Viola's Patisserie
Viola's passion for healthy pastries
Viola Cennini (38) from Waalre is a pastry chef, director, wife & mother of three beautiful girls, including three-year-old twins. Viola is not just any baker. With her pastry shop in Eindhoven, Viola's Patisserie, she not only bakes the most delicious cakes and macarons, she also advocates for healthier pastries. This spotlight focuses on Viola's story, from her inspiration to her dreams for the future.
Fascinated by baking from an early age
"I've been baking since I was little," says Viola. "I used to stand on my mother's counter, watching and helping out." In 2016, she took the step to turn her passion into a career. She followed a professional pastry training and started Viola's Patisserie from home. Two years later, she opened her own business in Eindhoven.
Viola's motivation was clear: "I wanted to give my children and everyone the option to choose healthier pastries." This is reflected in her creations: sugar-free macarons, gluten-free cakes and other treats that fit a healthy lifestyle.
Creative freedom and satisfaction
Viola clearly enjoys her work. "Baking gives me peace," she says. "And I can use all my creativity in developing my own recipes and unique products." Contact with her customers is very important. "I get the most satisfaction from their reactions. If they enjoy a cake without sugar or egg, that is of course absolutely wonderful."
The past few years have not always been sunshine and roses. "Entrepreneurship is not always easy," Viola admits. "But I like to focus on the positive. You can see that in the atmosphere of Viola's Patisserie."
Doing business with a smile
Besides baking, Viola enjoys learning about nutrition, the human body and entrepreneurship. She takes courses to continue developing her skills and enjoys exchanging knowledge with other pastry chefs.
The best thing about being an entrepreneur? Viola laughs. "Eating unlimited cake! But also: the freedom to do my own thing and make others happy with my creations."
The biggest challenge? “Keeping costs under control,” Viola answers without hesitation.
Tips for novice bakers
For bakers who dream of starting their own business, Viola has valuable tips: "Be yourself. Find your passion and what you are good at. Don't look to others for success, but create your own success. And please bake healthier!"
Trends and Instagram: essential in the baking world
Two trends Viola embraces are the increasing demand for healthier options and the power of social media. "I am very excited that more and more bakers are choosing healthy alternatives," she says. "At the same time, I think the unhealthy Crompouce is a trend I would rather see disappear."
On Instagram, Viola has been sharing her passion with the world for years. "The interaction with my followers is very nice and I get a lot of customers from it."
Packaging: the finishing touch
The appearance of products is of great importance to Viola. "The packaging is the finishing touch," she emphasizes. When choosing packaging, she pays attention to three important criteria: price, sustainability and quality.
Dreams for the future
Viola's dream is clear: "I want Viola's Patisserie to be accessible to everyone. Healthy pastries should not be a luxury, but something everyone can enjoy." With her creativity, passion and drive, Viola will undoubtedly make that dream come true.
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