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

Hi Samira, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The pandemic broke everyone’s routine, forcing a complete stop and rethink of what is important in our lives. It was about that time I missed not being able to jump on a plane to be with my grandma and experience the amazing things she loved doing for family and friends. Speaking with her, at the age of 97, we started discussing all the details of her handwritten recipes she has on her recipe book from 1946. That evolved into including other members of my family in order to be able to preserve the original taste of all recipes. My mom always said that we eat with the eyes first, so we thought about all the details in the cake, choosing the right cake pan for each recipe, the ribbons, the box and of course, the business name.

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.
I moved to California in 2007. My husband got a job at Sony Pictures and we decided to leave everything behind to start a new life in Los Angeles. As a public relation ,I was working in Toronto at a Marketing company. I loved my job but I decided to go on an adventure. After 6 months living in Los Angeles I got pregnant so I was a stay home for about 10 years. It was really hard to find a job after being home all that time but I really wanted to go back to work. For the past 3 years I was working as the school director at a language school in Torrance. It was a full time job that I enjoyed because I was meeting people from all over the world. Due to COVID-19 we had to shut down the school and during my time at home I started baking cakes and giving them to friends and neighbors. An unexpected twist brought me here now, opening my own business, Bisa Cakes. I would say it was an easy process that involved my family and friends. The story behind my brand is love. While I’m baking, I’m always thinking of my grandma.

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?
Los Angeles is a huge city with fun and great things to visit. I lived in Culver City for the past 13 years and I love how charming the city is. Going south, I love Terranea Resort where you can spend the weekend or just go for a nice dinner while enjoying the sunset. Downtown LA has a lot to offer. One of my favorite place is Sky Space where you have a 360 degree view from the 54th floor. Nice place to have some drinks. During the summer we usually go to Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica. Going a little bit North there is Westlake Village with great restaurants by the lake and an amazing view. Can’t forget Hollywood and the walk of fame!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Definitely my Grandma Zelia Stefanutto. She is the one that inspired me to bake the cakes and start this business.

Website: www.bisacakes.com

Instagram: @bisa_cakes

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samira-stefanutto-5026974/

Facebook: bisacakes

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