Meet Mirella Rodriguez of Ava’s Sweet Treasures in Mesa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mirella Rodriguez.

Mirella, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I became pregnant almost five years ago, I knew I wanted to stay home and raise my child. I had the opportunity to do so for about three years. During this time, I wanted to stay busy aside from taking care of my now 4yr old. I truly believe the desire to bake came for God. I took only one class as a senior in high school and won first place in a classroom cake decorating challenge. I fell in love with the decorating side of baking. So when I felt the calling to bake it was a strange feeling however what I felt strange about was, “I’m not a professional, I dont have the funds for trial and error”. I listened to that voice inside. And I then began making sugar cookies. I dont like how messy the icing can be so I started exploring other baked goods. Fast forward today. I have grown and I now bake tarts, cupcakes, donuts, cakes and donut holes. Let me just clarify one thing. I now try to incorporate a healthier way of baking. I use flax seed, coconut, spelt, and almond flour in the place of regular all-purpose flour. I use cane sugar and sweeteners instead of regular sugar. I’m not expert by any means. But I love the idea of being able to taste what ive based with less guilt. If you explore my social media, you will notice gaps. I went back to work full time on May 2018. I bake for coworkers and for fundraising events at church. I love to give back through my baking.

Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not been easy. Do I work full time to get the funds I need for material? Or do I work less to dedicate my time to bake. Just the other day I was trying to bake a Lemon poppy seed muffin(low-carb) I made three batches before I can get a good batch. The only struggle is letting that unknown thing stop me. Right now, I bake on the weekends or on a special occasion during the weekday like POTLUCKS at work.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
The way I have started to bake is cutting back sugar and those flours that stay longer in the body. Trust me I know sometimes a baked treats tastes better with all that bad stuff. I feel what sets me apart is my Christian roots. The fact that I started this journey because of my conviction in God itself sets me apart. As for my baking, its the passion I put. “Would I eat this”!?

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely! We need professional bakers that know ALL the science behind baking to create more low carb desserts. Producing a healthy product. I think any city is an opportunity. A small city gives you that local exposure and foundation. A large city has no limits to grow.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 619-971-8485
• Email: treasuresbyava@gmail.com
• Instagram: Treasures_byava

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