Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Paula Valentina Forero Parra

Clifton,NJ

Summary

Creative person skillful in ordering and requisitioning supplies and ingredients and plating and preparing desserts for special events. In-depth knowledge of food and service techniques, pastry preparation and sanitary handling. New recipes and maintaining all safety and sanitation guidelines. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Open-minded Cake Decorator specializing in creating high-quality and delicious edible masterpieces. Quick learner and active listener. Production-driven professional focused on achieving perfection in each creation. Proficient in various baking and decorating techniques.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Cake Decorator

ShopRite
09.2023 - 12.2023
  • Designed specialty cakes for weddings, birthdays, and graduations.
  • Handled phone calls regarding inquiries, cancelled orders, and ordering conflicts.
  • Kept work area safe and sanitized by washing utensils, tools, and countertops.
  • Maintained sanitary food prep station by following established safety procedures and sanitizing instructions.
  • Packaged and priced each product according to company pricing procedures.
  • Managed material inventory and ordered new materials when needed.
  • Verified accuracy of orders while meeting strict deadlines on producing completed products.
  • Disposed of damaged and expired goods to uphold safety standards and provide fresh products.
  • Used variety of baking and decorating tools such as mixers, carving tools, and confectionery products.
  • Decorated pastries and cakes using colorful icings and piping techniques.
  • Precisely arranged display cases throughout workday to highlight finished products.
  • Trained and supervised part-time cake decorators to apply proper decorating techniques in creating edible icing, flowers and figurines.
  • Prepared special creams and frostings for cakes and other dessert specialties.
  • Coordinated services under supervision of lead baker.
  • Researched and tested new cake recipes to expand product line of bakery and provide more selections to customers.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by designing and executing visually appealing customized cake orders.
  • Improved bakery sales by creating innovative cake designs for holidays and special events.
  • Developed a loyal clientele through exceptional customer service and high-quality cake decorations.
  • Mentored new employees on cake decorating techniques, fostering a positive work environment and promoting skill development.
  • Streamlined the ordering process by implementing an organized system for tracking design requests, reducing errors and increasing productivity.
  • Achieved consistent results in producing intricate designs under tight deadlines, showcasing strong time management skills.
  • Assisted customers with selecting suitable cake designs based on their preferences, demonstrating excellent listening skills and attention to detail.
  • Updated inventory records regularly, ensuring that all necessary supplies were available for efficient workflow operation.
  • Consistently met customer expectations through clear communication regarding design specifications and delivery timelines.
  • Achieved high levels of precision while working with delicate materials such as sugar flowers or edible images.
  • Adapted quickly to new tools or technology used in cake decoration processes, staying current with industry advancements and trends.
  • Actively sought feedback from customers, incorporating suggestions for improvement into future projects to continually enhance the quality of service provided.
  • Proactively addressed any customer concerns or complaints, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining positive relationships and ensuring overall satisfaction.
  • Decorated cakes, cupcakes and other pastries according to customer requests.
  • Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise, and promoted key items.
  • Packaged finished products for sale.
  • Managed display cases to verify freshness and attractiveness of products.
  • Replenished bakery items in display cases.
  • Replenished and rotated food items, following correct food cooling and storage procedures.
  • Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
  • Prepared all pastry items in accordance with standards of quality, quantity control, taste, and presentation.

Pastry Cook

Starr Restaurants - Pastis
08.2022 - 09.2023
  • Prepared wide variety of goods such as cakes, cookies and tarts by following traditional and modern recipes.
  • Scaled out and mixed ingredients according to recipes and procedures.
  • Decorated pastries with different icings and toppings, using spatulas, scrapers and piping bags.
  • Oversaw pastry coolers and storage areas to monitor ingredient and supply inventory levels.
  • Inspected kitchens to observe food preparation quality and service, food appearance and cleanliness of production areas.
  • Utilized pastry blenders, wire whisks and sifters to combine measured ingredients into bowls.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches and surfaces to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Used knives to slice, chop and dice ingredients into uniform sizes.
  • Prepared all pastry items in accordance with standards of quality, quantity control, taste, and presentation.
  • Operated ovens and bakery equipment to prepare products according to recipes.
  • Baked consistent quality items by accurately mixing, dividing, shaping, and proofing.
  • Followed food safety standards when handling ingredients.
  • Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
  • Trained new employees on bakery methods and procedures.
  • Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment and oven.
  • Cut and shaped dough for pies, rolls and other pastries.
  • Prepared dough for variety of pastries, cakes and breads.
  • Mixed icing and other toppings by reading recipes, scaling, and measuring ingredients and operating mixer.
  • Prepared frostings and other toppings for cakes and pastries.
  • Replenished and rotated food items, following correct food cooling and storage procedures.
  • Managed display cases to verify freshness and attractiveness of products.

