Meet Britney Avelar | Self-taught Baker & Credentialed Teacher

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

Hi Britney, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I felt like I saw tons of girls on social media making chocolate covered strawberries or cakes, and I loved seeing them be creative and even successful from the comfort of their own homes, it was something that definitely peaked my interest. However, while I loved baking, I never considered selling my treats or working for myself since I was attending college full time and working a typical retail job. But upon deciding to pursue my masters degree in teaching, I had to dedicate the majority of my time to school and had to quit my job. This realization that I wouldn’t have a stream of income is really what pushed me to start my business because I would be my own boss, be able to make my own schedule and work around my academic priorities. I didn’t expect my business to be a huge stream of income or anything, but I desperately needed some sort of income, and what better way than to do something I already enjoyed?

What should our readers know about your business?
Easily, one of the things that sets my business apart is that I make dog treats and cakes aside from human ones. This comes down to the fact that I got a dachshund (wiener dog) around the same time I started my business, and I was determined to make my dog treats, which I didn’t hesitate to add to my menu. People are always intrigued to hear that I offer something for their pets.

I’m most proud of the simple fact that I started a business, because it’s really scary to put yourself out there and offer a piece of yourself. It definitely isn’t easy, since there are days a recipe doesn’t turn out the same or I feel pure frustration the entire time I’m decorating a cake, but in the end I am always proud I followed through with it against all odds, my own self-doubt included. Similarly, one of the lessons I’ve learned along the way is that I am capable of creating things that others enjoy, whether it’s someone’s quinceañera cake or a dog cake, it’s me who makes it happen, and that’s something to be proud of.

I want whoever reads this to know that not everything has to be scary or hold you back. In the end I have no clue who’s judging me or laughing at me for my business, but I do know the people who support me and are happy to see me be creative in this way, and that’s a cool feeling. I also don’t know if I’m going to be the next Cake Boss, but it doesn’t have to be that serious, all I know is that I’m in my twenties doing something that I enjoy, and that’s enough for me.

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.
There’s two sides to my L.A. life, the one that grew up going to Pete’s Burgers and Los Molcajetes with my family, and the one who hits Alfred’s for an iced matcha latte with my friends. But truth be told, a perfect day in the city would include running around the city trying new things, because there’s so much it has to offer.

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?
My family definitely deserves some recognition for my business as they were the ones who told me to sell my pastries years before I even considered it a possibility. Since the moment I started Lovely Sweets by B they have been nothing but supportive, hyping me up on social media, ordering from me for their parties, helping me set up for pop-ups, and voicing their happiness in seeing me follow an unconventional path.

Instagram: @lovelysweetsbyb