Everyone hopes to find fulfillment in life doing something they love to do. Something that truly does not seem like work, but is an enjoyable way to spend the day while making a living.
Matthew Seguro, owner of Vida Doce (sweet life) pastry shop, feels blessed to have found his passion in life at such a young age. Vida Doce is near and dear to my heart since the owner is my cousin. As far back as I can remember, Matthew has been interested in cooking. Originally, his dreams were to become a chef, but after taking some baking classes in high school, he realized his calling. Matthew attended Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island where his natural talent flourished.
Matthew has been making cakes out of his mother's kitchen for 6 + years. Having seen many of his creations whether for a wedding, bridal shower, or birthday parties, it was obvious he would flourish in the field.
I can remember visiting Portugal in the summer of 2004 with Matthew and walking through the pastry shops hearing him talk about his dream of having his own bakery one day. We were in a popular bakery there called Pao Quente (it means hot bread) and looking at all of the details down to the tile in the bathroom. There are bakeries and coffee shops on just about every corner in Portugal and Matthew was determined to bring that laid back atmosphere to Newington, Connecticut. He has suceeded. Walking in to his bakery in Newington, you feel as if you are in Portugal. Not only does the decor reflect his Portuguese heritage, but at any given moment the only language you will hear being spoken is Portuguese.
Vida Doce opened its' doors on a Wednesday morning in September 2009. Everyone was so excited when the first customers came in . Throughout the day more and more people came through and by the end of the day, the pastries that should have lasted him two days were gone. The satisfaction of having so many happy customers was short lived and panic set in as he realized that he would have to do it all over again tomorrow. Most days Matthew is tired, but happy that he is able to offer people a comfortable place to sit down with a cup of coffee, relax and know that the most difficult decision they will have to make is deciding what tasty treat to have. Once you enter this wonderful pastry shop, you will quickly realize that it actually may be a challenge to pick only one thing.
Matthew Seguro wsa recently interviewed for a local town paper. He definately had a vision, but as he stated , "I think it came out better than I planned". At 23 years old, Matthew Seguro knows that through his hard work and intense dedication to his dreams, he truly is having a sweet life.
Below is the website and some of Matthew's creations
Below is the website and some of Matthew's creations
Wow! I loved this blog. It is very true that everyone wants to do what they love and call it work. I'm glad your cousin was able to finally open his own bakery. The cakes are all beautiful and I will be sure to go visit Vida Doce soon.
ReplyDeleteIts great that he's found his calling at such a young age. I think it's great that he knows that unlike a lot of college students who are "undecided" until the middle of their junior year. Even to open your own business is a major accomplishment. I think this is a great story and inspiring.
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ReplyDeleteI really like this blog too. I haven't heard of this bakery but it seems wonderful. I will defintely check it out,
I used to envy people who knew they goals and purpose of lives from early on, because I had no idea. But now I understand that there is no time-frames in our lifes. It doesn't mean that you should graduate college in your early 20s and right away have a great fulfilling career. I think that in the US we have less pressure and stereotypes when it comes to age and time-frames. In other countries/culture, the pressure of the environment makes you do things that you think you should do, even if you are not 100% sure.
I came from Poland and over there I would be more stressed than I am in the US. I think that everything happens for a reason, and we all just need to follow our own sweet dreams.
Wow! When I read this blog, it touched my heart. For Matt to know his life calling so so young is fantastic!! Life is stressful enough aside from not knowing what you want to do with it. Suzana, I congratulate your cousin for his success!
ReplyDeleteWell this is the second time that I am commenting on this because the first time for some reason got erased...but if I can remember correctly what I said the first time it went something like this.... Like previous comments, the first tihing that came out of my mouth after reading this blog was WOW. one thing that really caught my attention was the fact that Matt had a dream and he went after it...I am a strong believer in the fact that if you can dream it you can achieve it and if you trully have a dream no one in this world can stop you other than your self. not only is this very impressing but it trully moved me to want to go and stop by Vida Doce...I am very impressed and hope to make a trip very soon.....Raphael
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