Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Dueñas.
Hi Gina; I am so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
In 2015, I decided I was ready to pursue baking more professionally, and Dolce was officially born. I have a full-time career in tech, and Dolce is my passion. I started baking on an order basis and joined the farmers’ market in 2018 and 2019. I love participating in pop-up events and markets. In the fall of 2020, The Dolce Terra Shop was officially launched. The shop is focused on apparel items that are designed and made in-house. You can find food-inspired goods for adults, babies, and toddlers. I’m looking forward to joining the SFC Farmers’ Market in January, continuing to participate in pop-up events and other markets, and releasing some new shop products in the coming months.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far, would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
One of the biggest struggles is balancing my full-time career, life, and Dolce. Due to this, I work on Dolce in seasons, at times with much focus, and others on a hiatus, at times somewhere in between. Although this is a struggle, having a business is also a beauty.
As you know, we’re big fans of Dolce Terra. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
Dolce Terra is a small-batch, artisan home bakery. Dolce Terra, meaning sweet earth, came from my love for desserts and appreciation of nature. Local and organic ingredients are a focus, as well as eco-friendly packaging when possible. At the heart of Dolce is a passion for creating desserts and an experience. It’s so fulfilling seeing someone wow-ed by what I made and the experience that it contributes to for them. Dolce cake design is focused on a love for simple awe – fresh florals, accents that highlight ingredients, and a final aesthetic with a vibe. Statement cakes and desserts are my passion. Sans gluten is my specialty. Although the baked goods are gluten-free, you would never know it. The cakes and breakfast breads are ultra-moist and flavorful. Cookies are everything that you would expect them to be: soft, decadent, and comforting. The Dolce favorites include chocolate cake, coconut bread, carrot cake, and cassava flour chocolate chip cookies. There is great attention to detail when it comes to selecting ingredients, designing a recipe or dessert, and packaging it, as well as to all of the things in between and outside of that when it comes to Dolce. This can be seen in the final product and adds to the customer experience and impression.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love that Austin is so inclusive and has an abundance of food and outdoor activities, as well as music. Also, it’s incredibly pet-friendly here. There’s not much I don’t like about our city, but traffic is one of my least favorite things.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thedolceterra.com
- Instagram: @dolce.terra
- Facebook: @dolceterraATX
Image Credits
Single Family Photo – Julie Wilhite Photography
8 Business Photos – Dolce Terra
