About the Baker

Well, here you have it! This photo pretty much sums up who I am and why I do what I do.

 

I formed Cakewalk Desserts in the summer of 2010 as a bit of a side project. My husband and I were newly married and both working for the same company in Laguna Niguel, California. Unfortunately, that company closed it’s doors at the peak of the economic downturn, and we found ourselves very much in love… but very much out of work.

Since I had a degree in Interior Design and a passion for baking, I thought… “I can try my hand at making a name for myself with my mini desserts!” Using my southern roots {all southern girls know sweets} and flair for presentation, I tried to stand apart. With the help of my ever popular pie pops, the word was out and my little business took off. Pretty soon, this little side project became a full-time love affair!

I owe so much to my family for their love and support. Fun Fact: We have deep roots in the photography industry on my husbands side. His late grandparents, Albert and Ardythe Smetona started Smetona Photo in Capistrano Beach, CA in 1964. More recently, my brother and sister-in-law {Dustin and Kristin Smetona) have upheld that legacy by continuing the business today and now specialize in wedding and family photography. It was these connections that gave me my big start! If I made a yummy treat… they photographed it. As you know, a photo is worth a thousand words, and once I had a collection of beautiful photos, it was all I needed to form a functional web site. The rest is history as they say.

At the end of the day, I just love to bake. My mother and grandmother were both avid cooks and from the time I could reach the counter tops I was always trying to lend a helping hand. People ask me if I ever plan to return to design, and who knows, one day that may be put on my heart to pursue. For now, I have so much joy doing what I do. Don’t get me wrong-not every day is easy. Trying to run a business, be a wife and mother and still have time to bake is always a challenge. However, I think we all find ourselves at a point in life where we know exactly what to do with the gifts God has bestowed upon us. That gives me the drive to keep going as long as it makes sense to do so. Business or not, I’ll always bake. Even if in 10 years it’s just for my hubby and kiddos.

Thanks to all my friends and family for believing in me and supporting Cakewalk Desserts. A special thank you to my wonderful husband, Ian, for always encouraging me to go after my dreams and for all the foot rubs after a long day of baking. Thank you to my oldest son, Quintus for being my little “taste tester” and helper in the kitchen, and to my newest little guy, Adler (who is always happy except when posing for pictures) for that “I love you mom” smile just when I’m about to throw in the towel!

I’ll leave you with a quote from the big gal herself, Julia Child:

Learn how to cook, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS and above all, have fun!