We chatted with Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s Cake Boss, about building a fulfilling career, finding balance and advice he’d give his daughter. Here’s what he had to say!
1. Carlo’s Bakery was a family business and you worked there beginning at a young age, alongside your father. What values did he instill in you?
I basically grew up at the bakery. I was at my father’s side everyday learning from him. He taught me the importance of working hard, of never giving up. He told me not to listen to people who said I couldn’t do it.
Not only did he teach me everything I know about baking, but he was a great businessman and he taught me how to run and grow a business.
2. How does it feel to continue the family business and take it to new levels of success?
I am so proud to be able to carry on and grow the business that my father started. You know, I was just 17 when I took over the bakery and not everybody thought I could keep it afloat without my father. Not only did I keep it going, I worked to grow the bakery into a household name, which is something my father and I always wanted.
3. Working with your father significantlty influenced your career path. What advice would you give to your children – especially your daughter – about choosing a career and building a satisfying life?
I want all my kids to know the importance of being a hard worker. I tell them, once they find something they’re passionate about, if it’s baking or something else, be the hardest worker you can be. That’s professionally, now personally, my wife and I have instilled the importance of family in our kids. Making time for family, taking care of your family, that will always be the most important thing.
4. You work with a lot of women – what unique contributions do you think the women make to the business?
You know, I’m outnumbered. I’m the only boy in my family. I work with my sisters every day at the bakery and even though my mother is retired, she’s at the bakery every morning checking up on everyone. I really value their opinions. They’re able to look at cakes and projects in different ways and it’s really helpful to hear their different perspectives on the business.
5. With children, a bakery and a TV show, how do you and your wife stay connected? How do you carve out time for the family?
Family is everything to me, so no matter how busy I get, how many projects I have going on, I always make time to spend with my wife and kids. We like to be at home together cooking, eating, just hanging out.
6. What is one of your favorite recipes that anyone can do fairly quickly? We deal with busy career women.
My strawberry shortcake is a great dessert that looks hard but really is pretty simple. After you bake the cakes, it’s just a matter of layering the cream and strawberries!
7. Anything else?
I just want to end by saying that you should never listen to anyone who says you can’t do something. Once you start to believe those people, the game is over. Keep working, practicing, getting better. If you work harder than everyone else, you’ll be the best out there.
You Might Also Like Buddy’s ‘How To Make A Snowflake Cake’ Video:
