Today we’d like to introduce you to Ambar Morales.
Hi Ambar, 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?
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico but moved to the US for college. I went to Iowa State University and received a double bachelors in Dietetics and Culinary Food Science. I even finished my Dietetics internship but always knew I wanted to pursue my dream of being my own boss and bake delicious desserts. My dad has always been supportive of my dream and being a small business owner himself, he always pushed me to start my own business. Additionally, my mom and abuelita used to run their own cottage bakeshop and I have learned so much from them throughout the years. Ever since I was a little girl, I would tell my mom that I wanted to be a “bizcochera” [translates to cake baker] just like her. And, even though “bizcochera” is a word I made up as a little girl, this is exactly what I did when I moved to Austin.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been many obstacles, especially since I started my business just two months after moving to Austin. Not knowing anyone in Austin and how the city works, it took so much research and dedication to find what would work for me and my business. I still find it hard to make myself known in the community and grow rapport but what has helped me so far is showing up in the community and supporting other small businesses.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
By Ambar is a luxurious and handmade cottage bakeshop. I specialized in small cakes, cupcakes, French macarons, and seasonal treats with a Latin American twist. At my bakeshop, I value quality, craftsmanship, and flavor. We use the freshest and highest quality ingredients and, when possible, we use local ingredients and materials from Texas. In the community, I’m known for my vanilla passion fruit cupcakes and passion fruit French macarons. I try to bring tropical flavors in the form of American sweets/patisserie. I’m really proud of being able to offer desserts that are as delicious as they look. I love creating beautiful and aesthetic desserts that are delicately balanced in flavor and sweetness. My favorite product to make are my bento cakes, which are small snack cakes that are perfect for 1-2 people. These can be as simple or intricate designed as the client wants but still an affordable little treat, perfect for any occasion.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to support me is by ordering from me, either coming to my pop-ups (schedule available in my Instagram) or ordering custom desserts for any celebration (birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc.). Custom orders can be requested on my website at shopbyambar.com. If you aren’t in a sweet mood, another way to support me is by following me on social media. I love collaborating with local businesses, especially other small businesses, you can contact me at byambarm@gmail.com or message me on my Instagram @byambarm.
Pricing:
- Cupcakes (starting at $3.50/ea)
- French macarons ($3.50/ea, bulk price available)
- Cookies (starting at $3.00/ea)
- Bento cakes (starting at $18+)
- Custom cakes (starting at $75+)
Contact Info:
- Email: byambarm@gmail.com
- Website: shopbyambar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byambarm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byambarbakeshop/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@byambar
Image Credits
All images were taken and belong to Ambar Morales.
