Meet the MAKER.

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Random facts about me…

  • I’ve lived in 8 countries and 13 different cities, Canberra being the longest place I’ve been in. 

  • I speak 3 languages: Portuguese, Spanish and English (of course).

  • I started my “first business” when I was 13, selling brownies at school (that I bought from a small bakery near my house). I was caught by a teacher and they called my mum to report “the incident”. 

  • I’ve a Bachelor Degree in Social Communications & Master's in PR & Business Development.

  • I was a Diplomat for over 9 years. 

  • I currently work in superannuation, and baking continues to be my escape window.

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Hi! I’m Ana,

I’m a Brazilian/Venezuelan/Australian, the youngest of 3 sisters, raised around the world by a Diplomatic father and a Lawyer mother, married to my best friend, mum to a clever, extrovert and chatty 10 year old boy, and a set of cheeky, sweet, very energetic 7 years old twins, happily living in Canberra since 2010.

After being completely incompetent in the dessert department most of my life, when I became a full-time mum, nostalgia got the best out of me and I constantly craving the cases my older sister used to make. Being so far away from her I had to figure it out on my own, and I became obsessed with YouTube cooking channels, recipe books and workshops.

After lots, lots, and lots of practice, I build the confidence and the skills to jump into business,

Poked! was born on April 29th 2021 dedicated to my favourite cake of all the Tres Leches. An original recipe, developed from scratch, tested to perfection; a truly unique and amazing experience in every bite.

As life isn’t a straight line, today I live with not 1, not 2, but 3 autoimmune conditions + 1 neuro and 1 muscular affections, that have compromise my ability to walk along many other sever and chronic symptoms.

I’ve consider the possibility of quitting baking all together many, many times, but then a new order comes in, and I remember the magic smell of a cake being in the oven and how satisfying is to get feedback from my customers when they try my cakes.

I can’t wait to indulge your palate with the best Tres Leches cake you’ll EVER HAVE (that’s a promise!)

Against all odds I’m still here, your support is the force motivating me to move forward.

Love,
Ana Barráez.
@ANABARRAEZ