Hi! I want to introduce myself to you. I’m the creative mind, building hands, and loving heart behind Yilka’s Baking Studio.

I was born and raised in Panama.  I moved to the United State in 2008 with the goal of improving my English language skills and then return to Panama to start further my professional career.  I never planed to stay until I met my best friend and soulmate in 2009.   We married soon after and currently live in Center Pennsylvania.  I’m an avid animal lover and have four fur babies. Two French bulldogs (Odin and Luna) and two cats (Lucky and Moo).

I earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and I currently have a full-time job as Enrollment Services Specialist at Penn State University.

I recently decided to turn one of my passions into a part-time business.  Opening a home baking business has been one of my dreams for a long time, but I was a little bit scared, and I did not know how to start.  I won’t be leaving my full-time job yet.  My plan is to do this after work hours and weekends. 

My dream is one day to be able to make this my full-time job and have the freedom to travel the world with my husband.

I don’t come from a family of bakers or business owners, actually no-one in my family knows how to bake.  I taught myself how to bake.  I have developed my baking and decorating skills by watching baking shows and lots and lots of practice.  I get my inspiration from famous YouTube bakers and food bloggers.   I spend hours watching baking shows to learn new baking techniques and tips.

I have always loved the act of creating with my hands.   I began cookie decorating in 2011 as a hobby and as an avenue for my creativity.  Since then, I have learned how to bake other sweet and savory treats such as cupcakes, cakes, cheesecakes and various pastries.

I am so happy to be able to share my journey with you. Every Item out of my kitchen is hand-crafted with love. My hope is these treats bring you happiness and joy with every bite.