April Customer of the Month: Sweet Almond Pastries

As we begin to celebrate our centennial, we want to showcase the customers who have helped support us throughout the years with a Customer of the Month showcase, a series dedicated to recognizing Paper Mart customers and their stories. 

We’re so excited to share our latest conversation with Sweet Almond Pastries founder and creator, Almendra Callirgos. Sweet Almond Pastries is an independently owned bakery that makes gourmet cakes, macarons, and confectionary treats. Check out Almendra’s story here! 

A Little Bit About Sweet Almond Pastries

Before we begin, I just wanted to let you know that we love your culinary creations. Everything looks like it’s immaculately put together and styled. Could you give us a little intro to your story and how you got started? 

SAP: I’m a Le Cordon Bleu Peru graduate. I started working in bakeries and then I became the corporate pastry chef of a restaurant group with 7 restaurants for 4 years. That job helped me gain experience in different parts of the business like customer service, how to manage the team and how to be more profitable.

After a while, I realized that my dream was to have my own business and that’s how I started.

I started my own business in 2020, and currently work from my home kitchen. I make pastries and chocolates, and also have 2 wholesale accounts (2 bars) where I sell my bonbons and plated desserts.  I’ve been extremely lucky to meet incredible people that have trusted me from the beginning and people that are helping me grow my business. 

Just out of curiosity, what made you fall in love with the pastry and confectionery arts? It’s such a labor of love and it sounds like you first generally started working in bakeries, but then really decided to pursue it and own it.

SAP: Thank you so much. Well, I grew up in the restaurant business. My parents owned restaurants in Perú so it was always in my mind to be in the same industry while at the same time doing something of my own. I saw all the different possibilities with pastries and how artistic and creative they could be. I decided that that was the best choice for me.

Actually my first career choice was architecture. I lasted 1 year and then I changed careers. It made me realize that the core of what I really love is creating and making tangible things and sharing experiences.

Sweet Almond Pastries & Paper Mart

There’s nothing like the hospitality and restaurant industry. It’s a tight-knit community, for sure. On the subject of community building, we’re celebrating our 100th year as a family-owned business. What are your thoughts on the importance of shopping family owned and local?

SAP: It’s incredibly important because you impact families directly and help the community improve. 

We couldn’t agree more. When it comes to your relationship with us, what brought you to our website and what are your favorite items? 

SAP: I’ve been a Paper Mart customer for over 2 years and found out about you guys through Instagram. 

Shop Almendra’s Favorites

I love how these boxes are so versatile and beautiful. They help me showcase my creations.

• Clear PET Candy Boxes With Gold Bottom
• Clear Round Plastic Containers
• Clear PVC Plastic Boxes – Lock Tab Bottom

Paper Mart Supports The Artists & Innovators

Whether you’ve just realized your dreams and you want to get started or you’re looking for ways to grow as a business, we want you to know that we support you! Our vast range of quality packaging supplies, professional advice, and award-winning customer care is here to help support you and your business. From ultra-clear boxes to showcase your creations to boxes and labels for shipping, we’ve got you covered. 

These images are courtesy of Sweet Almond Pastries. If you want to follow along with Almendra’s journey, check out her social media (Instagram).