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Vantastic Sweets

Origin of Vantastic Sweets

Vanda Mendes, the 38-year-old baker behind Vantastic Sweets, started her adventure in Vlaardingen. "In 2020, I got Covid and during my recovery, I picked up an old hobby: baking," Vanda says. What started as a way to fill her days grew into something much bigger. Her sisters encouraged her to share her creations on social media, which led to the founding of Vantastic Sweets in 2021.

Passion for cakes

Vanda has had a love for baking since she was a child. "I like it when people enjoy my creations and feast on them," she says. Decorating cakes is her favorite part of the baking process. "The most fun part is the decorating, the least fun part is the administrative work," she admits honestly.

A self-taught journey

Vanda is a self-taught baker and has learned a lot online. She recently took a course, and she hopes to take more courses in the future, preferably abroad. "Paris, here I come," she says enthusiastically.

Grow as an entrepreneur

Running her own business has brought Vanda a lot. "The development I'm making is great. The people around me see me growing and now I see it too," she says proudly. She appreciates the freedom of entrepreneurship and the opportunity to make her own choices every day.

Challenges in entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship also brings challenges. Vanda experiences that she often doesn't have enough time to do everything she wants. Although she gets help now and then, she arranges most things herself. Her tip for novice bakers? "Do it! It's sometimes difficult and tough, but where there's a will, there's a way."

Favorite baking trends

Vanda loves romantic cakes with fresh flowers and has recently made a lot of bento and vintage heart cakes. "I personally love romantic cakes with fresh flowers," she shares.

Keti Koti

Vanda won the Rotterdam Keti Koti Cake Off with her unique 'Keti Koti Cake'. This sweet, made with coconut milk, cassava, condensed milk, passion fruit, and mango, was chosen by both the public and the jury as the tastiest and most fitting delicacy for Keti Koti. “I thought long and hard about which flavor combinations I wanted to apply to the Keti Koti Cake, because I wanted to honor the celebration of Keti Koti. For example, I used ingredients that the enslaved people actually ate at that time. I am happy that this was recognized by the jury and that I was the winner!”

Importance of Instagram

Instagram plays a crucial role in Vanda's business. "I've grown through Instagram. It's an important source of new customers," she explains. She draws a lot of inspiration and knowledge from the platform and wants to inspire others with her creations.

Packaging: The first impression

For Vanda, the packaging of her products is of great importance. "The first thing the customer sees is the box. So presentation is important," she says. She carefully selects her packaging, paying attention to professional appearance, price, and sturdiness. Her favorite packaging? "I think your cupcake boxes and tall boxes are ideal."

Vision for the future

Vanda dreams of having her own shop, a Cakery, where people can enjoy her cakes and a cup of tea every day. "That would be a dream come true," she concludes with a smile.

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