Today we’d like to introduce you to Melany Cuadrado Miranda
Hi Melany, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Melany, and I am a 28 year old Ecuadorian woman with a deep love for Design, Baking, and celebrating traditions. I was born and raised in Riobamba, Ecuador; a charming city surrounded by breathtaking mountains and filled with the warmth of my loved ones.
My journey has been shaped by resilience, strong family bonds, and the influence of remarkable women. As the only girl among my siblings, I grew up in a household that later expanded with two more younger siblings, a beautiful sister and the sweetest little brother. The women in my life, from my mother to my grandmothers and aunts, played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. I was fortunate to be surrounded by strong, empowered, and kind women who inspired me to dream big.
At the age of nine, my father made the difficult decision to immigrate to the United States. His absence during my childhood was challenging, but my grandparents and older brother stepped in, ensuring I was always cared for. I attended a Catholic all-girls school for 13 years, where I was raised with strong values and a deep sense of discipline and faith.
As I grew older, life led me down an unexpected path. My older brother moved to Minnesota for love, and my family eventually began the immigration process. At 20 years old, in August 2017, I made the life-changing decision to leave Ecuador and join my family in Saint Paul, Minnesota. At that time, I was already attending university in Ecuador, and choosing between continuing my education alone or reuniting with my family in a new country was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made.
Once in the U.S., I worked in my family’s business for two years while studying English and earning my Associate’s Degree at Saint Paul College in 2018. Determined to continue my education, I transferred to the University of Minnesota in 2019, where I pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture Design. Balancing University with two jobs was no easy feat, but I was committed to making my dreams a reality.
In 2022, I achieved my goal and graduated with my degree. Entering the professional world without prior industry experience was daunting, but I was fortunate to secure a position as a drafter at the company where I now work as a Project Manager.
While my career in Architecture flourished, another passion remained close to my heart—baking. From a young age, I found joy in baking alongside my grandmothers, and throughout my years working in the food industry, my love for culinary arts only grew. In 2023, I took a bold step and launched my own small business, specializing in traditional Hispanic desserts and event planning. Through my business, I aim to introduce more people to the rich flavors and cultural heritage of our traditional sweets while combining my love for design in every detail of my work.
Today, I feel like I am in one of the best moments of my life, reaping the rewards of my sacrifices and embracing the things I am most passionate about. Whether managing architectural projects, baking intricate desserts, or helping people bring their special events to life, I find fulfillment in every detail. My journey has been filled with challenges, but each step has brought me closer to my dreams, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey hasn’t always been easy—learning a new language has been one of my biggest challenges, and being apart from my extended family was difficult. However, the incredible people I’ve met along the way, the friendships I’ve built, and the unwavering support of my family have been my driving force, pushing me to keep going and never give up on my dreams.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I feel fortunate to have the opportunity at my job to contribute to design and bring creativity to various projects. My employer trusts me with assignments that require creative input and the use of advanced technology tools. I experience the same sense of freedom and creativity when baking, most of my clients allow me to experiment with their orders, and I love challenging myself by trying new techniques every time I bake something I’ve never done before.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Adaptability – Adjusting to new environments, balancing different roles, and learning new skills in both architecture and baking.
Perseverance – Pushing through obstacles, from working multiple jobs during school to starting my own business.
Passion – Loving what I do, whether designing, baking, or helping others bring their visions to life.
Gratitude – Recognizing those who have helped me along the way and giving back through my work.
Cultural Pride – Staying connected to my roots and bringing Hispanic traditions into my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://goodtastemn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodtastemn_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Good-taste/61560725907644/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melany-cuadrado-70b2ba196/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melanymi3214
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/ecuadorian_gal/
