We all associate sweet treats with celebration. Each one of us marked our birthdays over the years with a centrepiece candle-studded cake, no wedding is complete without a towering baked offering and special meals more often, ends on a sweet note. While catering to locals, visitors, and the destination wedding traveller, VI Life&Style Magazine sat down with young entrepreneur Delrosa S. Hillhouse, owner of Delrosa’s Cake Boutique in Virgin Gorda, who puts her all into ensuring these occasions become sweet whimsical memories.
Delrosa S. Hillhouse
L&S: What exactly is your job title? Baker, Cake Decorator, Pastry Chef, or all the above?
I would say all the above.
L&S: What inspired you to choose this career path?
I grew up in a family where I am surrounded by bakers. From my grandmother, aunts, great- aunt and cousins. It also allows me to express myself artistically.
L&S: How long have you been in business and what qualification do you have?
I have a degree in confectionary arts from Bonnie Gordon College in Toronto, Canada. I am also a Pastry Chef at Rosewood (Little Dix Bay). I can proudly say I have at least seven years as a cake artist and four and a half years as a pastry chef.
L&S: In this creative line of business what would you say is the most creative work you have done?
Weddings! I love wedding! April 6, 2022, I did a seven-tiered pink cake that was covered in flowers. It was a challenge, but it made me proud in the end.
L&S: Can you make sugar flowers? If I choose fresh blooms, will you work with my florist?
Yes, I am a flower lover. Creating sugar flower maybe challenging at first but once you get the hang of it, it is truly an amazing process. I also love working with fresh flowers as well.
L&S: How far in advance will my wedding cake be prepared?
I love my desserts to be fresh. Wedding cakes usually take some time so at least three to four days in advance.
L&S: How are your wedding cakes priced?
I always make sure to ask my clients if they have a budget so that I can work around it or offer something that is in their budget.
L&S: Do you provide cake stands?
Yes, we provide a variety of cake stands.
L&S: What’s the delivery process? Do you deliver to the reception?
I have something call a cake safe transporter, it allows me to transport all my cakes safely to any event land or overseas. We always deliver all our cakes, to take away some of the stress on your wedding day.
L&S: What makes you and your business unique?
I love to choose from the best and freshest ingredients, all my packaging is personalised to suit my clients. It is an experience that you will forever remember.
L&S: Sometimes your clients have no idea what they want. How do you give them direction?
I first ask my client what they are looking for in terms of flavour, then I will ask them to describe what colors, if they like fresh flowers or sugar flowers. Then I will draw out something on my ipad so they can have an idea of what they will get.
L&S: What drives you to continue, giving your time and energy to your business, even when it’s hard?
My son, also this is my passion even though at times it might be hard. It will kill me if I have to give up on something I am so passionate about. Me having a legacy to leave behind for my kids is my drive to not give up.
L&S: Besides Wedding cakes, what else do you offer?
At Delrosa’s Cake Boutique we offer a variety of treats such as cupcakes, cookies, pastries, and customised cakes.
L&S: What advice do you have for brides to be as it relates to making your job easier?
Don’t be afraid to say what you want! It’s your day. If you must call or check in feel free to do so.
L&S: What’s your long-term vision for your business?
I am working towards opening a store front where I can have all my treats on display and people can come in and purchase. I would also love to be able to teach cake classes and have private Cake and Sip.
L&S: What one word best describes your business?
Whimsical
L&S: Is there anything else you’d like to share with readers or any requests you have of them?
For anyone who has supported me during the years I would like to say thank you! It is because of my clients’ support is the reason I have reach to this point. Apart from trusting in God, my only request is, please continue to support the young entrepreneurs of the BVI.
You can connect with me on Facebook (Delrosa’s Cake Boutique) – Instagram (delrosa_cakeboutique) – Email: delrosascakeboutique@gmail.com