Hands On Sweets is somewhat new to the Tampa scene when it comes to all things confection, but we are here to tell you that this is one vendor who provides a drop-dead-gorgeous presentation! Professional, personable and committed to detail, Chef Marie provides our clients with a five-start customer experience and “woo”s clients by her immaculate presentation, beautiful truffles and down-right delicious cakes and confections. She is every client’s dream: Organized, responsive, creative and uber talented!
Name: Chef Marie Martinez
Business Name: Hands on Sweets
Hails from: Puerto Rico
How long have you served the Tampa Bay Market? 1 ½ years
How long have you been a Pastry Chef/Baker? 3 years
What do you love most about the work you do? I love baking but I absolutely adore designing and decorating wedding cakes. It is a special day and I have the privilege of designing their dream cake. It is amazing how a relationship is built after all the sweet talk with the bride and groom. Having that final product finished and delivered is probably the best feeling in the world!
What was your most memorable cake? The most memorable cake has to be our own wedding cake since it was a challenge to make, deliver and still be on time to get married! It was a cake that Carlos and I designed and it was probably the most difficult cake to make.
Apart from that I think the first wedding cake I made back in Puerto Rico just because someone gave me the opportunity to start this journey.
What area, if any, would you say is your specialty? I would say our specialty is wedding cakes but it is difficult. Custom cakes are probably what I feel totally comfortable in doing and no matter the cake, it always gets me excited to make it. We tend to make simple, elegant and modern cakes that have an art deco feel to it.
If you could offer one piece of advice to every bride, what would it be? Book in advance, feel free to ask questions and keep it simple, elegant and tasty. After all it is probably the most important cake you will ever have.
Why do you love working with Event Design? The team at Event Design are among the most organized designers I have ever worked with! They are a breeze to communicate with, clear in their needs and interests, and a cinch to work with! When we work with Event Design, the event is truly collaborative – we are two partners working together to make the couples’ day magical. Our clients have total peace of mind when they work with Event Design. Amazing work every single time!