Meet The Speakers Of Digital Dessert Goals
Our very first Digital Dessert Goals event is coming up this July 31 + August 1! We’re looking forward to baking and crafting along with these superb speakers, from the safety of our homes. While we wish we could be gathering together in person like our usual festivals, we’ve done our best to bring the magic of Dessert Goals online. So grab your dessert friends and family, and tune in together for a sweet filled weekend. And remember, all the videos will be accessible for a whole week following the event, so you can watch at your leisure! Check out the full schedule on our website. Read on to meet some of the speakers and learn their favorite desserts.
Katie Oxman
What is your all time favorite dessert? I live for themed desserts/ desserts tied to a place- like caramel chocolate Mickey apples from Disney World, or strawberry shortcake from my town’s May Fair, or Doughnut Vault in Chicago, getting Max Brenner or Ladurée hot chocolate in NYC at Christmas... you get the idea haha. Bonus, I'm deeply obsessed with Gingerbread Cookies, powdered chocolate crinkle cookies, and Swedish Princess Torte.
Favorite dessert spot in New York? Again, the list is LONG, but I'm an expert on NYC doughnuts/donuts. I love the Doughnut Project everything bagel donut. I also frequent the Milk Bar Flagship in Flatiron and Peete's Pies.
What inspired you to create a cake stand out of cardboard? During quarantine I've leaned into my creative / crafty and upcycling side. I love the simple charm of cardboard crafts, and when I was seeing a lot of clay houses on Instagram I decided to make cardboard rooms that I loved on Pinterest out of my recycling... and then Disney attractions... and now I'm the cardboard queen! I love giving it a second life. Everyone has cardboard! Bonus it takes paint VERY well.
Watch Katie’s DIY Cardboard Cake Stand craft demo!
Jane Ko
What is your all-time favorite dessert? ice cream - any kind of ice cream :)
Favorite dessert spot in Austin? The soft serve at Cow Tipping Creamery, Thai tea affogato at Sway, or stuffed banana Nutella cookies at ThoroughBread Bakery.
If someone is interested in becoming a food influencer, what advice would you give them? Why do you want to be a food influencer :)? Is it because you love supporting local restaurants? Do you like taking food photos? Or it is because you want to make money by working with brands?
Don’t miss Jane on the How To Be A Food Influencer Panel live on August 1st!
Jeremy Jacobowitz
What is your all time favorite dessert? My all time favorite dessert is Dark Chocolate pretzels, there is not one possible way for me to take a bite and not finish the entire bag of them. Love the salty and sweet combo.
Favorite dessert spot in New York? My favorite dessert spot is always changing but at the moment I really loved the mochi donuts I had at The Dough Club!
If someone is interested in becoming a food influencer, what advice would you give them? Find out what is going to make you stand out, and ask yourself why you want to be an "influencer." That word didn’t exist when I started, and I think that has shaped what I do. It wasn’t for a career, or money, or free food, it was just that I was passionate about something, had a unique angle, and could present that in a unique way.
Don’t miss Jeremy on the How To Be A Food Influencer Panel live on August 1st!
Aaron Hutcherson
What is your all time favorite dessert? It's so hard to choose! But I have a weakness for a good chocolate chip cookie.
Favorite dessert spot in New York? Stick With Me Sweets
If someone is interested in becoming a food influencer, what advice would you give them? Find your niche! Whether it's certain types of recipes, restaurants in your city/neighborhood, or something else entirely, decide what you want to focus on and start sharing that content so you can begin developing your audience as soon as possible.
Don’t miss Aaron moderating the How To Be a Food Influencer Panel live on August 1st!
Lucia Rios
What is your all time favorite dessert? Soft baked chocolate chip cookies and banana pudding, it’s a tie I can’t get enough of each!
Favorite dessert spot in Los Angeles? I actually have 2, first Horchateria Rio Luna they have fantastic churros and horchata lattes and downtown Disney where you can literally get any treat, cookies cake pops, apples alllll the sugar rush needs are met there :)
If someone is interested in starting a food business, what is one piece of advice you'd give them? Taste EVERYTHING EVERY TIME to make sure it's absolutely fabulous, there is nothing worse to a customer to waste their dollars and calories on a lackluster treat. And second, GET YOUR PERMITS make sure you're legit so not only are you covered but so that way you can take the first big opportunity and not turn it down for lack of permitting and licensing :)
Don’t miss Lucia on the How To Run a Food Business Panel live on August 1st!
Pooja Bavishi
What is your all time favorite dessert? Honestly, freshly churned ice cream - and I'm lucky enough to always have an endless supply of that! My favorite Indian dessert is gulab jamun, which is a milk based cardamom doughnut that is then soaked in a saffron and rose water syrup. It's truly sublime (especially my mom's version), and all sorts of indulgent, which makes the best kind of dessert.
Favorite dessert spot in New York? Nothing beats a peanut butter cookie from Ovenly.
If someone is interested in starting a food business, what is one piece of advice you'd give them? I always think it's important to ask questions, and try to absorb as much information as you can.
Don’t miss Pooja on the How To Run a Food Business Panel live on August 1st!