Meet Mariah Manuelito | Indigenous Baker & Decorator

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

Hi Mariah, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up food was definitely a symbol of love, the women in our family would cook big meals and make sure every mouth was fed. Knowing that food could have that type of impact on a person I knew I wanted to pursue a career in that industry. As I learned and took courses I realized my creativity was better suited for the baking & pastry world. My brain needed to be reassured that my product would come out perfectly which is what swayed me away from culinary arts. Having recipes and specific techniques eased my mind and allowed me to paint my blank canvas. I also realized that I have quite a bit of patience and love for detail. Once my product is done it makes me happy seeing the excitement in my guest’s face at pickup. Not only do they get to enjoy the outer beauty but also the creativeness and flavor I built on the inside.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What I’m most proud of is that I’m actually doing it. There are internal and external forces that I can listen to and not do any of this. The excuses and self doubt can overpower my motivation which can keep me from doing what I know I should do. There will always be outsiders or outside issues that can keep me from being successful. That’s why I am proud of myself for taking the initiative and being motivated to continue to do it. I’m excited about all of the possibilities that are open to me, I can either continue operating on this track or dive into a bigger venture. Growing and developing in this industry has taught me a lot. There were influential employers and not so great employers, I took pieces from each one to know how I want to be and what to stay away from. There were early 2am shifts with unappreciative bosses that tracked my outside activities when I needed time off. Then there were chefs that saw how certain shifts didn’t suit my personality and switched me immediately. I would like everyone to know that I’m pursuing my dreams, it’s not as fast as how others have done it but it’s happening. I’m also willing to help anyone who needs it, I don’t know everything but I can share what I do know.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
No matter where I travel I always miss Phoenix, Chandler, Ahwatukee. I’m a very simple person and would show them around the common areas that I go to, my current neighborhood is Ahwatukee but it’s not far from home in Chandler. It’s always necessary to go to all of our homes and visit and pickup whoever wants to head to the next place. Next is just finding a spot that can seat all of us and suit everyone’s palettes. Then depending on what movie is showing we head to either Harkins Theatres, AMC Theatres and a new one is Look Cinemas that is a dine-in experience. Any visitors that come into town are there to spend time with us and not looking for big adventures, it’s mostly family time.

For some fun food experiences there is Origami Ramen down the street from me that has extremely good Ramen.

For those who would like a healthier diet then I would introduce them to where I work, True Food Kitchen. The food is flavorful and filling without feeling bloated afterwards.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My educational journey with Johnson & Wales University has been a major contribution to my baking & pastry/entrepreneurial career. The tools and techniques that I received at the university is the foundation to whatever I do.

Of course my family is my main support and driving force to my entrepreneurial pursuits. My mom and my sisters have always been there to cheer me on and offer advice. There were moments when my dad had his hesitation into my dreams but didn’t falter when I needed financial support. My extended family doesn’t see it as my own dream but theirs as well. My mom, sisters, aunts and uncles will advertise, sell and bake along with me to accomplish my goals.

I have a full time IT job and I have to admit I wouldn’t be where I am without my current team. My superiors and coworkers don’t hold me back even though I may not come into the office to sell at a market. They are very experienced in the industry and offer many opinions to succeed. I’m extremely grateful for their support and knowledge.

Instagram: @mariahthebaker

Facebook: Mariah the Baker

Other: Tiktok: @mariahthebaker

Image Credits
Photographer: Hannah Manuelito/Hannah Manuelito Photography