Caroline Velarde
From Coast Guard to Cookie Crumbs
Episode 195
Caroline Velarde is the founder of Sweet Caroline Desserts, a business born out of her love for baking and spending quality time with her daughter, Lily. What started as a fun bonding activity between mother and daughter has evolved into a thriving operation, with Caroline and Lily baking for their local community at pop-up markets and coffee shops in Claremont and Upland. At the heart of their sweet treats is the mission to “bake people happy,” offering a variety of cookies, from traditional flavors to unique creations not found anywhere else.
Baking has always been a form of therapy for Caroline, and through Sweet Caroline Desserts, she hopes to share the joy and comfort that baking brings her with others. What began as a hobby for family and friends has turned into a successful business, with a focus on spreading happiness one cookie at a time.
In addition to her baking endeavors, Caroline is a dedicated public servant in the San Gabriel Valley and a proud veteran of the United States Coast Guard. When she’s not baking, she enjoys spending time with Lily, who is a passionate soccer player, as well as their two dogs, two rabbits, and the various animals they care for. Caroline and Lily also love exploring new places—whether that means kayaking, traveling near and far, or enjoying their trips to the beach and Disneyland.
Caroline’s journey as a single mother, baker, and public servant is a testament to the power of passion, family, and community, and she continues to inspire those around her with her dedication to both her craft and her service.
Caroline Velarde Takeaways
Finding Purpose Through Public Service
The guest’s transition from military service to public service was driven by a desire to make a positive impact in her community. After experiencing significant life changes, including becoming a single parent, she recognized the importance of being closer to her family and contributing to local government. Her work in public service allows her to engage with the community and implement policies that enhance the quality of life for residents. This commitment to service is deeply ingrained in her family values and continues to guide her professional journey.
Embracing Community and Diversity
The guest reflects on her love for the San Gabriel Valley, emphasizing the vibrant diversity that characterizes the area. Growing up in a more homogenous environment, she found a sense of belonging in the culturally rich landscape of the SGV. She highlights the importance of community engagement, noting that her experiences in public service have reinforced her appreciation for the unique stories and backgrounds of the residents. This connection to her community fuels her passion for baking and serving others.
Healing Through Baking
Baking has become a therapeutic outlet for the guest, helping her cope with personal challenges, including depression. Initially a bonding activity with her daughter, baking has evolved into a business that brings joy to both her and her community. The act of creating cookies and desserts provides a sense of fulfillment and purpose, enabling her to channel her emotions into something positive. She sees baking not just as a hobby but as a way to connect with others and share happiness through her creations.
Navigating Life as a Single Parent
The guest candidly shares the difficulties she faced as a single parent, highlighting the importance of her family’s support during this challenging period. Balancing work, motherhood, and her baking venture has required resilience and adaptability. She emphasizes the significance of maintaining an open and supportive relationship with her daughter, teaching her the value of perseverance in the face of adversity. This journey has shaped her approach to parenting and instilled a strong sense of gratitude for her support system.
The Power of Vulnerability
Throughout the interview, the guest discusses her struggles with vulnerability and how it impacts her relationships. She acknowledges that her desire to connect with others can sometimes lead to emotional challenges, especially when faced with rejection or misunderstanding. By embracing vulnerability, she aims to foster deeper connections and create a safe space for her daughter to express her own feelings. This emphasis on honesty and openness is a crucial aspect of her parenting philosophy.
Building a Business from Passion
The guest’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a simple desire to share her baking with the community. What started as free cookie offerings quickly transformed into a thriving small business, Sweet Caroline Desserts. Her commitment to experimenting with flavors and engaging with customer preferences has helped her establish a loyal following. By leveraging social media, she effectively markets her products and connects with local customers, demonstrating the potential of turning a passion into a successful venture.
Inspiring Future Generations
The guest expresses her hopes for passing on important values to her daughter, including resilience, gratitude, and the importance of helping others. Through their shared baking experiences, she aims to instill a sense of purpose and responsibility in her daughter. The guest’s journey reflects a broader narrative of empowerment and community service, encouraging listeners to find their passions and contribute to the well-being of those around them. Her story serves as an inspiration for others navigating similar challenges.
Caroline Velarde Quotes
I was transitioning out of the military, so that’s a job change for most people, right? I was moving from the Bay Area to Southern California. Finding myself a single parent made me want to be closer to family and have that family support.
Baking, to me, it’s very therapeutic. It all started when I worked for the city of Monrovia almost a decade ago in public service. In public service, you really get to know a community from the people, the engaging citizens, the issues that are important to them.
It’s just this desire to try and leave the world a better place than you found it, or at least make a positive impact. I wanted to do it more locally, and I wanted to kind of see the fruits of my labor as it develops in a community.
I think relationship building is my strength, but I think in some ways it can also be my weakness in that it affects my mental health in ways that maybe it shouldn’t. I try to be very, very open with my daughter, not just with what she’s going through, but what I’m going through as well.
I find that it really is simple: tune out the noise, the criticism, the voices. My life as a single parent has been for my daughter. It’s an act, it’s more than a bonding activity now. It’s actually a full part-time operation.
There’s something very therapeutic I find about mixing ingredients and measuring it to your satisfaction or to your accuracy. I knew that serving others gives me a sense of fulfillment and in many ways it’s a coping mechanism for me.
I try to remember those when times are tough because there’s something to be said about going through hard moments in your life. If I went through that, I can persevere other situations in life.
We may have it forever in our lives, but it’s up to us to seek coping mechanisms that work for you. Having an active lifestyle, practicing gratitude, and being grateful for what I do have in life are important to me.
Show Notes
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Music Credits
Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library
Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Caroline Velarde
Claremont Village
The guest cherishes Claremont Village as a quaint and well-maintained area that sparked her love for the San Gabriel Valley during her teenage years. It’s significant to her as it represents community and personal aspirations, especially since her daughter attends school nearby.
Monrovia
The guest appreciates Monrovia for its vibrant community and the connections she made while working there. It embodies a blend of historical charm and modern growth, making it an ideal place for families, including her sister’s family who now resides there.
San Gabriel Mission:
The guest holds the San Gabriel Mission in high regard for its historical importance as the birthplace of Los Angeles. She admires its role in California’s history and the ongoing restoration efforts that honor the native Tongan people, making it a vital landmark in the region.
