The story of Sofia Garassino is that of an Argentine pastry chef who transformed an early passion into a life project that is now flourishing in the United States. She found her path among flours, mixes, and ovens. “The truth is, I always wanted to study or dedicate myself to this. My parents work in IT and they don't really like to cook. So, it was pretty crazy for me to dedicate myself to this field,” she recalled with a laugh in an exclusive interview with La Nacion. Since adolescence, Garassino has been constantly training: she studied professional pastry at the Argentine Institute of Gastronomy (IAG), earned a degree in Gastronomy from UADE, and completed her training with a postgraduate degree in Business Management at UBA. That combination of technique and administration would be one of the pillars of her future business. “Studying was key to my career path (…) Having that professional foundation allows me to take each step with greater knowledge.”

Her time as a teacher and the leap to the United States in 2024

While progressing through university, Sofia decided to gain experience through teaching. She first taught classes at a party supply store in Belgrano, and later became a partner in the project.

Her enthusiasm led her to create a virtual school during the pandemic, where up to 4,000 students enrolled. “I am passionate about teaching and sharing my knowledge,” she expressed.

To promote her courses, she strategically used social media. She published a daily video with tips and basic techniques, which multiplied her reach and her digital community.

“I remember that, by uploading a video every day, my followers increased,” she said. Currently, Sofia Garassino has over 178,000 followers, a following that later proved crucial for her move to the United States. In 2024, Sofia emigrated to the United States with her husband with a clear goal: to open her bakery, “Bari Bake House,” in Orlando. However,The first few months were far from what she expected. “It was very hard,” she admitted. “We felt alone. Until we understood the U.S. system, it was a difficult process. Sales weren't what we expected either. We thought we were going to arrive and be a huge success.” She worked from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., adjusting to a different work culture and a clientele with different tastes. In that process, she discovered that customers were looking for multi-tiered, custom cakes, a more artistic and elaborate style. Her strategy for success in the United States: Digital exposure once again worked in her favor when she began showcasing her designs from the United States. “I think what helped a lot was the exposure on social media. When I uploaded a video of the cakes I made in the United States, I received many inquiries from people who were coming to spend their vacations in the parks,” she explained. Since then, demand has grown steadily. “Little by little, we started building a community here. People began to get to know us, and we had more and more orders. We had a small calendar where we put the order receipts, and one day it blew up. That's when I said, 'This is how you start to see the fruits of your labor.'” After a year of continuous effort, Sofia consolidated her brand among tourists and families who visit Orlando for special celebrations. Her specialty is personalized cakes with princess and castle themes, a very popular detail in the city's theme parks. She currently works from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., four days a week, and also coordinates the monthly delivery of 150 welcome baskets ordered by travel agencies. “Many people come to Orlando to celebrate birthdays in the parks. So, we are the go-to place for those personalized cakes,” she explained.“I received many inquiries from people who were coming to spend their vacations in the parks,” she explained. Since then, demand grew steadily. “Little by little, we started building a community here. People began to get to know us, and we had more and more orders. We had a small calendar where we put the order receipts, and one day it exploded. That's when I said, 'This is how you start to see the fruits of your labor.'” After a year of continuous effort, Sofia consolidated her brand among tourists and families who visit Orlando for special celebrations. Her specialty is personalized cakes with princess and castle themes, a very popular item in the city's parks. She currently works from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., four days a week, and also coordinates the monthly delivery of 150 welcome baskets ordered by travel agencies. “Many people come to Orlando to celebrate birthdays at the parks. So, we are the go-to place for those personalized cakes,” she explained.“I received many inquiries from people who were coming to spend their vacations in the parks,” she explained. Since then, demand grew steadily. “Little by little, we started building a community here. People began to get to know us, and we had more and more orders. We had a small calendar where we put the order receipts, and one day it exploded. That's when I said, 'This is how you start to see the fruits of your labor.'” After a year of continuous effort, Sofia consolidated her brand among tourists and families who visit Orlando for special celebrations. Her specialty is personalized cakes with princess and castle themes, a very popular item in the city's parks. She currently works from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., four days a week, and also coordinates the monthly delivery of 150 welcome baskets ordered by travel agencies. “Many people come to Orlando to celebrate birthdays at the parks. So, we are the go-to place for those personalized cakes,” she explained.