Meet Monica Ramirez | Baker and paralegal

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

Hi Monica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have to admit, I initially did not have a thought process to starting my business. It was a serendipitous development in my life because I began baking during covid as a hobby and realized that I understood how to bake quite well. Thanks to my sister I took a chance on selling some of my first cakesicles and thank goodness they were a hit. After that me and her sat down, pondered and seriously considered making a business out of my newfound talent. As time went by – I tried other types of pastries, cookies and bakes and I realized that I could keep growing my business as I continued to grow my baking skills. Eventually, I figured why not just go for it. I love doing it and I love the joy my treats bring my clients. I turned my fear into a leap of faith and im happy I did.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
At this time I am both a baker and paralegal. As my baking success developed I felt like I had to pick either career, but I love both careers. Ive worked in the legal field for over 10 years and theres an awesome thought process behind it that I have applied to my baking. From the analytics, details and thinking outside the box – my skills are generously applied in both worlds and I think thats what sets me apart from others. Im proud of the fact that I didnt give up either and instead decided to apply my learnt skill sets from the legal world to the baking world. Im happy that I have successfully done that. Becoming a baker has definitely been challenging but my legal skill set was very helpful in my baking life. In my paralegal career I have had to learn as I go – I rarely got training so I was left to pick up all the key traits and figure it out – having experienced this extensively in the legal field, I then turned around and applied it to baking. Im so grateful and proud of myself for being able to be a chameleon in both worlds. Its helped my success as a baker.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I really love wandering around the city. I would probably take my best friend to Joshua Tree first. The scenery and peace that part of Cali brings always wins my heart. It perfect for a great coffee, a wonderful sunset drink and a sunrise chat. Its not too chaotic either. Every time I have gone its been amazing. I would also take my friend rollerblading to the beach because its just a must in the LA/LB area. The weather is always awesome for it.

Im also a big fan of DTLA coffee shops – so wed make our way over there for sure. There is also always some art gallery event happening and a cool rooftop bar to attend. So that would be the most chaotic it would get. The observatory is also another awesome spot to go to I mean you cant beat the LA city view.

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 want to dedicate this piece to my sister Ana Ramirez who is my marketing director and co-partner in the business. Words cant describe how grateful I am for her involvement in this sporadic dream of mine. If she hadnt given me that push to sell my pastries and keep trying new recipes – I would not be here. She was there from the beginning to taste, to help me sell, help me create my business name and identity, Not once did she discourage me. I absolutely owe alot of my success in this business to her. I couldnt ask for a better sister and partner.

Website: https://www.piccolinastreats.com/

Instagram: @piccolinastreats

Image Credits
Image credits – Monica Ramirez – CEO of Piccolinas treats