Store Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-6pm
Sunday 10am-1pm
702 W. Camelback Rd. Suite #5. Phoenix, AZ 85013
Meet the team
Aaron's rich culinary passion dates back to his great grandfather, Joe Romo, who owned and operated "The Holbrook Bakery" in Holbrook Arizona. Joe passed away in 1979 though his legacy was continued through his son Esequiel Romo, or Sikie as he was known around town. The Romo legacy of fresh baked donuts, cakes, & pastries was well known in the Holbrook and throughout Northeastern Arizona. Aaron's mother, Elaine, told stories of gathering money and skipping class to go down to the shop just to buy fresh donuts for the class.
Aaron J. Curiel
Chef & Owner
Aaron began his culinary journey his freshman year of high school in 2004 with a class called "Foods 1" taught by Kay Shores. He loved this class so much he took "Foods 2" the following year followed by "Culinary 1-4" for the remainder of his high school tenure. He competed in five competitions during that time walking away with a Bronze, two Silver, a Gold, as well as a First Place Team win, along with attending a National Culinary Competition.
Aaron advanced to The Art Institute of Phoenix where he earned his way onto the Dean's List for three consecutive semester's. Graduating in 2006 he wasted no time and began work in his industry as a Tournant Chef to learn every aspect of the kitchen before settling on his passion of working with sweets. He displayed the want to learn, excel, and create nothing but the best. A value which he still holds to this day.
In 2010 he began laying the foundation for what is now "The Velvet Buttercream". He began pouring endless hours and money into his R&D projects to bring you the best he has to offer. No stone has been left un-turned, no cup of sugar left uncooked. He is truly in it to change your perceptions by combining new modern with old classical.
Many thanks go to his mentor's: Executive Chef Matt Simon, Marketing mentor Bobby Gordon, Graphic Design Artist Kevin Hustler, Bakery Manager Breanna VanHouten, Cake Decorator Joseph Valenzuela, Morgaine Purdue, Andrew Therault, and Business Owner @Persnikkity's - Nikkie Rose, and last but definitely not least Mrs.Kay Shores Culinary teacher at Blue Ridge High School.
Elaine
Office Admin
Mother to The Velvet Buttercream's owner, Aaron. Elaine is our office manager helping with emails, invoicing, and phone calls. Be sure give her a warm welcome if you get an email from her!
Jacob
Baker
Jacob joined our team in the late spring and has become an integral part of our team here! He's picking up the knowledge quickly, and were glad to have him!
Celeste
Bakery Team Lead
Celeste is cousin to Aaron, and Niece to Elaine. Celeste is a teacher, photographer, cupcake decorator, and a huge help around the shop. Honestly we wouldn't be where we are today without her help.
Shelbie
Cake Decorator
Shelbie joined our team in 2024 and has become an integral part of the business. Her skill sets the standard for cake decorator's and is a great addition to the team. Be sure to say hi when you stop in!
Red
Cake Decorator
Red is one of several cake decorators who bring your designs to life on the weekends! She is talented with a palette knife and detailed artistry work.
Qiara
Cake Decorator
Qiara is our display case cake decorator and comes to us from Whole Foods. She keeps our display case looking spectacular as well as helping out with cake orders when we need the support. Qiara joined our team in 2024, be sure to say hi!