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
Manager
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!
Anilu
Cake Decorator
Anilu is a very talented cake decorator and helps out the shop during our busiest days. She makes a lot of the display cakes and small desserts that you see in our case every weekend! She comes to us from Starbucks where just by chance we had spoken about cake decorating and she had expressed interest.
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!
Emily
Baker
Emily joined our team in September and has done a great job of learning the in's and out's of the bakery. She has quickly become an integral part of our team.
Wendy
Manager
Wendy has been with us since day 1 at the shop, she has been a very integral part of our team here! She's a very talented cake decorator and comes to us from California where she was a bakery manager. Wendy was promoted to Manager and is also our lead cake decorator!
Shelbie
Cake Decorator
Shelbie joined our team in 2024 and has become an integral part of the business. Her skill set undeniably sets the standard for cake decorator's and is a great addition to the team. Be sure to say hi when you stop in!
Jamie
Cake Decorator
Jamie also recently joined our team and is one of our core cake decorators on staff, you'll see her working side by side with Wendy on the weekends creating all of your stunning cakes. We are lucky to have her!
Tatum
Baker
Tatum joined our team in July of 2024 and has been an fun and vibrant addition to our team! Be sure to say hello next time you see her on the weekends.