The amazing thing about an event like Localtopia is that it introduces you to new businesses that somehow flew under your radar. I’ve lived in St. Petersburg since 2010, and it wasn’t until the celebration of all things local that I first tasted a Curious Cat Bakery confection. The heart-shaped gluten-free + vegan shortbread cookie I devoured was one of the most sensational sweets I have ever had. The aesthetic, flavor, and curious attention to detail is no surprise when you meet the owner, and baker Natalia Lima.

Lima’s baked goods are nearly too pretty to eat. Her cupcakes could serve as centerpieces or sweet baked bouquets. Her affinity for baking with love and passion even saw her make vegan versions of everything that appears on the all-too addicting Great British Baking Show. It’s that very passion, drive, and enjoyment of one’s craft that defines that small business scene in the Sunshine City.

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The Localtopia Boost

Lima, similar to many other businesses in the ‘Burg, found Localtopia to be a true economic boon for her budding business.

“Localtopia was my biggest day sales wise so far,” wrote Lima in a direct message. “I saw an increase right away on social media followers, but i also got two requests for custom orders as a result after people tried my cakes at the event.”

The Curious Cat Bakery menu includes gorgeous desserts like the perfectly purple Lemon Lavender cake, adorable cinnamon rolls, and her most popular treat the Once Pecan a Time cookie. Lima sold over 900 of them in February 2020 alone.

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Baking up a delicious new St. Pete business

I passed along a few more questions to Lima to learn more about her business, why she started baking, and what fuels Curious Cat.

When was Curious Cat Bakery founded? 

I started the Curious Cat Bakery at the beginning of last year.

What are your three favorite desserts to bake?

I love baking and frosting cakes, especially chocolate since that’s my personal favorite to eat afterwards! Cupcakes and the butter pecan cookies — which is everyone’s favorite — are a close second.

What sets Curious Cat Bakery apart from other bakeries?

I started the Curious Cat Bakery because I wanted to make vegan desserts that taste like the real deal. I think that’s what sets it apart. All the cakes, cookies and desserts are just great tasting desserts that happen to be vegan!

What would you say is the most requested dessert? 

The most requested item is the Once Pecan a Time Cookies. They’re a butter pecan cookie with a chocolate drizzle and people just can’t get enough of them! I started making a cookie sandwich with them earlier this year and people went crazy over those too. It’s the most popular menu item for sure!

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To be honest, I’m currently daydreaming about the sticky cardamom buns and decadent German Chocolate Cake. If you want to whet your appetite for Curious Cat Bakery, just follow the business on Facebook and Instagram. Fair warning: It will be hazardous to your diet, but you won’t regret it.

You can also find a selection of Lima’s baked goods at Neighborhood Joe and Blush Tea House in St. Petersburg.

While Lima offers a sprawling menu of vegan baked goods, Curious Cat Bakery also accepts custom orders.

Want your next event feel totally enchanted? Curious Cat Bakery also offers catering services for gorgeously laid out dessert tables.