker Market. We would then go shopping at Cotton and Creek Boutique and The Shoppes at Eastchase. Nothing like a girls day shopping for clothes, cute jewelry and shoes. We’d then grab some lunch at Who’Hungry Food Truck all the best food especially grabbing their Birria Nachos and Wings! We would then visit some gorgeous farms! Sweet Creek Farms and Dreamfield Farms. After along day of fun we would eat dinner at Central Restaurant for a 5 star dinner and afterwards we would end it with a night of dancing and drinks at The Aviator Bar.

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?
I started my business during COVID. It was during a time where I was also dealing with a lot of personal struggles. Dealing with a very rocky marriage, going through two heartbreaking miscarriages all while trying to get my business noticed and be the best mom that I could be to my 3 kids. The 2 people in my life that gave me encouragement and kept me going that supported me when I absolutely needed a listening ear or a ride to the store when my car broke down to get groceries or ingredients for my business or help with cleaning and prepping or keeping my kids for a couple of hours just to give me a self care day or when I simply didn’t have the energy or motivation in me at all to get out of bed, First of all God first. I swear he kept me and let me know he was there. My neighbor Mrs. Carrie Willis she was always right on time. She knew what I needed without me having to even ask, I truly feel she was heaven sent. She passed away recently due to COVID complications. Lastly, my mom Ethel Shannon, I wouldn’t even be where I am today if it was not for her.

Website: www.thepastryvault.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepastryvaultandcatering/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PastryVault

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepastryvault1

Other: Phone Number 205-538-3137 Email thepastryvault@yahoo.com