Meet Nalani Dacara: Ono Bakes – Founder

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

Hi Nalani, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Initially I thought I would just have baking as a hobby. As years passed I grew to love what I do and improved on my craft. At first I didn’t think that starting a small business for my baked goods would be successful, due to all the competition and other amazing bakers out there. However with the love and support of my family and friends, it was only natural for me to create a branding that can showcase my skills and provide quality baked goods.

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.
Ono bakes is a family-oriented bakery business. It’s success thrives from the love and support of family, friends, and our clients. As a small business there is plenty of competition in the industry, however Ono Bakes not only focuses on design and taste but assures that our clients are completely satisfied with their orders and return wanting for more. Ono Bakes also prioritizes building lifelong friendships through my passion of making tummies happy. I want the world to see Ono Bakes not as another small bakery business but also as a safe zone. A fun and friendly bakery where you can order delicious desserts and enjoy a happy conversation while doing so! Transitioning from a hobby to a small business had its bumps along the road but with the support of my family and friends I was able to push through and learn from the challenges, like creating an order policy and fine tuning my pricing. I am very proud of what Ono Bakes has become. I am very excited to share new menu items and baked goods throughout this year! I will be releasing them on my social media @onobakes on Instagram and Ono Bakes on Facebook.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

If any of my best friends were to visit me I would want to treat them to a fun and relaxing time experiencing local flavors and destinations around LA and Orange County. We would start by visiting my favorite coffee shop, Philz Coffee in Huntington Beach, for some delicious lattes and avocado toast. We would follow that with walking up and down Pacific City outdoor mall for some light shopping and beach views. We would then cruise up Pacifc Coast Highway towards Long Beach for lunch at Bo-Beau Kitchen + Roof Tap on their rooftop terrace and order their famous brussel sprouts and other small french inspired entrees. Of course we would want to get some bestie photo shoots throughout the trip, in which case I would take them to LACMA Urban Lights or the Griffith Observatory for some stellar views and amazing lighting. While we are in the heart of LA, we would scout Santee Alley for some discounted souvenirs and hidden bookstores like The Last Bookstore for cute, harry potter vibes. For our meals throughout the trip we would hit a string of restaurants ranging in different asian flavors, including Dollar Hits Filipino Street food in Filipino town, LA and Rodeo 39 in Stanton, CA for a variety of foods in one area . To top our quality girl time, we would check in to a Korean spa in LA for the day, Spa LA or Wi Spa, and enjoy the different saunas and snacks they offer while getting away from the bustle of the city. We would end the trip with a beach picnic at Bolsa Chica State Beach then enjoying s’mores and warmth by the bonfire on the sand while watching the sunset. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many people in my journey as a small business owner/baker that has contributed their time, opinions and

I am thankful for the support of my family and friends who have contributed their time, advice, and taste buds in order to help me improve my small business. I want to take this time to personally shout out to a couple of special people who have greatly influenced my branding, style, and palette.

Rogelio Pesigan – My Grandpa and my #1 fan. He was always my backbone and my one man support system from the very beginning. He would always tease me and tell me that my baked goods weren’t good yet eat more than half of what I made and asked me to make more. Even though he has passed on and doesn’t get to see me and my business now, I still feel his love and support in everything I do and for that I am forever thankful.

Rey Dacara – As my husband he has no choice but to support and try everything I bake. He has always been the one person who critiques and has no shame calling me out on my work. It helps me improve and makes sure my creations meet my style expectations as well as tastes amazing. Without his critic and taste testing, my baked goods wouldn’t be as presentable and delicious as they are now. Thank you Mahal!

Ronel Pesigan – My Uncle, My Budz, my manager and designated photographer. Like my Grandpa and Husband he is one of my main taste testers, but he is also one of my BIGGEST supporters. He helps me with everything involving my business. From the professional photography and videos of my baked goods to the packaging and advertising on my social media. Ever since I was a little girl my uncle was always there to support me – every dance class, girl scout event, and baking order. Without him there wouldn’t be an ‘Ono Bakes’ and I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am extremely grateful to have him by my side. Mahalo nui Budz and aloha iā ‘oe.

Chanelle Nou – My Other half, Cousin and Brand “manager”. Ono bakes was a mess before my cousin helped me with my branding, pricing and overall marketing. She is literally my go to “GOOGLE” when I need her. We have strengthened our bond and are learning how to grow our small businesses together. Without my Other half my business would have probably taken a huge fall but with her love and support Ono Bakes is thriving. I am glad to be on this journey of growth and working towards success together. I love you O.H. !

Marlize Lobarbio- My sister, my assistant and mini me. You are a very important person in my small business, without you I would not be able to get my big orders done. Thank you for your willingness to learn and help me when i need it most and keeping up with me when the going gets tough . I don’t say it often but I appreciate you so much with everything you do and everything you help me with . I love you little sis !

Lastly, I would like to shout out Kailea Dacara – my daughter, her daddy’s mini him (especially with taste), and my sidekick. I know she may not be able to read this but she has been the main reason behind why I work so hard and try to be better in everything I do. When I’m working she always has something good to say, “Mommy these look very yummy” or “Mommy your cake decoration is very, very beautiful. I love it!” When I’m working late at night she knows I’m tired and gives me my water and a big hug. My dearest Kailea you have no idea how much I love you. Your daddy and I love you. Thank you so much baby girl you are my inspiration and strength .

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ono_bakes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onobakes

Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/ronelpesiganphotography/ Ronel Pesigan