From “Goodies at Home” to a Culinary Arts Career
Success never tasted so good!
When Anaida Cabrera began baking sweet treats in her kitchen, she never expected it to turn into her dream career. Her years as a Special Education teacher were enjoyable, but also stressful. She found that baking in her spare time relieved that stress. Her “ah-ha” moment came to her while baking goodies for friends and family. “It just clicked that I wanted to take my passion for baking, and turn it into a culinary arts career,” she says.
Even though she already knew how to bake and was filling orders from friends and family, Anaida knew she needed to expand her knowledge and learn more about the industry. “You can have talent, but that will only take you so far,” she says. “I needed to develop more technical skills. In this industry you have to continue to want to learn.”
After doing some research on culinary schools, Anaida found the right one after she toured Lincoln Culinary Institute in Shelton, CT. She knew that in addition to technical skills, many bakeries and food service companies are seeking bakers with a formal education. Anaida enrolled in the International Baking & Pastry program at Lincoln while working as a baker at a local restaurant.
Her time at Lincoln Culinary Institute was very positive. “All of the chef instructors were very attentive and truly cared about how much you accomplished,” she says. “I learned to create delicious desserts using many different techniques.”
“Not only were the chefs great but all the departments were very helpful,” she adds. “Career Services surprised me with how much they were involved and committed to helping me succeed. All in all, my time at Lincoln pursuing a culinary arts career was a wonderful experience.”
You never know where your culinary arts career will take you!
Anaida’s career change paid off – big time. Before graduation, she landed her dream job with Carlo’s Bakery at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. At Carlo’s – part of the chain made famous on TLC’s Cake Boss – she can be found creating delicious pastries, eclairs and napoleons by using techniques learned at Lincoln Culinary Institute. She enjoys making food into art by creating flowers and beautiful accents on cakes using fondant and gum paste.
“At Lincoln we were taught to work efficiently and with urgency, and we learned to multitask,” she says. “Working at Carlo's, I have been able to put this into practice and see it on a bigger scale.”
Anaida credits Lincoln Culinary Institute with giving her the tools she needed to fulfill her true calling – becoming a baker. “Because of my decision to go to Lincoln, I am now working at my dream job,” she says. “Every day I am happy going to work, and that is what I was searching for.”
Lincoln Culinary Institute is proud of Ms. Cabrera’s work passion and drive to succeed in the culinary world! And when you’re ready to start crafting your own culinary arts career, Lincoln Culinary Institute’s Shelton campus will be here to help!