Small Business Spotlight: Dulce Vida Desserts

Meet Fabi Plascencia, the owner of Dulce Vida Desserts, queen of churro cheesecakes, and lover of small, local businesses! Her love of baking started in childhood when she baked with her mom and that passion has become a thriving home-baking business! With an ever-growing menu, she offers everything from mouth-watering strawberry & creme turnovers to decadent dessert cups in flavors like Ferrero Rocher and Biscoff Cookie! In addition to her sweet treats, she also offers backdrop and neon sign rentals that elevate any event or dessert table! 

When she's not working as an office manager or baking, she's usually traveling and attending concerts! She's very passionate about supporting small businesses, especially queer and woman-owned ones! If you check out her social media, she's almost always posting about other entrepreneurs and local events. She's a shining example of "community over competition".

Check out our Q&A with Fabi to learn more about her, her business, and where to find her! 

LLF: Tell us a little about yourself! 

DVD:  Well my name is Fabi Plascencia, I am the owner of Dulce Vida Desserts. I work full-time at Raine Recruiting. I have been in the restaurant business for 11 years and loved every minute of it. I love all kinds of sweets. When I’m not working or baking I’m most likely traveling. Dulce Vida is a licensed home bakery that specializes in small desserts/cakes for any occasion. We offer a variety of options, from cookies to dessert cups and the menu keeps growing. I’m very thankful for how busy I have been this year and how I get to create delicious desserts for people.

LLF: What inspired you to become a bake?

DVD: Honestly, my mom inspired me to bake. I grew up with her baking all the time so naturally, I had to follow in her footsteps. It's also nice that when I need help or vice versa we get to spend more time together. Doesn’t help that I love sweets!

LLF: How did you start your business? 

DVD: Originally, I started Dulce Vida 7 years ago. At that point, it was just a hobby and I stopped for a while because life happened. When I got really into it a year ago, I realized how much I enjoyed baking!

LLF: What are you 3 most popular menu items?

DVD: My most popular menu items have to be the churro cheesecake, Tres Leches cupcakes and dessert cups, and the strawberry & creme turnovers! So yummy! 

LLF: What is your favorite thing to bake?

DVD: My favorite thing to bake would have to be the churro cheesecake or my classic New York style cheese cake, even though it takes 3 hours to make! 

LLF: How do you come up with new recipes and menu items?

DVD: A lot of my menu items come from the stuff I have done with my mom! TikTok also does an amazing job at giving me inspiration too! 

LLF: What is your favorite part about owning a small business? 

DVD: I love that I can create my own schedule and still make time to work a full-time job. I also love that people prefer to work with local and small businesses! 

LLF: What is the most challenging part of owning a small business? 

DVD: Realizing that it isn't easy! There are a lot of things I'm still learning! Also being a baker leaves you broke haha! Just kidding! 

LLF: What is the best advice you've gotten? 

DVD: Don't be afraid to take the risk and know that even if you feel like you're failing, at least you tried! 

LLF: What advice would you give to any aspiring home bakers and small business owners?

DVD: Do your research!  Don't be afraid to ask other bakers and small business owners questions. If you're just getting started, take things to your friends and family. Word of mouth is huge and will get you business!

LLF: What are your top 3 favorite small businesses? 

DVD: Ohana Steakhouse in West Des Moines (sooo good), Zhoosh in downtown Des Moines (I fell in love the first time I visited the store) and Taylor Tomlin Massage! She works at of Art of Life! I really recommend getting a massage with her! 

LLF: Okay, one final question! IF you were a dessert what would you be and why? 

DVD: I was a dessert I think I would be a Creme Brûlée! I may look like I have a hard shell but when it's cracked it's sweet! I think that describes me, haha! Also, I will be adding mini creme brûlée to the menu soon! 

We want to thank Fabi for taking the time to chat with us! You can connect with Fabi to place an order via email at dulcevidadessertss@gmail.com, or via direct message on Instagram & Facebook! She is also hosting a Boss Babe pop-up event at Jasper Winery on June 25, 2023, featuring 40 amazing female entrepreneurs! Be sure to swing by between 1:00 PM-4:00 PM and have a few drinks, shop, eat, and have lots of fun! You can also check out her desserts at the 14th Annual One Iowa Gala at The River Center in Des Moines on June 30, 2023! One Iowa is a local non-profit advancing, empowering, and improving LGBTQIA + Iowans' lives! If you are a bride or groom-to-be, you can meet Fabi at The Des Moines Wedding Show on August 27, 2023, at the Des Moines Scottish Rite Consistory!