Meet Ada Montes | Home Baker

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

Hi Ada, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It’s something so scary and so overwhelming because as someone who had no knowledge of starting a business and building it up from scratch is something that will test you to your limits. But all I I can say is we have a short life in this world and we have to jump in no matter how cold the water is. Because if we don’t we will always live with that regret or “what if” it’s a beautiful process and doing what you love is an amazing feeling. We just have to go for it and work hard!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always loved to bake, since I was a little girl. I would beg my dad to take me to the grocery store to buy a cake box so I could go back home and make cupcakes. Every Halloween, I would bake and give the kids my baked goods. It was always a side hobby I had. I was initially going to school to become a registered nurse. I worked in the healthcare field as well, but you would always find me during my breaks searching up recipes and watching YouTube videos. I am self taught. It wasn’t until 2010 when I decided I wanted to work in a professional bakery and learn more. So I did!! I’ve worked in little mom and pops bakeries and along the way I learned that baking is science and art mixed together. I fell in love with it even more, because I had creative freedom and also making a dessert taste good. It was challenging to leave the medical field behind, being a career where it would give me a good living. But my heart wasn’t in it. It wasn’t until 2016 where I had the opportunity to work in a very successful and popular theme park, I was able to build myself up and become a lead baker. In 2021 I decided to quit my job and start my home baking business, I was already busy fulfilling orders and juggling my full time job. So I dove in and gave it my all!! Fast forward to now, I have my loyal clientele and I do pop ups every weekend! I’m happy that I get to bake at home while also being a mother. It’s an everyday challenge mentally and physically but I wouldn’t trade it at all.

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 would say highland park is a little gem in Los Angeles, with great food, people and atmosphere! You have diversity and the community comes together all the time. The NELA art walk is held every second Saturday of the month and food vendors, artists come out and sell. Everyone is just so happy here, and definitely a dog loving community. It’s fun and if you want to eat the best tacos it’s here!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give credit and thanks to my mom and dad! For always believing in me and pushing me to do what I love. My kids for always being my number one fans and telling me “mommy, this cake looks so cool!” And a shout out to my partner who lifted me up when I gave up. And gave me the energy and spirit to rebrand and try again.

Instagram: @justaddsugar.sweets