I recall seeing these cakes on Instagram going from full cakes with their own personal charm and love going into them which were of course sharable. but you were able to buy mini personal cakes as well. Each cake just had its own theme or choice by the artist creating the cake. Having ordering a cake for a birthday cake I really enjoy the details. This week's feature is Bean & Bean Cakes, @bean_bean_cakes.
We start off with knowing more about Brenda Bazán and Gerardo Lopez. as they share what they have enjoying the most as of recently "We enjoy working out of our favorite local coffee shops, roller skating, sewing, and playing on the switch whenever we find any free time to spare."" There are so many coffee spots! I know some individuals starting their own coffee shop adventure blogs soon! That should be very interesting. They go on to mention a couple of locals as well "@moniblossom @thebunnybrand.co @doodlesbyesara @marthasartjewelry @jacksonstantiques @papercaperco @semillacoffeelab @7th_and_park" I haven't been to 7th and park YET, but I will one day! I will be sure to check out those who I don't know, but for the ones I do know they are just great in their style of work.
Starting off I ask Brenda Bazán and Gerardo Lopez what makes a cake "vintage"? Looking at them it does remind me of my fat chunky frosted spiderman cake from when I was like 6 and is that the mission statement or the goal behind the cakes? If not, what is it as they explain "To us a vintage cake means lots of chunky buttercream decor. Classic piping techniques like the ones in those old Wilton cake books. And just any cake that reminds us of 90s weddings." Man I do love buttercream, but it's interesting as they mention "classic piping techniques" and "those Wilton cake books" like their tools for their art. As creatives that use the proper tools and research to create and learn as well. Seeing their cakes on Instagram I can see what they mean and if you haven't seen them well head on over to their page!
Have they been baking for a long time or has it only been recently? What made them decide on starting to sell these to the public as they say "We started quite recently. We have always loved cakes, and we would bake cakes, muffins, and cookies for ourselves, but we wanted to learn how to craft the cakes we love for ourselves and our family and friends, and it just took from that 'sin querer queriendo.' From your passion to the hustle! As OAM @onamission says if it's something you enjoy and do quite well then why not turn it into something of a "hustle". Due to this I've seen so many cakes and the individuals who have purchased them share them with others just how I did for a birthday. They didn't even want to cut it due to how "cute" it was!
Do you think there is an art behind cake making? If so, why as they go on by saying "We definitely think there is an art behind making cakes, but we personally don’t take things too seriously, we just love having the opportunity to be as creative as we can because it comes from a happy place." Even though as mentioned earlier there is an art behind these cakes and the technicalities that they mentioned and that they do as well towards these cakes behind the scene before they are fully done and ready for the camera/fork. It's also for fun and enjoyment for themselves as it is for others. Isn't that the way can be too, but oh well onto the fork it goes!
What goes into making a cake? From its appearance to the theme behind it? Do you have a certain process before making one? "We don’t have a specific process when it comes to decorating. We just take the theme or colors we are given and have fun creating something extra special. Each cake is unique, even when we are given another design to mimic, we give it a spin and make it our own." They truly do make these cakes their own as it certainly has personality and charm onto each one. Looking at cakes on Instagram I can tell which one is a Bean & Bean due to craft. They may be creating something fun, but it's also fun for the receiving end as well.
Do they have a favorite cake they've baked as they say "There are so many. We literally fall in love with every cake. One of our favorites has been the lime green cake with aliens on top, the pastel cake we did for @flat________white , the teddy cakes, and sanrio themed cakes. But if we had to choose one it would definitely be the chunky primary colors cake we have on our insta." I remember the teddy and sanrio cakes those are straight up classics, but now I have to go back and look at the Instagram page to refresh my memory and give myself cravings as well.
In case you were wondering on ordering a cake and the steps that follow Brenda and Gerardo mention "We currently take orders through messages on instagram. For the design, usually people give us a color or a theme and we go off from there. We have also been asked to just do whatever we want because 'they trust us. We love working like this because it allows us to be as creative as we can, and we always go over the top. They can also send us a design they like and we’ll do our best to recreate it. One of our favorite add ons on cakes are 3d characters and glittered cherries. " I do the same way when working with artists or paying for commissions. When I just want to support, but I don't really have an idea on what I want I say "just do whatever you want" because it gives the creative free reign and liberty to do what they want and have fun while doing it as well. Well if you do want a cake be sure to hit them up on Instagram!
Do you remember your childhood chunky "ugly" birthday cakes? Which one is the most memorable as they share their memories "Gerardo fondly remembers his Sonic the Hedgehog cake from when he turned 7. Brenda can’t remember a specific cake, but chunky, buttercream cakes remind her of the weddings she attended with her grandparents that ended with her sleeping on two chairs pushed together to the sound of cumbias." Reading this certainly brought back so many memories. From the cumbias that didn't end until 2 in the morning to my chunky spiderman cake. That's the one we have the most pictures of with family and friends as well from what I can remember. Do you have any chunky cake memories?
How do they wish to grow with the cakes/business? "We don’t, please stop sending us requests. We don’t know what we are doing. ;)" Damn doors closed, cakes closed. Time to put in my final order.
Do you plan on adding other things to the menu besides cakes in the future?
"We would love to add new items to our menu, but for now we are focusing on baking cake orders and lunchbox cakes. Hopefully we’ll soon find the time to experiment with new recipes and learn new skills!" Are the lunchbox cakes also for ordering? I feel like I should have asked that. Well if you're curious about that feel free to ask because those look too good as well. A mini lunch box cake for dessert after your post workout what else could you want. In due time we shall see what comes next or rather what gets added to a menu, but even if they stick to cakes and improve on what they enjoy doing that's great for them. You never know we might see a two story type of cake coming soon for a wedding, but also know it doesn't have to a holiday or "special" moment to have cake.
What has the feedback been from the cakes sold?
"We love this community so much. We think that the response has been very good. We honestly can’t believe we’ve gotten this far. We really appreciate all of the positive comments from the bottom of our hearts."
Brenda and Gerardo share their thoughts on the local scene in the valley,
"We have found ourselves in disbelief at how supportive the local scene is! From our recent involvement, we have seen how small businesses and artists support each other so so much! We are so grateful to be welcomed into this community and to receive so much support."
Along with one final comment,
Puro 956!
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