Today we’d like to introduce you to Anabel Fournier.
Hi Anabel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My path into baking has never been linear, but it has always been constant. I began in the restaurant world in Panama, and over the years, while living across different countries and working in various industries, baking remained the thread that followed me.
Rose Vanilla formally took shape in 2016 during my time in East Africa. What began as a small collection of cookies and pastries gradually evolved as I became increasingly drawn to the artistic possibilities of buttercream. I sought out training, refined my technique, and naturally transitioned into creating cakes that felt less like desserts and more like designed objects.
Returning to the United States in 2019 marked a new chapter. I was rebuilding in a completely different market, which required patience, but also gave me the opportunity to define the brand with clarity. I began working closely with clients and event planners, developing highly customized designs that balance structure, detail, and a strong visual identity.
Today, Rose Vanilla operates as a studio rather than a traditional bakery. Each piece is created with intention, informed by color, texture, and the language of design. My work sits at the intersection of art and celebration, where a cake is not only meant to be enjoyed, but to exist as part of a larger visual and emotional experience.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, and in many ways, I don’t think creative businesses ever are. Much of my journey has involved starting over, moving between countries, rebuilding in new markets, and learning how to establish a presence from the ground up each time.
One of the biggest challenges came when I returned to the United States. I had to reintroduce my work to an entirely new audience, without the benefit of an established network. That process required patience and persistence, but it also pushed me to refine my identity and be very intentional about the kind of work I wanted to create.
There is also the ongoing challenge of working in a highly visual and trend-driven industry while maintaining originality.
At the same time, the nature of what I do is inherently demanding. Each piece requires time, precision, and a high level of focus, so balancing growth while preserving quality has been an important consideration.
That said, those challenges have ultimately shaped the business into what it is today. They’ve allowed me to build something that feels grounded, intentional, and true to my perspective as an artist.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work centers on bespoke cakes and sweets, with a strong focus on buttercream as a medium for artistic expression. I specialize in buttercream floral work and highly customized designs, where each piece is created to reflect a specific event, palette, or feeling rather than following a standard template.
What I’m known for is a very personal approach to design. I work closely with each client, translating their ideas into something cohesive and intentional, often drawing from color, texture, and decorative influences to create a final piece that feels distinctive and considered from every angle.
At the core of what I do is a commitment to originality. My style has developed over time into something recognizable, shaped by my interest in refined details, balanced compositions, and the ability to make buttercream feel both structured and expressive at the same time.
What I’m most proud of is that my work doesn’t feel interchangeable. Each cake carries a sense of identity, not only reflecting the client, but also my perspective as an artist. That balance between personal expression and collaboration is what defines Rose Vanilla and ultimately sets it apart.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I would say the most important thing is to take the time to truly develop your own voice. It’s very easy to follow trends, especially in a highly visual industry, but what gives your work longevity is a clear and recognizable point of view.
When I was starting out, I wish I had understood earlier how important it is to value both your time and your work. Creative fields often require a great deal of unseen labor, and learning to set boundaries, price appropriately, and protect your process is just as important as developing technical skill.
I would also encourage patience. Growth doesn’t happen all at once, and building something meaningful takes time. Every stage, even the difficult ones, contributes to your refinement as both a business owner and an artist.
Most importantly, stay committed to quality and integrity. Your reputation is built over time through consistency, and that becomes one of your most valuable assets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rose-vanilla.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosevanillava
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosevanillava
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/rosevanillava
