Today we’d like to introduce you to Anavel (Annie) Soza.
Hi Anavel (Annie), it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey with baking began at a very young age. As a little girl, I loved being in the kitchen—getting my hands dirty with frosting and creating treats that brought smiles to people’s faces. That passion has stayed with me throughout my life.
Professionally, I’ve built a 25-year career as an administrator and accountant, which I continue full time. Those roles strengthened my organizational skills, discipline, and business management abilities. Baking has always been my creative outlet, so alongside my career, I continued developing my skills and serving clients through my custom homemade cakes, decorated cookies, cupcakes, dessert table sweets, and handcrafted sugar flowers for wedding cakes.
I currently operate without a storefront. All orders are placed online or by phone, with a preferred lead time of two to three weeks for custom orders and two to three months for wedding cakes.
I’ve learned to successfully balance both careers, and I truly enjoy doing so. I’m a traditional Latina woman raised with strong values, discipline, and respect for hard work—principles that guide both my professional life and my business. Being an only child taught me to deeply value my parents’ sacrifices, and today I carry those lessons as a proud mother of two wonderful boys.
In 2018, I moved from Miami to North Carolina with many dreams and goals. I’m proud to say that several of those goals have been fulfilled, and I continue working toward the next ones. I’m grateful for my family, my journey, and the opportunity to grow every day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey hasn’t been easy. One of my biggest challenges since moving from Miami has been building a new clientele and making my business visible to future customers in a new market. Starting over required patience, consistency, and learning how to promote my work more effectively.
Another major challenge has been developing greater self-confidence. However, as I built a stronger structure for my business—through organization, planning, and consistency—I began to truly trust my talent. That confidence now reflects in my work, my communication, and the way I present my brand. When I believe in what I create, it becomes easier for my customers to believe in it as well.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Professionally, I’ve built a 25-year career as an administrator and accountant, and human resources which I continue working full time.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next five to ten years, I see the baking industry continuing to grow toward highly personalized and shareable desserts, with even stronger online engagement through social media and digital ordering. At the same time, local sourcing and community-focused businesses will become increasingly important, as customers want to support brands that are authentic, responsible, and connected to their communities.
Personally, I see myself growing alongside these changes. My long-term vision is to open my own Sweet Delights cake boutique, while also creating a Sweet Delights Therapy School—a space where baking can be used as a creative and therapeutic tool for children with special needs and for single mothers seeking skills and opportunities to build a better life for their families.
I believe the future of this industry is not only about beautiful desserts, but also about impact, connection, and purpose, and that’s the direction I’m working toward.
Pricing:
- Wedding cakes start $5.25 – $10.00 per person all depends on design and complexity, Final price is based on Flavor selection, decoration details and event requirement
- Decorated cookies, cupcakes and cakepops are usually price by the dozen $35 – $60
- Rice Krispies $35 – $60 depending on design
- Mini Flans $45 per Dozen
- Cake in the cup shots $45 – $65 per dozen
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sweetdelightsbyannie.com
- Instagram: @sweetdelightsbyannie
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/SweetDelightsByAnnie
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@sweetdelightsbyannie
