#WCW: Why NYC Baker Erica Santiago Makes Every Day Sweet

This week’s #WomanCrushWednesday is sweet, sweet baker Erica Santiago.

Most Latinas – heck, most women! – are prone to having a sweet tooth. But this Latina redefines what it means to be sweet, too. 

Erica Santiago, owner of Duchess Delights, creates custom desserts for all occassions. Her delicious treats (which we had the privilege of trying) are more than just pretty, though – you can tell that Santiago’s heart and soul goes into every bite, making the desserts that much sweeter. 

We chatted with the Jersey-based baker about her desserts, being a proud Latina, and all things #GirlPower. Read the interview below to see why she’s this week’s Woman Crush Wednesday. [pagebreak]

Tell us how you got started in this business and your transition from the fashion industry into the world of baking.

I used to bake cakes for my co-workers when I worked in fashion, whether someone was leaving a job or it was someone’s birthday.  Everyone would always ask me where I bought them or how I learned to bake. Cooking and baking were always something I truly enjoyed. I never thought about it as a business, I always thought about it as more of a creative outlet. I played many different roles in fashion before launching Duchess Delights. From working with retailers, styling shoots, product development, design, and production.  Getting to work in both the creative and more analytical sides of the fashion world have definitely help guide me down this path of running a business.

Your cakes and baked goods are so beautiful! Where do you get your inspiration from?

Thank you so much!  I thrive on designing and creating desserts that are not only appealing to the eye, but they have to taste amazing. There is nothing worse than biting in to a gorgeous looking cake and being totally disappointed after just one bite. As far as inspiration I can be inspired by pretty much anything – from delicate spring flowers to Batman vs. Spiderman, you name it. Give me a theme and I’ll run with it! [pagebreak]

Is your Latina heritage important to your business? If yes, how so?

Absolutely. My first introduction to cooking and baking was through my mom, grandparents, and baby sitter. With their guidance I learned many traditional Puerto Rican and Cuban (on behalf of my babysitter) recipes and cooking techniques. Most of which I still use to this day.

We recently celebrated International Women’s Day, and highlighted some awesome female chefs who inspire us. What does it mean to you to be a female in the business, and what do you hope to see from women in the kitchen in the future?

Like many who grow up with a Hispanic upbringing, I was surrounded by strong-willed, hardworking and purpose-driven women, who could put together a meal like nobody’s business! Interestingly enough, the culinary world is a pretty male dominated industry. There’s most definitely a sense of pride to be a female in the business for sure. In the future I hope to see women do whatever they love in the kitchen. Don’t over think things. Most of my favorite recipes are the most simple.  Food brings people together.  At the end of the day that is really what it’s all about.