Johanna Diaz always had a sweet tooth and a love for bread. Baking and enjoying desserts made her happy, but she started to wonder if she could still enjoy those treats in a healthier way. That’s when her cousin, a chef and CrossFit instructor, shared a few recipes made with more natural ingredients. This simple step made her curious and she began to experiment in the kitchen, making desserts that were not only tasty but also healthy.
As time went by, Johanna began changing her own diet and fully embraced this new lifestyle. Her desserts stand out because they are gluten-free, preservative-free and made with wholesome flours like almond and plantain. At first, she only shared them with her family and friends, but the response was so positive that she started to see the potential of turning her passion into something bigger.
Johanna has a background in fashion design and that shows in the appearance of her desserts. The attention to detail, color, and presentation from her design training is now part of every creation she makes. For Johanna, food is an experience and she believes eating healthy should also be beautiful and creative.
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With this vision in mind, she reached out to the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas to learn how to start her business, identify her niche market, and give shape to her project. Her business consultant Carolina Mejia provided the expertise that helped her organize her ideas, set boundaries, establish goals, and move forward with more confidence.
“Carolina has served me as a guide, she has been my mentor to take me on the best path, not only giving meaning to the smallest detail and helping me focus on my vision, but also collaborating with me on every question I have had so far,” said Johanna. “I am infinitely grateful for her support and grateful that she gives the value and importance that I have given to my project so far.”
Today her brand, Amore Bites, is about more than just desserts. Johanna wants it to be remembered for the joy and special moments it creates. She dreams of Amore Bites becoming a name that people associate with pleasure, celebration, and experiences worth sharing.
Author: Carolina Mejia