Over the years, I've made plenty of cakes and treats for birthdays and family occasions. But, my plan to go to college will open up more opportunities in baking by learning to make and decorate new pastries and bread. My passion started when an older woman in my apartment building asked me for a slice of cake I made. I just started to learn how to bake, so I was scared of her reaction when I first gave it to her, but she said, "Umm, this tastes good, and the cake is soft." Then she asked if I sold treats and since then, I've invested in my baking skills and started handing out treat samples to my family and classmates to taste test. When I realized where I could go with this skill, I started making cereal-inspired cakes, cookies, brownies, breads, pretzels, donuts, and pancakes at any given time. I received lots of great feedback on my baking and my family even suggested that I bring different baked goods to our family events. After about two years of family supporting me, my mom told me I should start selling treats since my baked goods became popular. My business, It's So Sweet was born and has been operating for about four years. My family has also invested in business and supported my events. During this process, I've felt self-doubt during my planning time… I thought about my passion and ambitions, yet didn't know how to accomplish them. Finding resources to start a new business, or what audience I was targeting to support my business financially was a struggle. I managed to create a marketing brand and clientele while putting in hard work, and investing time, and money into my passion. During my high school years, I gained excellent communication skills, from speaking to various people and speaking in front of the class for presentations. As a result, I've catered weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, treats for prom, school events, pop-up shops, and many other events. My business has been amazing so far. I let my creativity and passion for baking and food lead the way as I have learned various skills from reading recipes, trial and error, and creating my own. I have used my Chemistry, and Algebra classes to help improve my memorization of measurements, accuracy, and recipes while I bake. These classes are the basis of my business and with these, I can achieve great desserts for my consumers. After my college experiences, I plan to own a Dessert/ Food Truck because I want to sell breakfast, treats and travel the world to see new places and meet new people while doing what I love. Later on in my life, I plan to settle down back home and open a bakery. As you walk into my bakery, you'll smell the sweet and savory scents that will make you smile and want to order everything on the menu. My bakery will be similar to the Krispy Kreme franchise, where customers, especially children can watch the bakers make our specialty treats. My goal is to have children come in after school every day for the inviting, interactive, and bright environment we would offer at It’s So Sweet. "No matter what the recipe, any baker can do wonders in the kitchen with some good ingredients and an upbeat attitude!" - Buddy Valastro