COMM-2311 Under-Reported Story

BAKED WITH LOVE JUST FOR YOU

ALIAH NAZARIO RIVERA PROFESSOR BATES COMM 2311 27 NOVEMBER 2023

Meet the Baker

Erica along with her family moved from Puerto Rico to Texas in 2016. In 2006, Erica Cintron was forced to leave her job at a Military clothes manufacture. Soon after she decided to pursue her love for baking. Ericas love for baking began when she was a kid. She recalls her mom baking her a box cake every year for her birthday. Since then Erica has always had an interest for baking however due to adversities she was never able to explore that interest. Mrs. Cintron is now the owner of Erica’s Sweets, a home bakery located in Rosharon, TX.

“Don’t let fear stop you”

Starting Point Erica’s Sweets was established in 2007 in San German, Puerto Rico. At first Erica began to make cakes only for friends and family. However, as her skills grew so did the business. Her clientele began to expand and before she knew it, she was serving over 40 people a month. Everything took a turn when her husband decided to take a job in Houston, Texas. A few months later Erica and Robert made the final decision to move their family to Texas.

With change comes challenges and that was the case for Erica’s Sweets. At first Erica felt defeated and planned to leave the business behind. That all changed when she met a Puerto Rican family in need for a cake. Without hesitation she took the job, and the family was extremely delighted with the outcome. Soon after, word spread around through a Facebook page based on Puerto Ricans living in Texas.

Erica kept promoting herself through social media and individuals started reaching.

There was only one problem, the lack of space to work on her creations. That is when she decided to turn her home office into a place designated for work. Now, as soon as you walk into the Cintron's house there are sliding doors to the left that lead to where the magic happens, where she is equipped with everything, she needs to bring her ideas and creations to life. Ms. Cintron now works every day of the week for 8 hours and can make around 25 cakes a week alone. Erica’s Sweets is proof that with hard work and dedication everything is possible.

“It’s a big world, don’t put yourself in a shoe box”

Upcoming Plans For Erica there is no such thing as too much knowledge as she continues to develop her skills by taking courses from admired bakers across the country. Ms. Cintron also finds great satisfaction in teaching others. She currently provides online courses to help beginners enhance their skills as they enter the bakery industry.

In five years, Erica desires to have her own studio around the Rosharon area but not only with cakes. Since there are barely any Puerto Rican pastries in the area incorporating traditional desserts from Puerto Rico are part of her future. Lastly, Ms. Cintron wants to keep teaching others to learn new skills and techniques.

Customer Reviews Being able to be a part of significants events in others life is more than just a job. She feels honored and prideful when serving customers. For Ms.Cintron the messages she receives from gratified customers are fuel to keep her going.