Erika Maya

The most important thing I ever lost: My best-friend, Bad-Breath Buddy. He was a Sheltie who loved every person he met. Boy, do I miss his companionship and fishy breathe.

My nickname: “The Latin Tornado.”

The world would be a better place, if only: Everyone would educate themselves enough to be independent thinkers. Let’s all work together for the better good!

The best thing I ever won:  First place in Buttercream Wedding Category during the 2006 SRBA convention. The cake was three-tiers, iced with a warm pumpkin hue, and accented by hand-made sparkling pumpkins, leaves, tendrils, and ornate scroll.

The worst idea I’ve ever had:  To adopt five cats and two dogs at the same time.

My passion: Cake designing and salsa and bachata dancing.

 I am most proud of: My Puerto Rican heritage!

If I could be totally wild, I would: Travel to a foreign country, knock on a local’s door, and ask for an all-inclusive tour of their country.

My family: I’m happily married to my true love, Ricardo Maya. We have four wonderful children: Chino, Blue, Midnight, and Kitty. Chino is a goofy red-nose American Pit Bull Terrier, and Blue is our 10-week-old blue-nose American Pit Bull Terrier. Our two cats are Midnight, who thinks she is a dog, and Kitty, who keeps my pillow warm and hairy.

My hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Words I live by: My goals and dreams will come true if I stay motivated, positive, focused, and open-minded to all possibilities.