We had the good fortune of connecting with Niria Egurrola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Niria, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a career in things that I am passionate in doing on a daily basis which lead me to culinary arts. After quarantine however, I became intolerant to restaurant culture and left due to my mental health. That lead me to more painting and teaching elementary drawing. Today I’m combining my creative passions into one business, Tasteful Harmony: custome cakes, baked good, original art/prints & greeting cards. This allows me to work from home and take care of myself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is not only my drawings & paintings, but I also consider it as my cakes and cookies.

As far as painting goes, I paint lot of vibrant desert sunsets over mountain ranges, both with acrylic and watercolor, but I experiment with abstract acrylic on canvas often and I’m currently working on a sacred geometry series that I’m very excited for.

In baking: I decorate royal icing cookies. I decorate custom cakes with buttercream (all made from scratch), fondant & mirrorglaze (the paint pouring of culinary arts).

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well I would start off by hosting a dinner party all made from scratch, being me and all. I would arrange at least one early morning hike, to either Sabino Canyon, Madera Canyon or Picacho Peak. We definitely have to have brunch at the Bisbee Breakfast Club. Eating at Rollies is also a must in Tucson! Take a stroll through 4th Ave. and Congress street, check out the shops. Maybe check out a show at the FOX theater or the Rialto. Definitely make time to go out for drinks at Hotel Congress and see what events they got going on. If it’s season, check out a Knife Fight (chef competition) at Charro Steak. See some art at the Steinfeld warehouse, Untitled Gallery, & GALLERY, Tucson Art Museum, & moca (Museum of Contemporary Art). Maybe take a trip out to the Casino del Sol.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My partner, Kyle Okurily, who told me it’s ok to ask for help; that I don’t have to do everything by myself; and who supports me in every possible way. I wouldn’t have the courage to start a business if it wasn’t for him.

Instagram: @tasteful_harmony @niriaegurrola

Linkedin: Niria Egurrola

Facebook: Niria Egurrola

Image Credits
Image 1. Chef Brian Smith (Maynard’s Kitchen Tucson) & myself at the Arizona Farm & Food Festival (July 2019), picture by Dalice Sheppard

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