A glitter of gold or a perfectly placed flower petal may have graced your latest pastry purchase from our cafe. A touch of magic and whimsy can be found waiting behind the glass of our baked goods display. These delicious works of art come to us fresh from a local small business, Sweetfairy, in Providence, Rhode Island. We sat down and chatted over freshly made donuts and brownies with the Owner and Pastry Artist of Sweetfairy, Flourish Nuñez.
Her fascination with sweet treats has been baked into her soul. From her grandparents, who worked as sugar pullers in the Dominican Republic, to her mother, who attended Flourish’s alma mater, Johnson & Wales University, studying baking and pastry. Her platter is always full whether she’s occupied by a new food concoction or tending to her young daughter. A stay-at-home mother and creator is the balance for this one-woman show. Let us look behind the glimmer and florals to understand what goes into this innovation that makes up Sweetfairy.
Q: When was Sweetfairy founded?
A: The company itself is still relatively new and was officially launched three years ago. But, according to Flourish, the idea has unofficially been 10 years in the making.
Q: What was the idea behind Sweetfairy?
A: Simply put, in wonderful contrast to her intricate pastries, Sweetfairy is about “creating magic with the gifts we are given”. Flourish started her journey with a run-of-the-mill cupcake box mix in high school and hasn’t stopped since. Except she ditched the pre-packaged for fresh and organic. And fun.
Her journey with food was a blend of business and personal because at one point in time she came to question who she was becoming and what she was taking into her body. It was at this crux where she made the decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle and that is also when her baking started to “Flourish”.
Q: Why focus on plant-based pastries and explore edible art?
A: It was a natural transition into her new lifestyle. Along with that came the urge to create magical experiences through texture, complexity and depth. Her inspiration comes from playful exploration paired with information. She has read numerous books and tested countless flavor combinations. A bite of this with a bite of that until something melds on the palette to create magic. Informed by gastronomy and flavors near and dear to her Dominican Republic roots the tastes of her pastries are promised to be art in both taste and aesthetic.
When you spot a fresh flower petal on your next sweet treat, rest assured that it was hand-picked lovingly by Flourish from her own back garden or recent plant purchase.
Q: What is the mission of Sweetfairy?
A: To create magical, vegan experiences for all walks of life. It really does not get any sweeter than that.
Q: What does production at Sweetfairy look like?
A: Between food preparation, production, pop-up events, raising her daughter and more, Flourish is lucky to have a schedule that can flex to fit her needs. That being said, all production and steps leading up to, are done by Flourish herself in her cottage kitchen at her home in Providence. This one-woman-show does also respect the importance of community and will reach out when help is needed. Her family plays not only a large part in her personal life but also within the walls of her kitchen.
Some days start bright and early at 4 a.m. while others could be hours later. The same applies to her time spent baking. It can range anywhere from two to six hours throughout a day. She lets her orders and clients needs, alongside her own, dictate how each day will look.
But never to worry, the quality of her pastries are never compromised but instead crafted with care.
Q: Which is your favorite pastry?
A: Brownies or cupcakes. Flourish recommends her Dulce Cornflakes & Creme Black Cocoa Brownies. And so do we. As for the cupcakes, all flavors will have her heart because of their significance to forging her path ahead.
Q: Which is the most underrated pastry you sell?
A: Her Frangipane Tarts. Don’t let the name deceive you because it could be hiding your new favorite treat.
Q: How can people taste Sweetfairy pastries for themselves?
A: Online ordering is the answer for your Sweetfairy cravings. Flourish handles all orders through social media & email and you have the option of either picking up fresh, directly from her kitchen or having the pastries shipped directly to you. You will also likely spot the gold flecks glistening in the sunlight at your next local pop-up, event, or wedding. Flourish greatly values meeting people face-to-face to form those connections and explain her story. Find her online here to follow her story even further.
Q: What would surprise someone to learn about Sweetfairy?
A: Not only does she make sweets, but she also makes savory. Meal prepping is another facet baked into the layers of Flourish’s life. She creates dishes based on flavors from the Dominican Republic, but with a modern twist. These get served to her local community and clients on a weekly basis.
Q: Where would be a dream location?
A: Now, take a second to imagine a “Sweetfairy On Wheels”. A food truck and tiny home hybrid to combine her minimalist yet maximalist style.
Q: What is the most meaningful milestone for Sweetfairy to date?
A: It’s simple. But it’s sweet. The progress she has made from where she started to where she is right now. Within those three years, doors have opened and relationships have formed that were previously unthinkable. Flourish still lives amongst the disbelief and awe of how far her passion has truly risen.
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