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

Hi Valentina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started baking with my mom when I was young and it was a hobby for a long time. Little by little I started baking for friends and family for their events. Eventually it just felt like the logical thing to start a business. At the time I didn’t realize the bigger purpose my business could serve. My daughter is intellectually disabled. As she was preparing to graduate from High School and we considered job opportunities for her it became very clear that her options were really limited. At that moment I knew that the bakeshop was meant to offer hope and possibility for a whole community that is often overlooked. Our greatest goal is to provide training and employment to adults with developmental disabilities.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our shop offers one of a kind, baked from scratch treats. We make cookies, pies, cake and all sorts of other handmade baked goods. I take a lot of pride in everything we make being from scratch. We currently sell at our local farmer’s market in Covina and other pop up events in the surrounding community as well as through our website.

The path to this point in our business has been a definite challenge. When I started I had a full time job and baked on the side. I’m also single parent. From the beginning there has been lot’s of juggling. I’ve had a few starts and stops and moments where I knew I needed to take a a pause to just rest and regroup. But I absolutely love baking and I was nothing if not determined to make it work. I always picked back up where I left off.

The biggest lesson so far is that I’m running my own race. I can’t compare myself to anyone else. It never helps. Staying focused on being the best at what we do and serving our community is how we’ll reach our goals.

One of my initial goals was to sell at a farmer’s market. It took several years but we did it. It was definitely not easy (still isn’t) but it’s all 100% worth it. And we have created an awesome community at the Covina Farmer’s Market. We have the BEST customers and have made some great friendships with both customers and fellow vendors. The greatest success is having my daughter take on new roles in the business, she is learning to bake, helps with packaging and sells right along with me at all our events. It is amazing to see her confidence flourish.

Now most of my time is dedicated to the bakeshop. We’re focused on growing the business so we can open a storefront. There are so many young people with disabilities who need and want to work. Not only do I want to be able to provide those opportunities but I want our shop to be an example to other businesses that this community has something amazing and valuable to offer. Their lives and businesses will be enriched from creating an inclusive environment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Southern California has endless possibilities! Being a Disney family, we’re always going to suggest a day at the parks if it’s possible. There’s nothing like a little Disney magic! We would probably take a train ride to downtown LA for lunch at Olvera Street and before leaving downtown a stop at Bottega Louie for treats. A beach day in Newport and Balboa Island is always fun. And squeezing in a trip to Descanso Gardens or Huntington Library would be a must. So beautiful and peaceful. Anytime I get with friends is a tremendous blessing so I would be happy no matter what we do!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I absolutely could not have made it this far with out the support of my closest friends and family. There isn’t one member of my family or close friend who hasn’t in some way supported my business. Everything from moral support, words of encouragement, promoting my shop to their circles to actual hands on help in the kitchen, packaging cookies or making last minute deliveries. I have the most amazing support group. I’m eternally grateful for their belief in me and the success of my business.

Website: sweetnvbakeshop.com

Instagram: @sweetnvbakshop

Facebook: Sweet NV Bakeshop

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