A Cupcake Story!

So... it was probably about the end of April of 2010.  I was having a craving for some cupcakes after a full day of work. So I asked Jeff if we could go get some cupcakes at Kara's Cupcakes in Napa after we both got off work. Of course he agreed! :) When I walked into Kara's Cupcakes at Oxbow Market I was like a kid in a candy store. I'm pretty sure I had the hugest grin on my face and my mind was soaring, thinking of so many things.

Which cupcake should I get? 

How cool would it be to work here? 

How cool would it be to just ring up customers here? 

How cool would it be to be back there making those cupcakes? 

How cool would it be to own a place like this? 

How cool would it be to do this for a living? 

I think the girl working there even sensed that I wanted to be a part of their team and told me that they were hiring a baker but they needed to be in Culinary School. 

We chose our "poison" and moved on. Ironically, we chose dessert before dinner. We went to Sonic's on our way home and got a bite to eat. The entire time, I was talking to Jeff about how much I loved that bakery. How everything was perfect in there and how the Cupcakes were to die for. I was even pondering the idea of trying to work there part time. But then I remembered the condition that in order to be a baker that you needed to be in Culinary School. I asked him what he thought of me going to Culinary School and he told me, "go for it!".

Well, I have always told Jeff that I would go to Culinary School at some point in my life. Whether I was old or young it was something I had to do. I was supposed to go to Culinary School after High School. I even toured Le Cordon Bleu in San Francisco. I chickened out in fear of being unsuccessful. 

Going to Kara's Cupcakes sparked something in me. I couldn't stop thinking about the possibility of going to Culinary School. I knew I was only about a year away from graduating Community College (well, soon after I found out I only had one more semester to go).  So, within the next few days I explored the idea even more and called the Art Institute. Took a tour and even applied. I toured Le Cordon Bleu in mid May and enrolled that day. 

Culinary School was a dream come true for me. I had explored the idea of working for Disney. But unfortunately that didn't work out. They were never hiring for the positions I needed to apply for. During my "Summer Break" I started calling everywhere looking for a job or an externship in the Baking Industry. I stumbled upon the idea of working for Kara's. I called the store and was delighted to discover they were looking for a baker! I immediately applied, sent resume, cover letter and portfolio. 

I'm proud to say that I have landed a position as a baker at Kara's Cupcake at Napa's Oxbow Market. I am so thrilled and excited to start this new journey.

My initial experience last April at Kara's Cupcakes jump started my forever internal desire to go to Culinary School. If I had never gone that night to pick up a cupcake who knew if I would be at this stage right now. I am really grateful for this "Full Circle" opportunity and opportunity to work for the best Cupcake Bakery in the Bay Area. I love what the company stands for- Organic, natural, local, sustainable ingredients and materials that are low impact on the environment.  

I couldn't be any happier right now and I hope that everyone is happy for me as well! Thank you for everyone who as always stood by me and believed in me. I truly appreciate it. 

With Love,

Adriana