Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Tinio.
Hi Katrina, 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?
It all started with my love for baking at home. Growing up in the Philippines, food has always been at the heart of family gatherings, celebrations, and traditions. As a Filipino, cooking and baking were ways to show love and bring people together. I found joy in creating desserts for my family and friends, and over time, I realized how much happiness it brought not only to them but to me as well. Eventually, I decided to turn my passion into something more and started my own small home bakery.
The journey has had its challenges, figuring out the right recipes, understanding customer preferences, and managing orders while maintaining quality. But one of the most memorable milestones was completing my first custom cake order. That was a turning point for me, giving me the confidence to take on unique requests and create something truly special.
Today, my business is growing steadily, and I focus on bringing creativity and satisfaction to every customer. I love that each cake I make tells a story and reflects a piece of my Filipino roots. Whether it’s incorporating familiar flavors or adding a cultural twist, I’m excited to share the love and warmth of Filipino food through every creation. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road for Pippa’s Homebakery. In the beginning, I struggled with finding the balance, perfecting recipes, sourcing ingredients, and managing orders, all while trying to maintain high quality. It was especially challenging when deadlines were tight, and I was doing everything on my own. As a Filipino, I’ve always believed in the importance of family and community, and I felt like I was carrying all the weight myself at times.
One of the hardest parts was learning to trust myself. I’d constantly second-guess whether my cakes were good enough or if people would actually love them. Pricing was another tough challenge, I didn’t want to undervalue my work, but I also wanted to make my creations accessible to my customers. Growing up with Filipino hospitality, I knew that food isn’t just about taste—it’s about sharing love, memories, and creating moments of joy for others.
Looking back, every challenge taught me something important. It wasn’t easy, but those moments pushed me to grow and improve. Seeing people enjoy what I create, it makes everything worth it, and it reminds me of why I started this journey in the first place.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Pippa’s Homebakery is my little slice of happiness that I get to share with others. It all started in my kitchen with a love for baking and a dream of making desserts that don’t just taste amazing but also make people smile. I specialize in Filipino desserts, custom cakes and sweet treats for any occasion, birthdays, weddings, or even those “just because” moments.
What makes my bakery special? It’s the personal touch, and of course, my signature Ube Caramel Cake! I love getting to know my customers and turning their ideas into cakes that are as unique as they are. Each order feels like a collaboration, and I take pride in adding a little Filipino flavor into every creation. One of my favorites to make is the Ube Caramel Cake, it’s a very light and fluffy cake with just the right sweetness of the caramel, it’s simply delicious. Seeing my customers’ excitement when they receive their cakes, especially the Ube Caramel one, is honestly the best part of my job. It’s not just about baking; it’s about creating something that brings joy and a taste of home.
I’m especially proud of how my cakes have become part of so many special memories. It’s a little surreal to think that something I created gets to be at the center of someone’s celebration, it’s honestly the coolest feeling.
At Pippa’s Homebakery, everything is made with love, creativity, and a sprinkle of fun. Let me help make your special moments a little sweeter (and tastier)!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the amazing people who’ve supported me along the way. First and foremost, to my very supportive husband Jon and my two beautiful kids, Xavi and Pippa—they have been my biggest cheerleaders. They’re my very first taste testers (and toughest critics!). To my friends, who encouraged me to take this passion seriously, their honest feedback and endless support gave me the confidence to start Pippa’s Homebakery.
I also owe so much to my early clients, the ones who trusted me with their special moments even when I was just starting out. They believed in my work and helped spread the word about my business. Their excitement and love for what I created made me want to keep pushing myself to do better.
And, of course, shoutout to all the bakers and creators I’ve learned from along the way, whether through tutorials, workshops, or just scrolling online for inspiration. They’ve taught me so much and reminded me that there’s always room to grow. And lastly to my fellow Filipinos, both living overseas and back home, you are one of my biggest inspirations. I want to share a little piece of our rich culture through my creations.
Honestly, Pippa’s Homebakery is a team effort, even if it’s just me in the kitchen. I’m beyond grateful for everyone who’s cheered me on, they’re the secret ingredient to everything I create!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pippas_homebakery/profilecard/?igsh=MXZnenU0eHlmemR0NA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/4yiKU38VGK25acb6/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Kelly Zhu for the personal photo of me during Lunar New Year
