Lego my Ninjago Cake!

Ever heard of Lego Ninjagos?? Well there are plenty of 7 year old boys out there like Sol, who follow them religiously, play them, watch them and now EAT them?! Who knew these little fighters would surrender so easily! My favorite part about this little birthday guy is that I got to make his cake last year too! See his incredible Hulk cake for birthday #6. It seems he lept from one giant green guy to another swift one- as his favorite of the Ninjagos, hence his front and center placement on the main cake. But he didn't leave the other colors out, they made their way onto the cupcakes. Happy 7th Sol! Hope to see you and Grandma Julia again next year!

What is it Going to Bee?? Gender Reveal!!

I wish you could see the rest of this baby shower set-up! I was so excited to make this cake, and it fit right into the decor set-up by friends and family to celebrate a beautiful baby's announcement to the world! Suzanne's (mother) bestie,  emailed me in advance, letting me know the date and theme of the party, and had Suzanne emailed me the gender after the date of the ultra sound, so that even the party host would get to enjoy the surprise! I loved how they all got completely into it, and went all out for the baby girl! 

A Jump Cake!

A few months back, I created a similar cake for my small group Bible study, comprised of high school girls. We had done a photoshoot previously in which we posed for a "jump picture", which turned out to be the perfect cake topper for our final meeting just before their graduation. I thought it was quirky and fun, but little did I know I'd get an order requesting a similar cake shortly after! A friend of mine, Chelsea, asked me to do the same thing for her Bible study group, who had been together since the girls were in 7th grade, all the way through high school! What a lovely way to spend 6 years =) To celebrate the end of an era before their high school graduation, they went to Disneyland and the beach in California where they got some really great shots by Radiant Photography, which is what I ended up using for their cake. For their big celebration, the girls threw a banquet in Chelsea's (their leader) honor and they ate some yummy cake! Thanks Chelsea, and Radiant photography for letting me play with your photo, absolutely LOVED the story behind this cake and was honored to be a part of such a special occasion!

This wedding dessert table, with a deep violet theme, was overflowing with sweets! We had not only a three tiered white cake with fresh raspberry filling, but cake pops in red velvet and chocolate, and cupcakes aplenty with fresh raspberry filling and handmade fondant roses.  According to a post wedding message fro the bride, it was all gone at the end of the night! Congrats to the happy couple!

A going away Luggage Cake!

From Arizona to Illinois, Wheaton College bound! Cali's high school graduation and college send-off was celebrated with sweets, the best way to prepare a college student. Check out her airplane cupcakes too!

Wedding shoot by Denise Nicole Photography and Styled by Karie Denny Photography!

A few months ago I was invited by Karie Denny Photography to be a part of a styled shoot, organized & creatively styled by Karie and shot by Denise Nicole photography. I was so honored after being able to see their beautiful work and just could not wait to see how it all came together. They found other wonderful vendors to participate, including Butterfly Petals (florist), some lovely models, beautiful handmade accents and a gorgeous setting for the shoot. I am so impressed with how it turned out! Check out their work see what's yet to come via Facebook fan pages!

Elmo Birthday Cake!

A fun Elmo Cake for little Jayce! The original design was adapted from a "girly" version which had cute little leaf designs on the top tier, to boy-friendly stripes for the little man! What you don't see here is how amazing his party was...An Elmo Jump House in the backyard, Elmo footprints leading up to the door, and the handsome birthday boy wearing his favorite Elmo shirt!

Peter and Tiffany's Castle Wedding!

Photo Courtesy of Marry Jordan Photography Website- http://marryjordan.com/blog

Walking into this wedding was picturesque! The Castle at Ashley Manor is truly a sought after venue, and this couple is one of my favorites, so I was overjoyed to make the cupcakes and sweetheart cake for Tiffany and Peter's I-do day! Their theme, including the invitation was fun and full of personality, while remaining elegant and true to the Castle's ambiance. Tiffany asked me to make their cupcakes elegant and pretty, while remaining original. So we customized 4 different designs for each cupcake, which matched their pale yellow and grey color scheme,  one of which included their initials, "p + t". I added a touch of bling, to bring in the elegance that Tiffany wanted, through a broach on the sweetheart cake. Tiffany wanted real flowers as a cake topper, which they were able to work with their florist in providing extra to match the bouquets. One other thing, Tiffany is gluten sensitive and requested that their sweetheart cake be gluten-free. No problem! Their big day was so special, down to the moment the groom smashed cake in the best man's face (smart man, bride kept her make up flawless!), I was truly blessed to be a part of it, and to bring the dessert delight! Thanks and Congrats Peter and Tiffany!

