Paola Velez Instagram – It’s been a while since I’ve introduced myself to all the new folks following me on this platform!
First, I wanna say, hi! 👋🏽 I’m happy that you’re here!
A few “about me” bullet points:
•I’m First-Generation, Dominican-American
•I’ve won multiple culinary awards, but h*te talking about them!!
•I started working in this industry at 14 years old, and am turning 34 this year.
•I graduated @lecordonbleu_international in 2009
•I believe anyone can bake and cook! You just have to keep practicing.
•I infuse my creations with influences from the African Diaspora. Afro-Latinidad is Latino history.
•I am Pro-workers rights and believe in advocating for a more equitable culinary industry.
•I am publishing a cookbook called Bodega Bakes in the fall (October 1st) with @unionsqandco and preorders are currently live!
•I love to travel with my husband.
•I currently serve as a United States Culinary Diplomat with the State Department.
•I was born and raised in the Bronx, N.Y. But believe that no matter your circumstances we all deserve access to affordable or free higher education, robust afterschool programs for inner city children & higher pay for our public school teachers.
•through @bakersagainstracism I’ve helped thousands of people jump start their businesses across the nation with free resources on how to sell and collect payment online. (and we are the worlds unofficially largest bake sale to date for social justice causes.)
•lastly, I believe that people from all walks of life deserve to have access to free or affordable desserts/pastries. I dream of opening up a culinary studio that can offer goodies on a sliding scale or as a pay it forward model. (Though I don’t think this dream will happen for me anytime soon, I believe that good things come to those who wait.)
So whether you’ve come here because of my upcoming Cookboook, my silly reaction videos, or you find that my content and platform brings you comfort. I’m happy to be in community with you.
#bodegabakes #bakethechange #aboutme #chefpaolavelez #paolavelez #pastryinspiration #latinacreators #daletucreators #introduction #lecordonbleu
Photo credit:
slide 1 – Brian Bills
slide 2 – @h_papi | Posted on 23/Apr/2024 22:23:29
