Meet Nina Torres | Baker & Fashion Creative

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

Hi Nina, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I decided to pursue a creative career because I’ve always loved art in all forms. My grandma was the main person that sparked my love for creating because she was an artist herself. She made pageant gowns and jewelry, I followed right behind her doing just that at a young age. As I’ve become an adult that art has branched off in many different forms. And now my main focus is baking.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I put God first in all things that I do! This was not an easy journey as I just jumped into it without really knowing what it all entailed. I learned as I went and I am so proud of how far I’ve come. During/after Covid I did a lot of pop ups and farmers markets to get my name and brand out there, that took many days and hours to prep with little to no sleep just to make sure everything was close to perfect. I’d say that was my biggest challenge was managing it all just my husband and I but we did it! The lesson I learned was to do the best I could with the time and material I had. I’m what you can say a perfectionist, so I always had a detailed vision of what I wanted and I would work till I made myself sick to make it happen. I learned that was not how it was supposed to be at the time and I’ve gotten better at executing these visions without it taking so much of my rest time. I was so passionate about it and wouldn’t realize the toll it was taking on me until I took a step back. I am much better now and have a better plan. I want the world to know that everything is made with love and care in a home kitchen, with sweet music playing and prayer. I would not be able to do this without the strength of the Lord getting me through. Having to create a business and not having much funds to start, to then make income out of it is so incredibly hard. But God had a plan!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston is such a big city with so many great restaurants, and social spots, the list can go on and on. For breakfast/brunch we’d go to State of Grace as they have the best pancakes I’ve ever had! Another option would be Tiny Boxwoods, we can sit outside enjoy the weather and share a few plates. After walk around the garden they have and pick some flowers to plant in pots and take home. And down the way go to Tiny’s Milk & Cookies for their lemonade and a sweet pastries. A great lunch spot is Local Foods, they have great soups/salads and sandwiches and the one in the heights is close to shops so you can walk around once you’re done. Dinner I love Rosie Cannonball. I always get three apps and two entries and we share. The ambiance is always so nice. Or go to Lombardi for something more upscale. The food and scenery is one of my favorites. I love food and my form of going out for fun, is eating!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to shoutout my family, it’s hard to pick a single person, as everyone has been such a big part of this journey. I started this business during Covid as work had come to a holt and I had to find ways to make income. My sister in law Kristena had a baking business already and she encouraged me to start one as well. And that’s when I started Nina’s Cookie Co. I had a love for baking that came from my older sister Cecily, as she baked all the time growing up and I’d be her helper. Baking has always been a comfort activity in my family and I wanted to do something that represented that, and I love cookies so why not start a cookie business. My husband Michael has been an incredible supporter and helper as he is the designated taste tester for all my creations and lets me know how I can improve. It’s been a blessings to have so many people in my corner and help this business become what it is now.

Instagram: Ninascookieco

Image Credits
I took my own photos with my iPhone