Meet Arleth Hernández | Student & Treat Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arleth Hernández and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arleth, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My long-term goal is to one day be able to open my own bakery or studio where I can provide scholarships and job opportunities for low-income students of color, helping them to pursue higher education whether — that be a bachelor’s degree or a doctorate. I would also love to continue supporting social justice causes, similar to those we have already donated to. This previous year we were able to donate to organizations like Border Kindess and support mothers in Palestine. I ultimately want my business to grow, along with the impact it has on the community.

What should our readers know about your business?
Killer Bakes started off when I was 16 and in high school, so what makes me proudest is seeing how I’ve grown alongside it. I’m currently in my third year of college, and looking back on how much I’ve learned and accomplished since then is absolutely amazing and feels so rewarding. Seeing how I was able to go from just dipped treats to now offering cakes and dessert tables is where I’m able to see my growth the most and what makes me the happiest, as well as seeing all of the returning customers throughout the years.

Balancing school and running a growing business has never been easy, especially with the pressures of learning how to navigate college. Honestly, I don’t think I would have been able to make it this far without such a strong support system. My parents have always been my biggest supporters, always encouraging and helping me in any way they can — whether it’s trying all of the things I bake or helping me package orders during the holidays. Their constant support has been the backbone of Killer Bakes’ success.

One of the main lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of patience—success doesn’t come overnight. I am more than aware that Killer Bakes is still a major work in progress, there are actually a lot of new exciting changes coming to it that I can’t wait for everyone to see. I also learned to take pride in my work, no matter how small the achievement feels. In the beginning, I used to get really nervous telling people I had a business because I was scared it wouldn’t grow, but now I proudly stand behind Killer Bakes, knowing that it’s not just about the treats I make but about the joy they bring to others and the growth and experience I’ve gained along the way.

What I want the world to know about KIller Bakes is that it’s more than just a small business, it’s a reflection of my values and the impact I hope to make one day. More than creating sweets, at the heart of my work, is the desire to help others and bring happiness through those treats.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want to give them a fun and memorable experience full of great food and activities. We would definitely have to start our first day with coffee at El Kafecito, a new coffee shop that has become a must for coffee. We’d spend the afternoon having fun at Hive Karaoke, where we could sing our favorite songs. Afterward, we’d head to Convoy for dinner, where there are plenty of great spots to choose from.
Throughout the week, we’d explore Vinyl Junkies Record Shop, where we can check out a variety of vinyl records. One evening, we’d enjoy an outdoor movie at Rooftop Cinema, taking in the city while watching a great film. For a more relaxing day, we would head to the beach to watch the sunset while enjoying some sushi.
Finally, at some point, we would definitely have dinner at Los Panchos in Escondido, which has some of the best tacos gobernador. Overall, I think San Diego has so much to offer — whether you’re looking for delicious food, fun activities, or just want to relax at the beach, there’s always something for everyone.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, the credit for my success goes to my parents. They’ve worked tirelessly and made countless sacrifices to give me a better life, and even when they are tired from their own work, they continue to support me. Their resilience and encouragement have shaped who I am, and all of my achievements are reflections of their sacrifices. My goal is to reach a level of success where I can show them that all their hard work has been worth it.

I’m also incredibly grateful for long-time customers, educators, and friends who have supported me along the way. Their belief in me has been a constant source of motivation as I work toward my goals.

Image Credits
Bianca Romero (Personal Picture)