Meet Dora Martinez

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dora Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dora, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
The most beautiful thing that makes me happy are my Daughters Karen and Leah. They make my life full of emotions and challenges. They are the main reason why Panecito KaLe exists.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are Panecito kaLe. What does it mean in English? small bread
We started 4 years ago making sweet bread (Conchas) for our friend Alebrije’s first pop up, then we started selling at farmers markets such as East Nashville farmers market, Richland park farmers market, Hip donelson and 12th south farmers market. Nashville welcomed us wonderfully. I saw the opportunity to introduce Nashville to The Sweet Side of Mexico. Since people commonly only talk about the delicious Mexican food, but very rarely do they know the other part of Mexico loved by children and adults, the sweet and refreshing part of Mexico.

When we started with panecito we saw that very few businesses concentrate or focus on (children) and as a mother I wanted my daughters to know what I ate in Mexico in my childhood.
But I wanted to make it different from the bakeries that already existed in Nashville and the other vendors that were in the farmers markets, making fun and cute bread with a little special touch, and that’s how the idea began that in each season and holidays we would customize our Conchas and Aguas Frescas, depending on the season. Christmas, Day of the Dead , Valentines to mention a few. and so we start adding new ingredients and flavors. because sweet is fun.

It was not easy since Nashville was not so familiar with El pan dulce, or Aguas frescas, so little by little we entered the markets with Aguas Frescas y postres. and little by little we are reaching the hearts of several families in Nashville. We continue working so that they also fall in love with this sweet gastronomic part of Mexico.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, first I would take you to my favorite place Alebrije, where we could taste the flavors of Mexico City in Nashville. Second, I would take them to the different farmers markets that are open all week that Nashville offers us, where they can find a variety of international foods and fresh products from the farms, and they will also find everything from soaps (soul seed is one of my favorite vendors) to plants, and above all, they can support small local businesses. and spend a pleasant time with friends and family, something out of the ordinary and what better than outdoors.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate it to my family
and daughters Karen,Leah.

Instagram: @panecitokale

Facebook: Panecito kale