I started decorating cakes for my children, friends and family fourteen years ago.  My first cakes were a teddy bear, dalmation and strawberry shaped cake.  While at the library one day with my two children, Piper and Blake, I found a book, Cakes By Design, by Scott Clark Wooley and Michael G. Farace.  Their specialty was flowers made from sugar and basket cakes.  I literally could not put the book down.  I received a gift certificate from my family for tools and a signed copy of the book.  The rest is history!

Nine years ago I installed a commercial kitchen in my basement and received certification from the state of Wisconsin and the Village of Shorewood.  I have had the pleasure of helping hundreds of people with their celebrations ranging from weddings, birthdays and anniversaries to baby showers and bar mitzvahs.
I have made a specialty out of imitating nature and floral arrangements.  Bugs, butterflies, birds, flowers, rocks, animals, baskets, urns, topiaries, leaves and berries have become my signature look.  I enjoy working with fondant and painting directly onto a cake.

Neiman Marcus sold a decorated caramel apple in their annual Christmas Catalog for two years.  I designed the apple and drop-shipped it from my home. 

In March of 2007 I entered an Oprah/QVC search contest for new ideas.   QVC liked my idea and gave me an on-air opportunity twice.  My new product, CakeVase®, avoids the time and expense that custom cakes require.  By using the CakeVase®, anyone can create a bouquet/centerpiece cake quickly and easily.  All they need a cake, fresh flowers and water.

My husband and I attended the International Home + Housewares Show, our first tradeshow, in Chicago 2008.  We met directly with independent specialty owners, internet suppliers and national retailers who loved the product.  CakeVase® is a new concept but the minute people see it they get it.

Working out of my home has been rewarding in many ways.  From a flexible work schedule and environment, to providing a life lesson to my two children Piper (14) and Blake (12).  My husband, of 15 years, Dave and I are partners in business and in life.  I am lucky to have spent the last decade following my passion and look forward to continuing on the path of creativity and hard work.