NoLees Custom Cakes Shop

Hi! My name is Noelia Mercado. I am the founder and owner of NoLees Custom Cakes.

I have baked over a thousand cakes and transformed over a hundred of special events with my cakes. I had my daughter at 22 years old and that was not going to stop me or slow me down. On the contrary, that pushed me. I have worked hard to make the name I have created for myself in the self-taught cake baking industry, making cakes for well known local people. These great entrepreneurs have helped in making my name well known. Just as they have supported me, I am asking for the rest of the lovers of cakes and art to continue to read my story and learn about my passion.

I have learned how to succeed as an entrepreneur, both, as a young and single mother and now as the working mother of a very active and spunky 6 year old daughter. Entrepreneurship, just like motherhood, is not a 9-5 job. Some days I stay up until 3 am finishing orders and then be up early with my daughter the next day to bring her to school.

Being my own boss gives me the flexibility of having my daughter not only support me but also work side by side with me. I love being able to teach my daughter my passion and watching the smile on her face while doing so. Because of that, there is more heart and passion in every bite.

How it all started:

I started baking when I was in high school, as a hobby. I baked a cake for my friend and after that I was coined as the "cake" person at my high-school. I would make cakes for friends and friend's of friends. I enjoy making people happy and creating a masterpiece to bring joy and flavorful bursts. I never thought my hobby was going to be what I wanted as my business and what I would be doing in my adult years.

A year after high school, a friend contacted me to make a cake for their special event. I was extremely nervous but nonetheless, excited. That cake order LITERALLY bloomed and grew into what we now know as, NoLees Custom Cakes.

In 2017 I took a 2 year break from making cakes as it became too overwhelming as a single mother. It is a passion of mine and I knew it was something I did not want to give up on. In 2019, I decided I wanted to get back to creating art via baking. When the pandemic hit, I was nervous, assuming no cakes would be needed or ordered. By surprise, I received so much love and support. The orders were flooding, and even creating traffic. It was non-stop. I have been blessed and I could not be more grateful.

My perspective regarding baking as a hobby has changed. I want this to be my primary role, and as a result, my baking space needs to expand. I have been given an opportunity that will align with this vision. It is something I have dreamed about.  This opportunity will give me the opportunity to grow my business, get more creative with designs and expand services, such as baking classes

My dream has always been to have my own bakery. I want to be able to pass this down to my daughter and for my generations to come.

Allocation of Funds:

The bake shop that is available to me is fully equipped to begin my work.

Although the equipment is there, I do have to purchase the equipment.

Gofundme funds will go towards;

Equipment: refrigeration, mixers, ovens etc.

Renovations: security system, paint, new signage, customizing the space for NoLees.

Labor + Materials: Paint, hiring help to help with all renovations.

If the goal is exceeded, the extra funds will go towards hiring staff and a start on rent and utilities. Funds will also go towards a more appropriate vehicle to accommodate the increased deliveries and more intricate cake designs.

The creation of this took a lot of thought, a lot of sleepless nights and a lot of reminders of self-love. I had to convince myself that it is O.K - I know we are all so busy with our own jobs and lives. Now, we have that added layer of dealing with COVID-19 challenges. What I realized is that not asking for help is a sure way to burn yourself out completely. As a future new business owner, I will find myself in a bind of some sort at some point. My business is my baby, and of course we want the best for our babies, so it is scary that I was going to involve the outside.

This is me in a very VULNERABLE state and I am reaching out to all who love my craft, support my business, have tasted my art, have been part of this journey, and those who just appreciate art through baking. Your help in making this dream come to life is greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

-NoLees Custom Cakes