Ecuador.  I’m Erika Calle Ortiz, I’m 36 years old, I live in Quito, Ecuador. I want to share with you that this dream of entrepreneurship in the world of pastry began about 5 years ago.  It started as a hobby and when I realized that I was passionate about it I decided to study in a creative pastry school. In April 2019 I graduated as a Pastry Chef and Cake Designer at the Bakery School here in Quito with the endorsement of the Chef’s Association of Ecuador. 

After a while I started to offer my desserts and cakes, trying to balance my life as a young mother, wife and entrepreneur. It has not been nor is it as easy as I thought since I have had to fight to believe and trust much more in myself and what I can achieve. In spite of certain obstacles I have not stopped moving forward, trusting in God; it was then that I found the opportunity to study this MBS course thanks to Sister Rocio Lizano from my stake. This course has impacted my life in an incredible way since each class encouraged me to continue with this baking path. I learned in an almost simple way how I could find out if I really generate losses or profits in my business. Keeping order and control in my costs has saved me headaches and the coolest thing is that I can pay myself a commission. I try to keep that order to record my sales and expenses; I have learned to reinvest in raw materials and supplies and to be always ready to order my products. 

In fact, I have been able to buy courses where I am specializing more in different branches of pastry, molding figures, etc. and I am very happy. I recommend that people who follow this course have patience and faith in the Lord and in themselves so that they can achieve success in their lives.