MEET OUR ZULA

KIM ZELAYA

I vividly remember standing in my abuela's kitchen in Costa Rica beating egg whites at the age of 5. She told me it was the most important and entertaining job of the baking process. With much excitement and honor I got to it, but quickly realized the truth was nobody else wanted to beat egg whites for what seemed like an eternity. Upon completing the task, she asked if I enjoyed it. With a very sore arm I responded "yes". She cracked a soft smile and said "Every baked good has a recipe, but the secret ingredients are always love and a fiery soul." I repeated those words in my head every time I visited and we baked something new. I developed true, deep love and appreciation for the art. 

At the age of 15, after an unexpected catering mishap, I assisted a family member with a 3-tiered wedding cake...for a same-day wedding!  Swift mixing, baking, and frosting; measured attention to detail. The experience was tough, but exhilarating. I never realized how prepared I was for the challenge and it convinced me I was truly meant to do this!

Today, as a proud first-generation American from Miami, FL and a long lineage of bakers, you can taste the Latin flavors in many of my baked goods. Being the owner, lead baker and cake designer of Zula's is my greatest joy.  I always say people eat with their eyes first. This fuels me and I take pride in delivering a harmonious marriage of aesthetic and taste every time. 

My grandmother's words resonate with me every single day and brought me to realize my dream. It is a privilege to bake for you like family, with love and fiery soul.