Owner

Entrepreneurship
06.2021 - 08.2022
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Evaluated suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
  • Used knowledge of market trends to create value-added solutions resulting in significant increase in revenues.
  • Conducted target market research to discover customer needs and analyze competitor trends.
  • Developed and implemented marketing strategies to generate new customers and increase sales and profit margins.
  • Put together realistic budgets based upon costs and fees for successfully operating business.
  • Scaled out and mixed ingredients according to recipes and procedures.
  • Created specialty menus and portfolios to showcase custom designed cakes and desserts, boosting overall sales
  • Prepared all pastry items in accordance with standards of quality, quantity control, taste, and presentation.
  • Decorated cakes, cupcakes and other pastries according to customer requests.
  • Packaged finished products for sale.
  • Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise, and promoted key items.

Pastry Cook

Dulce Horno
07.2021 - 07.2021
  • Prepared wide variety of goods such as cakes, cookies and tarts by following traditional and modern recipes.
  • Scaled out and mixed ingredients according to recipes and procedures.
  • Decorated pastries with different icings and toppings, using spatulas, scrapers and piping bags.
  • Oversaw pastry coolers and storage areas to monitor ingredient and supply inventory levels.
  • Utilized pastry blenders, wire whisks and sifters to combine measured ingredients into bowls.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches and surfaces to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Prepared all pastry items in accordance with standards of quality, quantity control, taste, and presentation.
  • Baked consistent quality items by accurately mixing, dividing, shaping, and proofing.
  • Followed food safety standards when handling ingredients.
  • Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
  • Decorated cakes, cupcakes and other pastries according to customer requests.
  • Prepared dough for variety of pastries, cakes and breads.
  • Mixed icing and other toppings by reading recipes, scaling, and measuring ingredients and operating mixer.
  • Prepared frostings and other toppings for cakes and pastries.
  • Replenished bakery items in display cases.
  • Replenished and rotated food items, following correct food cooling and storage procedures.
  • Processed customer orders and payment transactions.
  • Packaged finished products for sale.
  • Determined baking times for various items.

Prep Cook

Bacata Eventos
08.2019 - 02.2020
  • Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
  • Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Followed orders from head chef to establish productive and timely preparation of meals.
  • Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
  • Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
  • Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
  • Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.
  • Measured, weighed and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
  • Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
  • Ordered food items and supplies needed to fulfill catering jobs.
  • Followed all safety instructions to avoid injuries when operating heavy equipment in kitchen.
  • Observed federal and local kitchen safety regulations to prevent food borne illnesses.
  • Sampled each dish for quality control prior to serving, identifying mistakes and solving immediately.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
  • Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
  • Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
  • Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
  • Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.

Prep Cook

University Of La Sabana
07.2019 - 11.2019
  • Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
  • Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Received shipments and placed items on proper shelves to restock and organize restaurant pantry.
  • Controlled food cost and waste by selecting and using correct ingredients and amounts.
  • Created new recipes and updated existing ones to reflect changing trends and customer preferences.
  • Collaborated with the head chef to create seasonal menus and special dishes, offering more variety and selections to customers.
  • Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
  • Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
  • Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
  • Measured, weighed and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
  • Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
  • Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.

Education

Gastronomy - Culinary Arts

University of La Sabana
Chia, Colombia
05.2023

High School Diploma -

Gimnasio Ingles Campestre
Bogota, Colombia
12.2018

Skills

  • Hand Painting and Airbrushing
  • Pastry Presentation
  • Effective Customer Service
  • Food Safety
  • Time Accounting
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Logistics and Supply Chain
  • Material Prepping
  • Supply Ordering
  • Tool Preparation
  • Decorate Products
  • Critical Thinking
  • Microsoft Office
  • Monitor Quality
  • New Recipe Development
  • Process Improvement
  • Product Wrapping and Packaging
  • Dough Preparation and Baking
  • Client Presentation Delivery
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Multitasking
  • Serve Customers
  • Food Safety and Sanitation
  • Strong Organizational Skills
  • Bakery Operations
  • Monthly Inventory
  • Delivery Processing
  • Recipe-Based Cooking
  • Raw Materials Assessment
  • Glaze, Icing and Topping Application
  • Stock Rotation
  • Quality Control
  • Visual Merchandising
  • Product Inspection
  • Continuous Learning and Adaptation
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Customer Service
  • Recipe Adaptation
  • Oven Operation
  • Performance Monitoring
  • Minimize Ingredient Waste
  • Customer Relations
  • Loss Prevention
  • Customer Experience
  • Time Management
  • Staff Management
  • Customer Service Management

Accomplishments

  • Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets and nutritional balances

Languages

English
Full Professional
Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Cake Decorator

ShopRite
09.2023 - 12.2023

Pastry Cook

Starr Restaurants - Pastis
08.2022 - 09.2023

Pastry Cook

Dulce Horno
07.2021 - 07.2021

Owner

Entrepreneurship
06.2021 - 08.2022

Prep Cook

Bacata Eventos
08.2019 - 02.2020

Prep Cook

University Of La Sabana
07.2019 - 11.2019

Gastronomy - Culinary Arts

University of La Sabana

High School Diploma -

Gimnasio Ingles Campestre

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Paula Valentina Forero Parra