Story & Lesson Highlights with Vimary Delvalle of Summit County

Vimary Delvalle shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Vimary, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts with praising God for another day, then getting my 6-year-old son ready for school while I prepare for my 9-to-5 job. Twice a month, I also attend immunotherapy appointments as part of my recovery from esophageal cancer, which I was diagnosed with earlier this year. Since my surgery in July, I’ve been gradually returning to work and recently re-opening my bakery, KoquiSweet. I dedicate 3 to 4 hours on weekdays and additional hours on Saturdays to baking and managing the business. I enjoy balancing work, family, my passion for baking, and it keeps my days full and meaningful.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I moved to Ohio in 2011 from Puerto Rico, and while helping my mother through her cancer diagnosis, I started working as a Home Health Aide for 10 years. Around that time, I discovered my passion for baking, which led me to start KoquiSweet.

Today, I balance a 9-to-5 job at a nonprofit office helping the community, volunteering as a community leader, and run KoquiSweet, a home-based bakery where every treat is made with care. Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and am still undergoing treatment, but I’ve been able to reopen my bakery and continue pursuing my passion.

Through faith, perseverance, and love for baking, I hope to inspire others to keep moving forward and make the most of every day. KoquiSweet is more than a bakery—it’s a space to share joy, hope, and a little sweetness with the world.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Two moments in my life have profoundly shaped how I see the world today. The first was six years ago, when I gave birth to my son. I had been told I would never be able to have children, so holding him for the first time was nothing short of a miracle. That moment taught me the value of hope, patience, and gratitude it showed me that life can surprise us in the most beautiful ways, and that we should never give up on what we truly desire.

The second moment was my experience with esophageal cancer earlier this year. Facing a serious health challenge, undergoing treatment and surgery, and still learning to balance recovery with work, family, and my bakery, gave me a new perspective on strength, perseverance, and faith. It taught me to cherish every day, to focus on what truly matters, and to approach life with a mindset of resilience and gratitude.

Together, these experiences have shaped me into someone who sees life as precious, who values hope, and who is inspired to make a positive impact through my work, my baking, and my service to the community.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a moment when I almost gave up. Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and I’m still undergoing treatment, including immunotherapy twice a month. Between the treatments, surgery, and the physical and emotional challenges, there were days when I felt like I couldn’t keep going.

But my faith and my son give me the strength to keep fighting. I’ve learned that giving up isn’t an option when there is still meaning to pursue and goals I want to achieve.

This ongoing journey has changed me. It has taught me that strength isn’t about never falling — it’s about standing back up, even when it’s hard. Every cake I bake and every small win with KoquiSweet is a reminder that perseverance, hope, and love can turn even the hardest moments into something meaningful.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the baking industry tells itself is that success comes quickly or that passion alone is enough. Many people see the beautiful finished products on social media or in bakeries and assume it’s easy, glamorous, or instant. The reality is that running a bakery — especially a home-based one like KoquiSweet takes long hours, careful planning, patience, and constant problem-solving.

Another misconception is that small-scale or home bakers can’t compete with larger businesses. I’ve learned that with creativity, quality, and personal connection, a small bakery can stand out and make a real impact in the community.

Finally, the industry sometimes underestimates how much resilience and balance are required — not just in baking, but in managing health, family, and business all at once. My own journey has shown me that perseverance, faith, and dedication are what truly make a bakery succeed.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I would stop spending energy on things that don’t truly matter the stress, the negativity, and trying to please everyone. Life is too short to get caught up in distractions or worries that take away from what really counts: my faith, my family, my passion for baking, and helping my community.

I would focus even more on creating meaningful experiences, inspiring others through KoquiSweet, and cherishing the little moments that make life beautiful. Essentially, I’d make every day count and pour my energy into what brings joy, purpose, and love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://koquisweet.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koquisweets/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koquisweets
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@koquisweet831
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@koquisweet

  https://linqapp.com/koquisweets