From a Weekend Hobby to a
Maressa Valentin
WORLD RENOWNED BUSINESS BY DANIELLA HUME
W
hat once started as a weekend hobby now has Maressa Valentin fielding calls from the Food Network, theme parks, and some of the world’s top chefs to collaborate with. This wasn’t always the plan: She had a full-time career in the pharmaceutical industry with the occasional love for weekend-baking as a therapeutic outlet. A now 30-year culinary journey would have her give up the briefcase for a different kind of passion: baking.
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Before moving to Florida, Maressa started her journey in Puerto Rico, where she was featured in a local newspaper for her baking trends. Over the years, Maressa received requests for her decadent desserts for private events then stridently changed from a hobby to a new profession. She wanted to succeed and commit to investing in classes, learn the art of baking and become diligent on her new journey. “Baking is an expression: it is the only form of art that you can eat after all. From planning, to baking and executing a finished design, there is something unique that allows an edible project to be turned into a happy memory for someone special. That immediate gratification inspires you to move forward.” Maressa’s hobby turned into a new adventure. “Suddenly, I had a business in my hands that required new techniques, new ideas, discipline and the challenge to learn more. When your talents are commissioned to create a celebration piece, you want to get it right and have it end with a smile.” Through her journey, she joined the International Cake Decorating Society for inspiration and trends to share with other talented bakers. With that, she started a mission. Once in Florida, she learned about a new opportunity: The Cottage Food Law, which allowed her to conduct a “home base business” from out of her kitchen. Resulting in a new venue of opportunities ready to be revealed. She took over her whole house with so many tools and gadgets that her husband finally said it was time for a storefront. “…it took time to think and digest all the challenges ahead to this idea because I wanted something unique; a place with a mission, to gather, to get inspired and open to everyone. Like the inspiration you get when you visit an arts and crafts store. Your mind can go all over with ideas. I wanted to provide that same feeling for those in the edible art world.” Maressa and her husband worked for 7 years to come up with a concept. Inspired by her own travels and colleagues, Maressa and her husband got to work, and a new creative venue emerged: The Sweet Chalet Shoppe. “We want to provide a blank canvas for people to get inspired, create sugar work, edible artwork, and masterpieces.” In Spring of 2016, she opened the doors in Sanford with a baker’s supply store, a school, and a place to gather and learn the business of sugar art. In the first few months, it became a trendy place with an opportunity to network and share new skills with local and international pastry chefs. “There are bakers that just need encouragement,
COURTESY MARESSA VALENTIN
COMMUNITY & PEOPLE