Antique Road Show Cake- Trunk full of goodies!

Have you ever had a company you loved working with, and when someone asks you for a recommendation for a particular product or service, you LOVE telling people about them? That's how I feel when I go to, Rick at Unified Financial Services (Camelback Location). He is great to work with, so professional, and I even enjoy my appointment when I go in...crazy huh! So I was not surprised when he  told me that he and Matt, over at UFS, were hosting a super cool, creative event for their clients, an Antique Roadshow event. That's right, you may have seen the shows on TV, there is an appraiser on sight who is an expert in buying and selling antiques, and he or she can tell you the value of your heirloom. They asked me to be creative and come up with a design, and the first thing that popped into my mind was an old trunk, overflowing with valuable antique goodies. They loved the idea, and asked me to also create some take home cupcakes for their clients, customized with their logo. When I went to deliver the desserts, I got a sneak peak of the event, which was decked out with prizes, and decor to fit the theme. No wonder why people love going to them, so fun and great to work with! If you are considering financial planning or need someone great when tax season kicks in, ask for Rick or Matt at UFS!

A Simple Cheers to a University of Arizona birthday alum!

Probably one of the hardest cakes I have had to make to date- and not because of difficulty level, was this plain and simple nod to the University of Arizona. Being an ASU alum, I have dished out my share of smack talk to some of my very most favorite people in the world, who happen to be U of A grads. Which made it, not that easy to make a pretty little cake, which is unmistakably and only, all about the University of Arizona. A great friend of mine, ordered it for her sweet husband's birthday, and he loved it, so I was delighted =) I'm not going to say it wasn't a little gratifying though that there were some loyal ASU fans there who refused to eat it, without calling it an "American Cake" (you know, red, white & blue). Hah! Love it =)

Ring Bearer / Flower Girl Proposal Cakes!

With all the creativity focused on the proposal of a beau to his lady, one of my clients felt inspired to focus a little creativity into asking her favorite little friends to be a part of her big day! I love the idea she had to order these custom made cakes to pop the question to her 2 flower girls and a ring bearer. Even more precious is that she specially delivered them herself! Let's hope they were generous and saved her a piece!

A Year Later...Biz Highlights!

I'm not sure when to say my business actually started- was it when me and my big sis started our passion for baking and cake decorating with our obsession of the Cake Boss in 2010/2011 and we started receiving orders? Was it when I quit my full-time job in Marketing to perfect my talents as a Baketress and grow my business? Or was it when all of my paperwork went through with the state and my LLC was officially registered?  I have been a Baketress since 2010, but somewhere along the lines I took a leap of faith and became The Cake Baketress. It has been such an adventure, and many of you remember my post about leaving my comfortable cubicle for my home-based baking business, if not, feel free to read back- From Fluorescent Lights to Cakes. If you are in a season of indecision, or have just taken a huge risk, well maybe you can relate!

My cubicle decorated for my birthday. The office sheep
(a longrunning prank) made his way over to my desk to celebrate!

I cannot believe it's been a year...June 17, 2011 was my last official day working in my position as Marketing Representative of Community Sponsorships and Events in the Phoenix-Metro Area for a national healthcare organization. In many ways it is part of my identity and the way God wired me to network and promote the things I believe in, so this job was a natural fit and a lot of fun for me. It was very strange leaving something I did not hate, to do something I love. I knew it was a risk and all the time people ask me, "do you regret leaving?"- it does not take me long to answer, "not for one second do I regret it". Despite the financial challenges of a start-up company, without taking out any loans, and without any guarantee of a salary, I would absolutely never turn back and erase the time I've had being stretched and sewing many dollars, cents, time and sweat into the success of my business. The US Small Business Association says on average, it takes about $30,000 to start up a company. This is of the more conservative numbers I've heard, but it does give you an idea of the financial commitment- it's no pocket change for the average person in their mid to late twenties!

