10/16/2026
Ernesto Nava is the man behind Prince Valley Market’s bustling bakery department.
Originally from Mexico, Ernesto came to the United States in 2000 and began his career baking traditional Mexican breads. In 2015, he was hired to build Prince Valley’s full-service bakery, growing it from a small bread selection into one of Southwest Detroit’s largest bakery departments.
Today, Ernesto oversees a team of 14 employees and a busy bakery that produces thousands of custom and ready-made cakes each year. From elaborate wedding and quinceañera cakes to traditional Mexican breads, pastries, and everyday favorites, his leadership has helped make the bakery a destination for the community.
Funny enough, Ernesto never thought of himself as a creative person. “I never knew it, but I found that I love to create things and be creative,” he says.
He especially enjoys working with customers to bring their ideas to life, even when they’re not quite sure how to explain what they want. “I love when people push me to create something I've never done before.”
After all these years, it’s that connection with customers and the freedom to try new things that keep Ernesto passionate about his work.
