Copy of About Chef Maria

A Pastry Chef in the Making

Chef Maria's road to a professional pastry career began as a small child in her mother's kitchen. Learning the art of creating edible expressions of love delighted her from the time she was old enough to pull a stool up to the counter. Chef Maria dreamed of becoming a pastry chef long before the Food Network aired but initially believed it was unrealistic. She pursued a degree in Business Administration and followed a traditional career path instead.

Baking Competition

With a little help from God, a friendly baking rivalry at her weekly Bible study reminded Chef Maria of the joy she experienced in the kitchen with her mother. She left the security of her full-time IT career after nearly 20 years to enroll in Chicago's prestigious French Pastry School.

Passion for Pastry In Action

Chef Maria happily endured four-to-six-hour train commutes five days a week (224 total!) and a rigorous curriculum for six months to earn her L'Art de la Pâtisserie certificate. She immediately launched Decadence Bakery and Pastries as a storefront in Normal, IL.

Honor Your Parents

Two years into her successful venture, Chef Maria’s mother had a stroke. Chef Maria closed the bakery, promising her mother she wouldn’t abandon her in the nursing home. She kept that promise for the next six years, seven months, and one day of her mother's life. It was during this period that Chef Maria reintroduced her company as Beyond Decadence.

Transition and Pivot

After her mother passed, Chef Maria relocated her life (and company) to North Carolina. Beyond Decadence began as a pop-up bakery in the Lake Norman and Charlotte areas in 2017, but transitioned to dessert catering, local delivery, and nationwide shipping. The pandemic fueled Beyond Decadence's most notable pivot to DEI baking demonstrations, virtual and on-site baking experiences, speaking engagements, and continuing education.

Speaking and teaching allow her passion for pastry (and diversity) to continue growing. Chef Maria is active on social media, gives back through random acts of kindness, and has been recognized as a leading entrepreneur with several awards. You may have seen her sharing baking tips during live television demos on Charlotte's WBTV3 and FOX 46. She’s been featured in radio segments, podcasts, magazine covers, and small business seminars.