The journey of baking is as much about flavor as it is about creativity and self-expression. Baking out of Ensenada, Mexico, Alicia C. Olmos created Lucca (@lucca.ens), a bakery specializing in floral maximalist cakes. Alicia’s journey started with an unexpected passion and grew into a beautiful blend of artistry, individuality, and community.
What sets Lucca apart is not only the delectable cakes that inspire joy and celebration, but also the deeper story behind every bake, where creativity knows no boundaries, and where every design has its roots in the desire to challenge traditional baking aesthetics. When I first stumbled upon Alicia’s creations, I was immediately struck by the bold textures, vibrant colors, and floral accents that adorned the cakes. It was such a treat (pun intended) talking to Alicia about how she built Lucca from the ground up.
“My passion for baking came from a deep desire to break away from traditional notions of what a bakery should be,” she explains. “I wanted to create a space where creativity and individuality are celebrated, and where women’s roles in the culinary world are highlighted.”
The spark was lit not just by the art of baking itself but by a love of creativity in general. “I’m driven by my interest in discovering more about my creativity and the joy I get from creating something new and better each time, especially when I see how much people enjoy it. Bringing my personal tastes and ideas to life through cakes became a way to share my love for art, flavor, and beauty with others.”
It’s this deep-rooted connection to art that continues to fuel Alicia’s unique approach to baking. She’s been in culinary school since 2020. She notes “although my major is more administrative, I did take a 6-month class on ‘baking and pastry basics,’ which helped me develop my skills, creativity, and intuition for recipe creation. But, really, my journey into baking started with introspection and experimentation.”
What inspires your baking?
There’s a beautiful simplicity in how she describes her beginnings. “I made my first cake in November 2022 for my brother’s birthday, and then a few more for friends. One day, one of my besties told me that with the cakes I’d already made, I had enough for a solid portfolio and should create an Instagram account. I never thought I’d end up dedicating myself to making cakes; I never considered it as an option. I feel like I didn’t choose to be a baker; the baking world chose me.”
I've heard similar stories like this from fellow bakers in the Dolcetta community—many of us begin as hobbyists, simply creating for the love of it, and then one day it clicks: This is what I want to be doing professionally.
In just 2 short years, Alicia has not only built a brand around her bakery, but she’s also developed a unique baking style. “My style has evolved through experimentation with textures and floral varieties. Over time, I’ve embraced a more maximalist approach, incorporating diverse textures and intricate floral patterns. This experimentation has allowed me to create cakes that are not only visually captivating but also rich in sensory experiences.”
“My designs are inspired by a blend of personal creative tastes and a desire to push the boundaries of traditional cake aesthetics. I draw inspiration from maximalism, floral patterns, and vibrant colors, as well as the sensory experiences that music and textures can evoke.”
Can you walk us through your creative process from concept to the finished product?
Alicia leans heavily into the art world, blending these influences with her baking, a move that not only makes her cakes unique but also deeply meaningful. “My creative process begins when a client trusts me to start working on their cake,” she shares. “To create a Lucca cake, all I need to know is the cake’s flavor, the filling, a color palette, the occasion, and some personal preferences of the person being celebrated. From there, I start playing with ideas, textures, colors, and shapes.”
But there’s more to the process than just baking. “The creative process doesn’t end there. It continues with creating photographs, content, and selecting music for social media posts, followed by interpreting how the audience perceives and translates all the work behind it. For me, it’s a continuous cycle that doesn’t have a clear beginning or end.”
Her approach is deeply layered and intuitive—a never-ending journey where every cake becomes an opportunity to create something new and expressive.
Do you have a favorite cake you’ve ever baked?
“My favorite creation is a recent cake where I incorporated an orange tone with yellow flowers. I also introduced a new carrot cake. It was a true representation of my maximalist style and received an overwhelmingly positive response from clients. Seeing the joy it brought to the celebration made it particularly special for me—and it was delicious.”
My mouth is watering…what advice do you have for others who are just starting their baking journey?
“Believe in yourself and your work, whether you’re self-taught or not—everything counts and everything has value. There will always be someone who trusts you and your work. Keep trying, always keep improving, and learn from everything and everyone. This is a very generous world where we have access to all kinds of knowledge. Eat, drink, and taste a lot; partnerships can be your best friend. Don’t just follow a set path; it’s always good to innovate. Oh, and if you’re a cook or baker, always try to have breakfast.”
Alicia is creating custom cakes and wedding cakes of all shapes and sizes for the Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada, and Tijuana area. She loves collaborating with clients to bring their ideas and celebrations to life through personalized creations. If you’d like to get in touch for a commission, the best way to contact her is through our Instagram page @lucca.ens or via WhatsApp at +526462080069. “Feel free to reach out with any inquiries, orders, or ideas. I’m always excited to connect and collaborate!”
The next time I’m in Mexico, I will be running to order a cake from Alicia to finally taste her beautiful creations. Alicia’s journey is a testament to the beauty of following your creative instincts. From experimental beginnings to building a brand that fuses art and baking, she’s crafted more than just cakes - with each design, she challenges tradition, blending flavor with bold aesthetics. Her advice? Stay curious, keep experimenting, and always believe in your vision.
Cheers,
Maya
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