Meet Mariant Gomez | Cake Artist & Founder of Miranda la Vainilla

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mariant Gomez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariant, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The heart behind my business was simple: I wanted to be there for my daughter. I wanted to enjoy motherhood fully, without rushing through it or missing the little moments that matter most. Starting my own business felt like the way to give myself that gift, the freedom to be present, to create my own rhythm, and to build something with love.

At the same time, I’ve always had a deep need to create and to share beauty with others. I didn’t just want to sell something, I wanted to offer a feeling, a little spark of joy. Something made with intention and care.

I kept asking myself: What is mine to give? What can I offer the world in a way only I can? That question became a guiding light, leading me on this journey. I didn’t want to follow trends. I wanted to follow truth. And little by little, my business became a reflection of who I am, of what I believe, and of the love I pour into my work and home.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, Miranda la Vainilla, was born from a simple dream: To create something beautiful with my own hands and share it with others. I design and bake custom cakes with my own recipes, always made with love, care, and the best ingredients. What makes my cakes special is the meaning behind them, each one is made to celebrate the beauty of life, a memory, a moment, or a dream.

What excites me the most is seeing the joy in people’s faces when they receive their cake. Knowing that what I created will be part of a special story , that maybe someone will make a wish when they blow out the candle and that fills my heart. That’s the kind of magic I believe in.

This journey started when I moved from Venezuela to the United States. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do at first, but I knew I was good at baking, and I thought maybe I could start there. I didn’t have tools, not even a mixer or cake pan, just a lot of heart. I borrowed what I needed, and step by step, I built my business from scratch.

It wasn’t easy, but I’ve always trusted in my talent and believed that with hard work and perseverance, it’s possible to grow. Every challenge helped me find new ideas and gave me the strength to keep going. Little by little, I shaped my path.

Today, every cake I make carries a piece of who I am, my story, my essence, my gratitude. I want people to feel joy when they receive one of my cakes. I want them to know that it was made with heart, with intention, and with so much love. Miranda la Vainilla is not just a cake business, it’s a space where I share what I love and celebrate life with others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit me in Houston, I’d want to show them all the places that make me happy. First, I’d take them to my favorite pizza place. The owners are Venezuelan, the pizzas are delicious, and it’s perfect for going with family. It’s a cozy spot that feels like home.

We’d also go to brunch in Houston. There are so many cute and nice places to eat. I usually go with my friends, and it’s always fun to try something new. The food is great and the places are beautiful.

Since we’d be with kids, we would visit some parks too. My favorite is Hermann Park. It has a lot to do, big green spaces, fun activities, and great museums. It’s a place where everyone can enjoy.

I really love quiet places, being in nature, going for nice walks, and eating good food. So our week would be full of that, simple moments that make you smile and feel good. I think those little things are the best part of life.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Miranda la Vainilla was born from the greatest love I’ve ever known, Motherhood. This story begins with a leap of faith: leaving my country, Venezuela, and starting over in the United States with a little girl in my arms, big dreams in my heart, and a deep desire to build a better future for us. I didn’t have all the answers, but I held onto one clear truth, I wanted a life with meaning, with presence, and with space for what truly matters.

I realized I was good at baking, and maybe, just maybe, I could start there. Little by little, what began as a simple idea became a path where I could share beauty, joy, and care through the cakes I create

To you, Miranda, my love. Since the moment you came into my life, everything changed. You are the reason I wake up each day with more strength and more dreams. Miranda la Vainilla is as much your dream as it is mine, because every cake I make carries your name, your essence, your light. You are the inspiration that pushes me to keep creating, the heart behind everything I do, and the joy that accompanies me every single day. Thank you for giving me the greatest gift of all: being your mother.

To my family and friends, the wonderful people who have been part of this journey with open hearts and endless support. You are my home and safe place. Your love has added joy, strength, and meaning to every step I’ve taken. You’ve celebrated my dreams, shared in my growth, and offered your care in ways that I will always remember. This experience is more beautiful because you’ve been part of it, and I carry so much gratitude for each of you, always.

To everyone and everything that helped shape the woman, the mother, and the artist I am today, Thank you. Miranda la Vainilla exists because of you.

And finally, this is for that brave voice inside me, the one that says: Fear is just a feeling. It won’t stop me. I believe in myself with all my heart. I know I can create the life I dream of. And I know that my essence, the truest part of me, can never be taken away.

Website: https://mirandalavainilla.square.site

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirandalavainilla/?igsh=MXBvdHhobGN2NWR5bw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://facebook.com/mirandalavainillatx

Image Credits
Shaima Eissa