On a positive, $$ saving note, I am very thankful that according to a state law that passed, literally, a month after leaving my full time job, and a week after contacting several commercial kitchen rental spaces, the State of Arizona passed the Cottage Industry Food Law, allowing bakers to run their business right from home. The law outlines safe practices and business musts if you are to operate a home based baking business. Before this law existed, many cake decorators ran their business unofficially and illegally out of their homes. I was not about to risk doing that, so it would have significantly raised my overhead to pay rent to operate out of a commercial kitchen. Instead of paying rent, I am able to invest in supplies, equipment, education, advertising, whatever I think will better my business!

Many of you have asked me if I can see myself opening up a shop- I would love to someday! Until then, I count it a blessing that I can run my business from home. I do not believe in coincidences and was shocked when this law passed before I had made any commitments to a lease, but after I had started investigating the cost and logistics. God's timing is always perfect, and I am so thankful for the doors He has opened. That being said, when I feel comfortable making that commitment to a lease, I would love to have my own cake showroom and even professional kitchen space. I am in no hurry though and will do what many cake decorators have done before me- build their portfolio and their clientele and wait for the right moment for that kind of growth. I have had the privelege of meeting some local talented cake decorators who are at the same phase of their business, and some who were where I am a few years ago, and are now experiencing major growth having their own local shop. I cannot wait to be where they are, but also listen with ears wide open to the stories of hard work it took to get there. I have seen a few local cake spots open with the sparkle of a new toy, and close down not long after with the disillusionment of a heart break- I do not envy their position, but even they are faced with the choice to continue fighting for their success!

Wedding Dessert Shots!

Hopefully you are still paying attention, and I have not bored you with my recap, because I want YOUR help with this next part! I am so thankful for all the business YOU have brought me- telling your sister's friend's coworker's neighbor's daughter, about my cakes. Thus far I have not invested in advertising, so all of my business has been from word-of-mouth, networking and Facebook. I have made cakes based on themes I have never heard of and have had so much fun doing so. With my strong base of specialty cakes building however, I am even more eager to build my portfolio of wedding cakes/ cupcakes/ cake pops and cookies (say that 3 times fast). This is where I need your help spreading the word! I have EXCELLENT pricing when it comes to the competition, because I need more wedding business. So thank you, and I hope you participate with me in helping spread the word about my wedding cakes. I have had the privilege recently of creating a cake for a styled wedding photoshoot with other vendors around to valley to showcase our businesses, and I cannot wait to show you the pictures! Until then, feel free to check out my photos on Weddings album on Facebook if you would like to see some of the cakes/desserts I have done.

Thank you all for your support over the last year, I could not have done any of this without your encouragement and belief in me and your referrals! I am so unbelievably blessed to be doing what I love and with the best clients ever!

Love,

A Very Hungry Caterpillar Cake and Cookies!!!

Do you remember that colorful book from when you were little, about the caterpillar who inched his way along, snacking through the picnic? It used to be so fun poking pointer, thumbkin and ring man through the holes in pages where he ate through. That day The Very Hungry Caterpillar had a little too much to eat- he consumed:  aredapple2greenpears3purpleplums4strawberries5orangeschocolatecakeicecreamapicklecheesesalamialollipopsausageacupcakeacherrypieandawatermelon.
So it was super fun covering a two-tiered cake with some of his favorite foods, and a giant version of the caterpillar, 3D, on the bottom tier. Also in the mix was a smash cake to match the theme and some decorated caterpillar sugar cookies! My guess is the party guests were full, and thankfully the caterpillar didn't get to it all first!

Minnie Mouse Birthday Cake!

The best part about this cake is not that it takes me back to my childhood, or that it has giant Minnie Mouse ears or a big bow- it's that it was ordered for my friend's 24th birthday! She was so excited when she picked it up that I think she even jumped up and down! Can't wait to see what she orders next year =)