Paola Velez is an award-winning chef, entrepreneur, fierce community activist, and author. Her debut cookbook, Bodega Bakes, will be published in October. Growing up between the Bronx and the Dominican Republic, Velez is known for combining the flavors of her childhood and heritage and reinterpreting them through her experience as a professional chef specializing in the pastry arts. Her sparkling and fun personality shines through the pages of her book as she offers support and encouragement to home bakers. Her Instagram (@smallorchids) is a worthy and laugh-out-loud follow.

Can you share how Bodega Bakes, your debut cookbook, came to be?

This is a love letter to the bodegas that I grew up in and around, but not only that, it’s a love letter to every weird, quirky, slightly kooky individual that might feel like they are alone in the world. I hope that my book finds my cutely quirky band of misfits, and I hope that through every recipe, their souls heal gram by gram with butter, sugar, and flour.

The book is a delightful and accurate representation of your sparkling and infectious personality. What was it like to put yourself onto the page?

It felt very easy to translate myself onto the pages of Bodega Bakes. When I was younger—not that I don’t look like I’m a teenager currently—I would try so hard to fit in or assimilate to the kids around me. But I always danced through life to the beat of my own drummer. What I thought was a curse before now is my biggest blessing: I can’t help but be myself! There’s a lot of self-assurance that comes from seeing my thoughts and my lived experience on the pages of my cookbook. [It] helps me stay accountable, plus it’s always helpful that I laugh at my own jokes…so when I need a quick pick-me-up, I have Bodega Bakes ready!

So much of your work stems from your heritage and your family’s immigration story. Why do you think that’s important to share?

It is legacy. Throughout the Latin and Caribbean experience, we sadly stop knowing where we come from…. My family’s history is only documented to a point. But with every recipe I share, I create a new branch for those who have lived a similar experience on this earth. Yes, maybe they aren’t Dominican, and maybe their parents aren’t immigrants. But through these creations, we create a two-dimensional third space that rewards us every time with a three-dimensional sugary treat.

Who are the people who have most influenced you?

My mom, my husband, [and] my husband’s parents have all first and foremost shaped who I am as an adult today. My husband and I met when we were very young and got married young as well. I’ve had the privilege of growing up with them all and blossoming into who I am today.

Professionally, I would have to say that Jacques and Hasty Torres helped me tremendously, not only in trusting my vision for flavors but in allowing me, without preconceived notions, to grow in their company as their youngest sous chef at the time. Hasty often checks in, and I’m grateful to them both, more than they know. Chef Christina Tosi has been a guiding post for me throughout my career. She has tremendously shown up for me in more ways than you can imagine. She’s the ultimate hardbody (as we would say at Milkbar when someone was exceptional at their job). Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Chef Erick Williams, and Chef Mashama Bailey are always there for me when I am at a crossroad…. And lastly, Gail Simmons, a true gem. She is a wonderful human who supports and loves me above and beyond. Her commitment to others inspires me to keep giving and serving the culinary community.

Talk about the Bakers Against Racism initiative and why your passionate advocacy is so important to you.

I’ll keep this short, but I truly believe that every single person on planet Earth can create lasting and impactful change for the betterment of humanity. We don’t need money to be kind; kindness is free. So, when I think of Bakers Against Racism [bakersagainstracism.com], I think of the power of the collective and how we can change the world one baked good at a time. If you’d like to host your own bake sales with the Bakers Against Racism banner, visit the website to join and bake the world a better place!