Nahia’s Cakes Brings Hispanic Flavor to Lebanon Valley Mall Bakery Scene
Nahia’s Cakes by Frany, located at Lebanon Valley Mall, is a Hispanic-style bakery launched by Stephanie Auiles and Oscar Varela. The family-friendly bakery features customized cakes, traditional Hispanic baked goods, and beverages. Auiles has built her clientele through social media, with ambitions to expand the menu to include international baked goods.
Stephanie Auiles and Oscar Varela moved to Lebanon in November 2017, shortly after Hurricane Maria impacted Puerto Rico. Varela’s friend had recommended the area for employment opportunities, prompting their move. After eight years in Lebanon County, Auiles developed a passion for baking, eventually starting to sell her creations to friends and promoting her business via Facebook.
On March 1, Auiles and her family inaugurated Nahia’s Cakes by Frany at the Lebanon Valley Mall, next to The 160 Driving Academy. This family-owned bakery offers customized cakes, Hispanic-style baked goods, and beverages, including coffees and piña coladas. Varela expressed the bakery’s diverse offerings, stating, “Everybody has different taste buds… I really just recommend people come in and try a little bit of everything.”
Auiles took culinary courses in Lebanon and began selling samples of traditional Hispanic cakes to family and friends, building her customer base through referrals and online exposure. She names the bakery “Nahia’s Cakes” in honor of her unborn daughter from 2015. Auiles enjoys creating customized birthday cakes and personalized cookies and quesitos, a cream cheese-filled puff pastry from Puerto Rico.
Auiles often shares enticing photos and videos of her baked goods on Facebook, drawing customers to the bakery. Auiles appreciates the support of her husband, who said, “He has motivated me a lot and he has been my strength.”
Before joining the bakery, Varela worked as a trailer mechanic and at Walmart. He has previous experience in a Puerto Rican bakery owned by his aunt. Expressing his enjoyment of the business, he said, “I enjoy being in this bakery because it’s something I get to do next to my wife.”
Auiles also crafts personalized cookies, brownies, and a traditional Hispanic ice cream using passion fruit. With warm seasons approaching, plans to include the ice cream in their offerings are in progress. The owners seek to broaden the menu to incorporate baked goods from various cultures, expanding beyond just Hispanic styles.
Ultimately, Nahia’s Cakes by Frany reflects Auiles and Varela’s journey and commitment to bringing diverse Hispanic flavors to Lebanon Valley.
Nahia’s Cakes by Frany is a reflection of passion and dedication, bringing Hispanic-style baked goods to the Lebanon Valley. Auiles, with the support of her husband, has successfully transitioned from home baking to running a family business. Their commitment to quality and cultural diversity in their offerings sets them apart as they continue to grow and evolve in the culinary landscape.
Original Source: www.ldnews.com
