Meet Martina Valeka of Marciella’s Cupcake Bouquets

Today we’d like to introduce you to Martina Valeka. 

Hi Martina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
How I got started is a long story. There were so many chains of events that brought me to this point in my life. You could say I was a troubled teen dealing with a lot at one time. I moved around a lot state to state. So, when it came to school I fell behind. I was in special education until the 11th grade when I dropped out. I returned to finish when I was 20 years old. I took college classes to make up credits to graduate on A, B horror roll. When I graduated, I really didn’t know where or what I wanted to do with my life. I had picked up a job working in a computer repair shop. I learned a lot of office skills. Funny thing was my whole life teachers would tell me I wouldn’t be able to work in an office. One day my grandpa picked me up and dropped me off at central state university. He was determined I go to college and follow in the footsteps of my auntie. She is a successful teacher working for the government overseas. I didn’t even know my major. When I found out it was for working with children. I really didn’t have an interest in working with children at the time. Because my whole teenage life I was always watching my brothers and sister, and never really having a life of my own. So, I just associated children with not having freedom. The very first job I came across was working at Walmart as a cake decorator. I quickly picked up fast on cake decorating because I love working with my hands and I always had an artistic niche. One day I was in the bakery and a lady walks up to me. And She stood in front of my cake case looking at all the cakes. She was holding flowers in her hand. I greeted her and asked her did she need any help or assistance. She said her mother was ill and she wanted to get her something nice but she loves cupcakes and flowers but she couldn’t afford both. My heart sank into my chest. Because I knew that feeling all too well growing up in low-income housing. My mom always made it do what it does with the little that we had. She came up with creative ways for us to have everything we wanted. So, I smiled at the lady and told her to give me a day and see what I can come up with and if you don’t like what I’ve made you, you can still get the flowers tomorrow but if you’d like my cake you can have about the same price. So, she left and the following day she came back and then I had a pink and yellow and white cupcake bouquet for her the very first one I made. The woman was so excited I’ll never forget she jumped up and down. So excited face turned beet red with tears coming out of her eyes, she said it was so beautiful I’ll never forget that day that my cupcake Bouquets got started for me. I only did that one at that time. I left Walmart shortly after. Worked odd jobs and moved around. I worked in retail and warehouse and nothing really stuck for me. So, I ended up moving to Atlanta Ga where I was really looking for a job. However, this time I wanted an office job. I searched indeed like everyone does. Came across a listing for staffing Office Assistants. I read the description and felt that I could do this! Even though I still had the voices of my teachers telling me I couldn’t do office work. I went for it anyway! I even stop applying for other jobs because I knew this was the one. I called and called the office just trying to get an interview and they kept saying they never got my resume. So, I got all dolled up and took myself to the office. My stomach was in knots. I put the biggest smile on my face and spoke to the lady in the office. Needless to say, she gave me the opportunity!! My manager at the time took me under her wings and taught me everything about how to be a professional. Even how to end a good email. I did so well they took me from a temp. To a regular employee, they even paid me $16 hourly more than I have ever been paid at the time! I was so happy and grateful for all the opportunities. I got transferred to Florida because at the time my spouse got a promotion and we jumped on the opportunity. I was working my butt off, but I was just something off with this new office. 

I was not being treated fair and overall everything was off. So, I decided to part ways. Scared because I thought that was my only chance. Who else would take me in and give me a chance like my old boss did. I remember the day after I quit my job. I called my mother and I was so upset and crying. I will never forget she simply said in her most calm voice. “Do your cupcakes”. I then sat for a minute. That night I was watching tv and I went on Facebook marketplace and placed an ad. Don’t you know my phone blew up!!! Order after order came in. I was in a two-bedroom apartment baking day in and day out. I reached out to Instagram Influencers and food critics to review my cupcakes and I have been doing my cupcake bouquets all over. Florida, Georgia, now Ohio! 

I wanted to tell just a little of my story because from my life there is so many lessons to be learned. Never quit! It’s okay not to know what you want to do with your life. Everything always works out for the best no matter where you come from or your educational background! Find something you love and go for it! 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Well, what sticks out the most is the educational restrictions. I thought because I was so behind, I had to just expect what I was told. Through my journey, I had contracted tuberculosis. All while still being 16. Later in life, I was really dealing with my sexuality. I came out to friends and family as a lesbian. In my adulthood, I had to deal with a divorce and homelessness. Losing people that were really close to me and just starting my whole life over. As they say, my story has many chapters. However, the chapter I’m currently on brings so much joy and happiness. 

We’ve been impressed with Marciella’s Cupcake Bouquets, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Marciella’s cupcake bouquets offer cupcake delivery service. We Incorporate real flowers with cupcakes giving each cupcake bouquet its own original design. There are no two arrangements that are alike. Every bouquet is hand-blended. We are vegan-friendly. Nut-free, soy-free, egg-free, and dairy-free. With all that, our cupcakes are packed full of flavor and are super moist. 

Any big plans?
We are currently working on opening branches all over the US. And working on a way to ship out bouquets nationwide 

Pricing:

• 7ct $40
• 12ct $52
• 18ct $65
• 24ct 72

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Marciellascb333
• Facebook: Marciella’s cupcake bouquets