CHICOPEE – One local baker has found great success in Chicopee after fleeing from Puerto Rico to Western Massachusetts nearly 20 years ago.

Eileen Perez is the owner of Eileen Cak’s and Eileen Cak’s Supplies and More, both located in Chicopee. Eileen Cak’s sells handmade cakes and Eileen Cak’s Supplies and More provides customers with everything they could possibly need to bake, such as cake pans and molds, fondant, cake toppers, cookie cutters, fillings and more.

Perez is originally from Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. Her passion for baking stemmed from age 11, when she saw a neighbor baking a homemade cake.

“I was so amazed by her recipe, so as soon as my neighbor finished putting the cake mix into the oven, I ran home to write down what she used and how she mixed it. Thanks to her recipe, my passion for baking was created,” said Perez.

In 2000, Perez fled from Puerto Rico to Springfield to escape an abusive relationship. She came with her four children, little English skills and only $475 in her pocket. In order to provide for her children, Perez decided to put her baking skills to use.

“I had to survive for my children and I had to come from somewhere, somehow. I began to bake and make personalized products as fast as I could to be able to provide for my children,” she said.

Perez spent seven years baking in her home, located in a low-income community, before she was able to buy her own house. It wasn’t until 2014 that Perez decided to open her own bakery. However, once she acquired her first spot in Agawam, she realized it would cost too much to build a kitchen. She then decided it would be best to keep it as a supplies store for those who bake at home.

In 2018, Perez was finally able to achieve her dream of owning her own bakery. She opened her store, Eileen Cak’s and More, at 8 Center St. in Chicopee and has been there since.

According to Perez, “Eileen Cak’s and More offers elegant homemade cakes at affordable prices for all to enjoy.  Whether you are planning and selecting your wedding cake, a birthday cake, whatever you are celebrating, your idea is brought to reality with your cake. Eileen Cak’s also offers quick on-the-go items with a Puerto Rican touch. On a regular day you could find coffee, frappes, cake slices, flan, cookies, sandwiches and more being offered.”

Eileen Cak’s also offers baking classes to help women and moms learn how to bake and master the art of cake-making. Perez says she hosts these classes to help inspire women and empower them to become independent.

Eileen Cak’s Supplies and More is now also located in Chicopee at 226 Exchange St.

According to Perez, Eileen Cak’s Supplies and More offers a variety of products from different countries.

“It was very difficult for me to find all the products as a home-base baker. So I decided to invest in a store for fellow bakers like me and be able to make cakes at home. They wouldn’t have to go through so much work like I did in the past and would be able to confection a cake at home,” she said.

Perez said her goal was to help others fulfill their dream as home-base bakers locally without breaking their pockets.

Perez says that she dreams of one day owning her own building so she can have both stores under one roof and would be able to open a cake-making school for women.

Due to COVID-19, Perez has had to make some changes within both of her stores. Eileen Cak’s is currently taking pre-paid orders only. Doors are closed to the public. At Eileen Cak’s Supplies and More, four people are allowed in the store at a time. Perez said that they are following proper CDC guidelines and procedures to keep everyone safe.

Perez is currently offering holiday cakes at Eileen Cak’s. Perez has seasonally decorated cakes to feed any number of people. Some of her specials include a “Merry Christmas” cake, plus six cupcakes, that can feed up to 25-30 people and is priced at $45. Other specials include a snowman cake and a reindeer cake that can feed up to 12 people and is priced at $30. Flavors of Perez’s cakes range from carrot, vanilla, chocolate, marble or almond. Those interested in learning more about these specials are encouraged to visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EileencaksmoreII/.  

Eileen Cak’s Supplies and More are offering any supplies an at-home baker may need this holiday season. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/eileencaksmore/.

Perez’s story is an example of rising above and making a career out of what she loves.

“Truth to be told, baking is my passion. I love to see the faces of my customers. The most important thing is the appreciation and the rewards from a pleased customer, the feedback and being part of creating a momentum and a forever memory in their life,” she said.