Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY I had aspirations of becoming a writer. My teachers told me I was very creative and my short stories were always put up on the board outside the classroom. My mind was always on the next character and what exciting adventure they would encounter.
Throughout the years I kept writing, got married, had two beautiful children and moved to Atlanta, GA. My writing was put on the backburner, but not my love for creating something beautiful out of simple materials. I've done crochet, embroidery, candlewicking, candlemaking, soap making and jewelry making. I always loved baking and the next step was cake decorating.
I host a local cake club where cake designers come together once a month and try out a new recipe, share decorating ideas and demonstrate techniques in an effort to advance our skills and to bring our customers a high quality, tasty, creative cake.
I have advanced my skills by practicing on my own and taking advanced classes with Nicholas Lodge. (He is an incredibly talented artist! He was on the team that created one of the cakes for Princess Di's wedding. Besides operating his school and store here in GA and one in Japan, he has taught internationally and is a judge for The Food Network.)
Nicholas Lodge, Instructor & Food Network Judge
Bronwen Weber, Food Network Challenger
As my skills improved, I set a simple goal for myself: Make these cakes tasty and beautiful. I am also a member of ICES (International Cake Exploration Societe) which promotes and provides opportunities for sugar artists. Below are some pictures with me and Mike from www.mikesamazingcakes.com (Food Network Winner), Norman Davis (Food Network Winner), who was inducted to the ICES Hall of Fame this year) and Robert with Kerry Vincent (Food Network Judge). All were in attendance for the ICES Convention held in Florida in July 2008.
So far the response has been very encouraging! I appreciate that you have taken the time to visit my site.
If you have any questions, or would simply like to leave me feedback, feel free to email or call me!
Maria
onceuponacake@yahoo.com
Once Upon A Cake, LLC
In The Kitchen