🌟🎂 Happy Birthday to Me! 🥳🍫😋

As most of you know, I published a Gluten-Free Cookbook when I was 13, and I have been making amazing birthday cakes as well as other treats for years now. I am expanding my interests to become a chocolatier and pastry chef. I have absolutely loved watching Amaury Guichon (Host of the TV Series "School of Chocolate" on Netflix) on Facebook, making huge chocolate statues! I was so excited when I discovered that he hosts a pastry school (that even teaches Gluten-Free pastries!!)! After my mom made sure it was legit, I applied and was accepted at 14! They were excited to have me, but the cost of tuition is far more than my educational funds cover for 1 year, so I need to raise at least $5,750 to attend (adding all my educational funds for the year to the raised amount to cover tuition). That seems like an impossible amount! But when I first started my book, I also thought that was an impossible task, but I did it! So, it has become the main focus in my education to pursue this opportunity!

My other passion has become acting and improv. Still, as many know, acting/performing is a profession that doesn't always pay consistently (or at all 😅), so my solution to that is to set myself up with skills that I can do when things are slow in my other passions. So, with this pastry school and chocolate training, I can make things that people love anywhere I go! I'm also fascinated with how chocolate is a form of art!

As I sit here, with a heart full of dreams and my mind buzzing with possibilities, I can't help but think about how far I've come. Today isn't just another birthday; it's a milestone in my life where I begin seriously focusing on my future. Being half Mexican, I wanted to experience the cultural tradition of a Quinceañera, but it also comes with a significant price tag. 😅 So, I am still honoring this special milestone with a formal dance at my home, where I am making my own cake (as I always love to do! 🎂), making hors d'oeuvres, decorating my house in a Greatest Showman theme, and performing with my favorite Improv group, the JesterZ! I'm taking all that I can and putting it towards this pastry school. I'm also working on an updated version of my book to relaunch this year, and I'm putting all my efforts into supporting this dream of becoming a chocolatier. This milestone marks the beginning of a new, incredible journey! 🚀💫

I've always been a dreamer—a seeker of flavors that make my heart sing and taste buds dance with joy. I love traveling around during my first book tour tasting all the amazing Gluten-Free goodies out there that inspired my book! Now, much of my pastime is watching others online make the most amazing treats! When I first heard about Amaury Guichon’s pastry and chocolate school, it was like discovering Willy Wonka’s secret lab in the candy factory! But there was just one hitch... 😅

The tuition? Well, let's just say that magic doesn’t come cheap. It felt as far away as Mars when I saw the price tag attached to my dream. That's when it hit me: Instead of gifts for me, how about we make a gift that can change my future and create a sweet opportunity for you to taste my newfound skills?! 🎁👅

So here’s where you come in—I believe that every bit counts! Whether it's $5 or $500, your contribution will help me unlock my potential to create beautiful desserts. Imagine the smiles on all your faces when you realize your small act has big impact! 🌍❤️ If you invest in me, I will commit to giving you some samples of what I learn (make sure I have your address 😉). 💝 🍫 

By helping fund this journey, you are not just investing in a pastry chef & chocolatier; you're creating opportunities for someone who wants nothing more than to make magic with chocolate and sugar. This is bigger than me—it's about everyone who believes that dreams can come true when we support each other!

Will you join me on this sweet adventure? Will you help bring my dream into reality? With your generosity, together let’s prove that small contributions can create huge ripples of joy and inspiration. Let's make magic happen—because every dreamer deserves a chance to soar high! 🌈✨

Thank you for believing in me... I promise to do everything with passion and love, not only to learn but also to inspire others along the way. Here’s to making sweet memories together, one chocolate truffle at a time! 🙏🎉

With all my heart,

Eliana Balian 🫶