Today we’d like to introduce you to Karisa Mendez Orr.
Hi Karisa, 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?
I’ve dreamed of owning a bakery for as long as I can remember. It combines everything I love: food, celebrations, creativity, and bringing people joy. Baking just happens to be the sweetest way I get to do all of that.
I studied Hospitality Management at Grand Valley State University with a focus on Food and Beverage. While working at the same restaurant throughout college, I fell in love with creating memorable experiences for guests. I loved it so much that I needed to learn even more. I later attended the International Culinary Arts School at The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. The passion I gained stayed with me and shaped everything I do today. I knew then, in some way, this would become my life’s work. Now, today here I am turning that dream into something meaningful every day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Purchasing the bakery was one of the most exciting and chaotic times of my life. I was pregnant with twins and had been a stay-at-home mom to my first child, so stepping into ownership meant shifting overnight into a full-time business owner and soon-to-be mom of three. The transition was fast, intense, and emotional.
In fact, I signed the closing paperwork for the bakery while unknowingly in labor. Hours later I was holding two newborns and the keys to my new business! Talk about a major life moment!
The months that followed were a whirlwind of sleepless nights, learning curves, and balancing feedings with frosting! It was not easy, but what kept me going was the vision I had for the bakery and the future I wanted to build for my family. It has taken a lot of late nights and leaning on the support of others (mainly my very patient husband) but I would not trade the chaos for anything.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
DreamScape Desserts was originally founded in 2010 as an in-home operation focused on custom cakes and cupcakes for mainly weddings. The original owner poured her heart into growing the business, first by moving into a commercial kitchen, then eventually opening a full retail storefront. Through years of dedication, she built a loyal customer base by delivering not just beautiful desserts, but unforgettable experiences.
Like many businesses, 2020 brought big changes, especially with weddings, which had always been such a huge part of the bakery’s success. As the world shifted, so did the business, and more than a decade of hard work, the owner made the bittersweet decision to sell. Lucky for me – that’s where I came in!
Since then, we have built on the incredible foundation that was already in place, keeping most of the amazing original team and expanding our offerings. We have added sugar cookie decorating classes, and so many additional amazing desserts to our menu, and have even started shipping them around the country. It has been a wild ride, and I like to think we are just getting started!
I believe every chef and bakery owner brings their own unique style to the table – and that is exactly what sets us apart. Our team has so much heart and passion for everything we do. I am most proud of the connection we build with customers. We love watching families grow over time and even saying to one another things such as “Wow, Tatum is turning 6 already!”.
Whether someone stops in for a single cupcake while out shopping or we are helping a couple plan their dream wedding cake, were focused on one thing: creating an unforgettable experience. That is what fuels our work every day.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was definitely a dreamer. I had a close-knit circle of friends, kept things low-key, and didn’t need to be a part of a big crowd to feel content. I liked imagining big things, even if I wasn’t quite sure how they would happen yet.
Once I got to college, something shifted. I found my voice and it was loud! I became the girl who wanted to be heard, who shared her stories with anyone who would listen, and who wasn’t afraid to take up space. I started chasing my dreams with purpose, soaking up life through experiences more than textbooks. I have always loved a good challenge and a little bit of risk, especially if it came with a good story to tell afterward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dreamscapedesserts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamscape.desserts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamScapeDesserts
