Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Irenea Aristigueta.
Hi Chef Irenea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story actually starts back in 2010, when I graduated culinary school at the top of my class. For years after that, I lived a bit of a double life — manager by day, chef by night — baking for friends and family while working my corporate job.
Then in 2018, after 15 years there, I got laid off. It was devastating at the time, but looking back, it ended up being a blessing. It pushed me back toward what I actually loved: baking and photography.
I looked into Cottage Food Law where I lived at the time, hoping to start a baking business from home, but after a lot of research I found out it wasn’t allowed in my city. That was another setback. I’d also been wanting to put myself out there and create content online, but as an introvert, I was terrified to speak on camera. But when one door closes, and you’re thinking about how to help provide for your family and support your husband with the household, while realizing how much time you’ve already lost with your daughters (who were 4 and 3 at the time), you find the courage to show up, both for them and for yourself.
So I did. I took my passion for photography and baking and created my first online course on smartphone photography, teaching home bakers how to photograph their cakes so they could market their business and book clients. That one decision opened so many doors. I traveled the country teaching in-person photography classes at cake shows, collaborated with some incredible women-led businesses in the industry such as Baking for Business, Icing Images, Your Sweet Connect, Simi Cakes, SoFlo Cake and Candy Expo, Sweet Fest, and many more, and was published in American Cake Decorating Magazine and Pastry Arts Magazine.
Funny enough, teaching has always been a part of me. After high school, I actually started pursuing a degree in Elementary Education, but during one of my internships I realized that path just wasn’t for me. Life had other plans and led me into culinary school instead. Looking back now, it all makes sense, full circle.
Today, I share recipes that are loved by my friends, family, and clients, the kind that carry flavor, story, and tradition with every bite. Being born in NY to a mom from the Dominican Republic and a dad from Puerto Rico, and now married to my husband from Venezuela, our home is full of a delicious mix of recipes con mucho sabor. I teach community cake decorating classes right here in my city, and I also teach online, helping bakers and creators build confidence both in the kitchen and behind the camera. Between the blog, my column with American Cake Decoration Magazine, and getting to do all of this alongside my husband and my girls. I really do feel like I’m living out exactly what I was meant to do, just took a few unexpected turns to get here.
But honestly, one of the biggest blessings in all of this is being present for my daughters. Not being tied to a 9-5 job gives me the flexibility to volunteer at school, show up for their events, watch their faces light up when they spot me in the crowd, see how they interact with their friends, and get to know their teachers and classmates, that’s everything to me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, no, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. The layoff was devastating, both financially and emotionally. On top of that, being an introvert, the idea of speaking on camera terrified me. It wasn’t an overnight success at all, it took time, dedication, and a lot of persistence. I recorded myself over and over, feeling like it just wasn’t good enough.
But eventually you realize you just need to get comfortable with yourself, trust yourself, and be authentic. We spend so much time trying to be perfect and comparing ourselves to others. The truth is, when you’re passionate about something, it actually comes naturally once you get past the fear. Think about it, if it’s something you already know, love, and do all the time, how easily can you talk about it? Versus a topic you know nothing about.
Balancing mom life and building a business is tough too. Setting boundaries and creating a schedule helped tremendously, letting my girls know “this is mommy time” and scheduling playtime so they knew what to expect. When they were little, that was hard, they want you all the time. There’s still mom guilt, but having that schedule lets you focus, recharge, and still give your kids the time they crave.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in baking content, recipe development, and photography, basically helping baking enthusiasts tell the story of their creations through stunning visuals. I’m known for my baking photography content and my recipes. In November 2025, I started my blog as a place to share those recipes along with everything I’ve learned about baking.
What I’m most proud of is being able to build something meaningful around my passions while still being present for my family, and helping other bakers find their voice and confidence, both in the kitchen and behind the camera.
What sets me apart is the mix of skills I bring to the table: culinary training, photography, content creation, and teaching, all wrapped in my Latina culture and love for sharing recipes con sabor y estilo. I’m not just teaching technique, I’m teaching people how to find their own confidence and style, both in the kitchen and on camera.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
This one takes me right back to my mom’s kitchen. I’ve always loved desserts, crafting, and creating, and I get that from her. When I was 16, she started baking cakes at home, and I was instantly drawn in. I’d hover around, watching her work, and before long I was right there beside her, helping bake and decorate.
That curiosity led me to take my first cake decorating class at Michaels, and looking back, that little class ended up being the spark that lit everything else. A few years later, I enrolled at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale to pursue culinary arts, and the rest, as they say, is history.
It’s funny how a memory like that, just helping my mom in the kitchen as a teenager, ended up shaping the entire path of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.learnwithirenea.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learnwithirenea
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnwithirenea
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@learnwithirenea
