I am sure you have heard the saying “if you want to make God Laugh, tell Him your plans”.
My cake story starts this way, but with all great stories my plans were purposeful in my journey to my purpose.
But first, you might be asking: ‘what is a cake story?’
Keep reading to find out...
Cake design is sooooo much more than just picking color and a theme. I genuinely believe that a cake should not only be a culinary experience but also a true reflection of those being celebrated. What makes a person special is a unique collection of your style, favorite things, personality, accomplishments, and life experiences. I cherish my Gourmies stories and it is my greatest pleasure to honor you by figuratively or literally mirroring your story within your cake design.
Now that you know what a cake story is, please know that my personal cake story is less about an actual cake design, and more about how I became Gourmet Girl when my path totally diverted from biology to baking.
My business was the result of switching career paths, very much unpredicted and unplanned. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with all intentions to go to Medical school.
But after the death of my mother, I began baking to divert my mind from my grief and to revive the memories of my mother teaching me how to bake growing up.
Baking calmed me, it allowed me an escape and a way to channel my energy into the production of something positive, visually pleasing, and delicious. I am ALMOST completely self-taught (is ‘almost completely’ a thing? Well, it is today!).
When I was 16 I took a wedding cake class and to learn more I would borrow cake instruction VHS tapes and DVDs from the library (yes I am that old) and then YouTube was invented I would spend countless hours researching and watching techniques as my curriculum. While baking to cope and posting the pictures to social media I began to get requests for cakes and so it all began!
The passing of my mother was the most devastating thing that I have ever experienced, but caking brought me closer to her and lead me to discover the beauty of what I call residual cake joy. When I felt no joy due to grief, the joy from my Gourmies enjoying their cakes was contagious and shared, helping me through.
Reflecting on my journey to become Gourmet Girl reminds me of how dreams really do come true. Since I was little, I have had a love for Martha Stewart. My impression of her was that she knew how to make and craft any and everything; and she was masterful at cakes! I remember thinking If I could grow up to make cakes and crafts, I would do that. My practical 8-year-old self did not think this was possible, so I went to school for science (which I love as well).
My point is, I never would have thought that I would take a path from biology to baking, but in many ways God and my business delivered me from a very low point in my life, and thus Gourmet Girl Custom Cakes was born.
A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great
Proverbs 18:16 NIV
Fast forward to year 16 of making cakes and year 7 of being Gourmet Girl: I am so humbled by how God has made a way for my gift, allowing me to align with my purpose and connect with my amazing Gourmies! I am so thankful to everyone who has purchased; followed or shared my work on social media; subscribed and recommended my business to a friend. Gourmet Girl loves you more than words can express!
I am so excited because the best is yet to come. Stay tuned Gourmies!
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