Meet Erica Abeyta | Bakery Owner & Cake Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Abeyta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, why did you pursue a creative career?
Art has always been a skill and passion of mine. I have a degree in art and always pursued some sort of hobby or job that pertained to the arts. It’s what keeps my soul happy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would consider our art medium a scientific edible sculpture (yes, playing with play doh when I was a kid was valuable). Let me explain. The baked cake relies on the chemistry before, during, and after the baking process in order to provide your taste buds with a satisfying flavor, a likable consistency, and durable canvas to sculpt from. It’s a form of art that can not be duplicated like a photograph; even if you try to create another of its likeness. Though cakes are a big part of my business. We also delight ourselves in baking pastries and breads, lattes, seasonal treats, and breakfast and lunch from our cafe menu. We are known for our breakfast burritos with homemade green chile (we’re originally from southwest Colorado), our subs with freshly baked bread, crepes, and new to our list and a Mexican food delight-Ceviche. We are going on two years of business now on November 1st, 2020. Initially I had the idea to move to the city near my family, save up some many, and eventually open a coffee and pastry shop. (I had worked in the restaurant industry and came from two families that owned restaurants; it’s in the blood I suppose.) This was a great plan I thought, but god had a different version of this plan for me. Overnight, I made the decision to leave my home town, sell my home, and notify my employer, of 12 years, with my 3 month notice. I moved to the city July 2018 and obtained a job 2 weeks later in the accounting world (I enjoy using both sides of my brain). It’s now September 2018, and my uncle and I decided to meet up for breakfast to discuss a family function. He invited me to this cute little bakery, which happened to be just 7 min from where I was currently living. I met him there and though she wasn’t open yet, we decided to wait. We eventually had breakfast and a great conversation. As we were getting ready to leave, I figured this was a great business opportunity and because my uncle new the lady, I had my uncle ask her if she’d be interested in getting together, so I could pick her brain about owning a bakery; as I was interested in opening myself a little one in the future. She owned her business for over 17 years, so I figured it was a great opportunity. Her answer was definitely not what I, or even he, was expecting. She told us she had woken up that morning and decided to put a for sale sign out in the window of her bakery. She had grandchildren she was missing out in spending time with and it was time for her to retire. She said she’d be interested in sitting down with me to see exactly what my plans were and if I felt like the bakery could become a part of that plan. After a week of deciding if this was right for me and the many signs god sent to me (these signs always came when I was on the verge of changing my mind) showing me how much this bakery belonged in mine and my families life, I agreed to her purchasing terms. November 1, 2018 I changed the name and became the owner of Sweets of Inspiration Bakery Cafe. This has been an amazing learning experience in all aspects of the business; which have even carried over into my personal life. I am a forever student in the art of baking and decorating edible art; because growth requires you to be the student. Our name is Sweets of Inspiration, because we want to inspire the world in a positive way through our edible delights, friendly relatable staff, and wonderful environment within the walls of our bakery cafe. We want to add sweetness to your day; one bite, one sip, one smile at a time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Though I’ve only been here two years…Red Rocks Amphitheater (though I haven’t been yet), Ototo Japanese Cuisine, Venice Ristorante, Union Station, Chatfield Reservior.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have been very blessed to have the amazing support of so many. This includes those whom have been in my life all my years, those whom crossed my path in a brief moment, and those whom are new to my life-especially the man in my life Martine Gallegos (a very savvy entrepreneur himself). The constant support system throughout my life has been my mom Karen and kids DeAngelo, Dominique, and Aleece. My mother has taught me to be a hard worker and my kids have taught me to reach for my dreams. In these teachings they have been a constant support as I utilized these tools to obtain my dream of becoming a bakery owner.

Website: www.sweetsofinspiration.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sweetsofinspiration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetsofinspiration/