Meet Vanessa Susar | Executive Pastry Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanessa Susar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
During the lockdowns, spending all that time with my then 5 year old daughter Mila made me realized how miserable I actually was, how much I was missing from the life itself. After 8 months of being with her all day every day, when it was finally time to go back to work I knew I was not the same person anymore. There was no way that I could go back to my previous life, working for someone else, Giving up my time with my daughter for someone else’s business.. Especially when I have so much to offer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Mamamila started with Custom Cakes.

Since being a mother made me more conscious about what we put in our bodies, I decided very early on that everything that I was going to make will be “Mother Approved” with highest quality ingredients.

My unique designs made my cakes very appealing to the customers however what sets me apart from the others has absolutely been the taste and the flavors of my cakes.

I believe being from Istanbul, getting my culinary education in NYC and training/working alongside with incredible Chefs in Miami over the years, made me who I am in my profession.

My palette is different than most. I was trained for perfection, nothing less. I have the highest standards when it comes to everything I make. Regardless of how big or small.

My clients know this.
And that is my biggest accomplishment to this day.

Now Mamamila offers a variety of Clean, GF, Vegan and Traditional options as well.

I believe challenges can create opportunities and expansion.

If I didn’t have the health problems I did, I would never start experimenting with gluten free, refined sugar free, clean or plant based cakes & desserts.

And for someone that eats mostly clean, I quickly realized, there aren’t many options out there that I can eat and feed my child when it comes to desserts. Especially as delicious as our products.

I always knew that I was born to be in service through my food.

Mamamila is becoming a brand that is completely aligned with my vision and mission of providing the highest quality, most delicious “Mother Approved” Cakes and desserts.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my friends come to Miami, I love to take them to Calle Ocho to experience the beautiful Cuban culture which is a huge part of Miami. If it’s winter time, Berry Farm’s to pick up delicious strawberries where the kids can play and spend the whole day outdoors.
Sugarcane , O Munaciello, Kyu, Barcelonata are my favorite places to eat.
Also Wynwood, South Point and Design District has been my to go places to spend the day with my guests.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to my daughter Mila, She is the absolute reason behind Mamamila. Thanks to her I was able to hear my true calling in life and find the courage to go after my dreams.

Instagram: Mamamilamiami

Other: Mamamila is also at the Miami Shores Farmer’s Market every Sunday from 10am to 3pm.