How The Sugar Connection, a Boston-Based Cake Decorating Business, Grew from a Kitchen Startup into a Local Mainstay

BOSTON, Mass., May 2, 2025 — When I first launched The Sugar Connection, I had no idea just how much one decision could change my life. What started out of necessity — during a global pandemic while pregnant with my second daughter — has blossomed into a growing business rooted in creativity, connection, and community.

After years in the culinary industry, including earning my Baking and Pastry Arts degree from Johnson & Wales University and working at iconic venues like Fenway Park, I found myself at a crossroads in 2020. With the world shut down, a lead pastry position lost, and a young family to support, I decided to turn my passion into my purpose. I began baking from my small apartment kitchen, finding comfort in creativity during an uncertain time.

But I didn’t just want to sell cakes — I wanted to build experiences. I realized there was a gap in the market for fun, approachable, and community-centered baking events. That’s when The Sugar Connection was truly born — a pop-up cake decorating business designed to bring people together through hands-on, joy-filled classes. Our tagline — Create. Connect. Inspire. — reflects exactly what we strive to do at every event.

Launching a business in the middle of a pandemic wasn’t easy. I homeschooled my oldest daughter during the day and spent nights developing recipes, sourcing supplies, and promoting events on social media with very little budget. Every ticket sale, every event attendee, and every piece of media coverage (including recent features on WBZ, CBS, 7News Boston, MassLive, and Boston Uncovered) has been a milestone that reminded me why I started.

Today, The Sugar Connection hosts pop-up cake decorating classes across the Boston area, bringing groups together to celebrate creativity. Our events are designed for everyone — from beginners to budding bakers — and are centered on building confidence, community, and a love for the craft.

As a Latina entrepreneur, it’s also been incredibly important for me to create spaces that feel welcoming, inclusive, and empowering. I believe food — and creativity — have a unique power to connect people, and I am proud to build a business that reflects those values.

We’re still a growing company, working toward expanding our class offerings, collaborating with local businesses, and eventually hopefully opening a physical space. Every step of the journey has been a reminder that resilience, passion, and a willingness to start small can lead to something truly meaningful.

The Sugar Connection is more than just cake — it’s about creating memories, building community, and inspiring others to believe that no dream is too small to rise.

To learn more, visit www.thesugarconnectionbakeshop.com or follow us on Instagram @thesugarconnectionbakeshop.

We’re still a growing company, working toward expanding our class offerings, collaborating with local businesses, and eventually hopefully opening a physical space. Every step of the journey has been a reminder that resilience, passion, and a willingness to start small can lead to something truly meaningful.