Meet Vanessa Matlalcuatzi | Baker, founder of Mommy’s Sugar Rush

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

Hi Vanessa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In my family, food is a way to express love and create connection. Whenever someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up I was ready with some plucky, entrepreneurial answer: “own a Thai restaurant with my dad”, “run a sandwich shop with my brother”. Finally, after years of working in a law office I decided to give myself permission to chase the dream. My inner child said “start a bakery” and the adult in me said “let’s do it” and we made it happen. It took a little time to find my niche in the baking scene but I find joy in making the treats I’m best known for. And I love it – baking is joy. Who wouldn’t want to work with joy for a living?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been baking for my family, friends and coworkers for about 15 years. About 5 years ago a coworker asked if I sold my baked goods to which I replied with a laugh. I could not imagine anyone would pay for my sweets. She convinced me to give it a shot and helped me start an Instagram page, and the rest is history.

It has definitely been a very long journey, with many highs and lows along the way, but I could not be prouder of the achievements and progress I have made with my business. Before starting this business I was very shy, reserved and avoided being the center of attention at all costs. Almost five years later I have faced so many fears and become an entirely new person, unrecognizable to some.

I started this business making only cookies and now have a vast menu which includes many different kinds of cakes, tarts, and custom designed desserts. I provide services to small events such as intimate birthday parties to large events such as weddings, quinceañeras, and company events. I am currently beginning to expand my business to include catering.

As a dedicated baker, I find the most joy in hearing clients tell me stories about their loved ones and why they’re celebrating and then transforming their story into a beautifully crafted bake – bespoke layer cakes and sugar cookies are some of my favorite ways to tell their stories. There is no better feeling.

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.
As a lifelong LA native, I know there is nothing better than the food in LA county. A week with my best friend would definitely be spent hitting up my favorite spots. Some of them include:

Ruen Pair in Thai town for late night Thai food including papaya salad, larb, stewed pork leg and of course sticky rice.

Bea Bea’s in Burbank for the best brunch, can’t miss their green tea pancakes and loco moco.

Juquilita Restaurant in East LA is one of my favorite places, with the absolute best cemitas poblanas, tlacoyos and picaditas.

A visit to LA is not complete without a trip to Disneyland. As a Disney kid I never miss an opportunity to visit the Disneyland parks and let my inner child out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family is my inspiration. From my Thai parents and grandparents who passed down to me their love of all things culinary, to my in-laws in Mexico who shared family recipes and empowered me to make them my own.

Instagram: @mommyssugarrush