The Sweet Life

HOW A NATIVE BRAZILIAN MAKES HER WAY TO ALEXANDRIA AND SHARES HER TALENT FOR BAKING WITH THE COMMUNITY SHE NOW CALLS HOME.

By: Karlee K.

Neila Craig knows a thing or two about baking and hard work. The Brazilian native, who met her American husband as an interpreter, now calls Alexandria, La. her home.

She recalls always loving to bake and gather with friends and family around food.

“When I was nine years old, I was making meals for my family. Then, at 15, I planned and baked for my parent’s anniversary celebration,” Craig says.

The self-taught chef warmly chats about how her passion for baking evolves into a business at a corner table in the interior of her black, white and pink bakery on Texas Avenue.

Following the birth of one of her four children, Craig decided to stay home to become a full-time mom. As a way to supplement her income, she started baking out of her home for friends. While driving down Jackson Street, she noticed the Farmer's Market at First United Methodist Church.

The next week, Craig prepared and sold 20 items. Five years later, she sold over 300 items a week at the market.

That prompted her to explore opening a brick and mortar store. Gary Perkins, owner of Wildwood Pizza, offered his support. According to Craig, “I blinked and here we are.”

Doce Vida is the product of her toil and effort to continue doing what she loves and reaching more people in the community.

Craig’s Brazilian heritage is evidenced in her products,especially her dulce de leche King Cake. She comfortably adapts recipes from her grandmother and puts a twist on more traditional American recipes.

Craig relishes in her accomplishments, but remembers where her journey began. Visitors to her bakery can sense the pride of her Brazilian heritage blended with Louisiana’s distinct culture.