Starting at a young age I had a passion for creativity and team work. Loving to work with my hands and creating a vision, I quickly fell in love with the baking industry and the edible art of making cakes.

Starting in the cafeteria at Red Jacket Central in Shortsville NY, I brought desserts to my friends & teachers to gain practice, perspective, and criticism. I realized at a young age that desserts were a way to connect people even if you don’t know them or sometimes even if you didn’t like them. I secretly loved the attention and praise I gained from people wanting to “be friends” with the girl who brought desserts. It made me discover there was more to a “cake” than just that little slice of it. I saw how much good and love baking desserts could spread and gain, not just in the pounds!

My passion became a lot of work as I faced 3 stubborn years attending MCC, Monroe Community College. I had dreams to attend a different college and was resistant and upset by the way my path was going. I faced challenges, learning experiences, gained friendships and a lot of valuable education during my food service management associates degree in Rochester NY.

As I excitedly kissed that chapter good bye, I was on my way to the big dream-Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte NC. This chapter brought a big move to a new state, a new routine, rigid structure, and new adventures. JWU provided excellent education, not only teaching me the fundamentals of the industry but the professionalism that goes along with it. My love and commitment continued to grow like yeast dough under the heat of the Charlotte summer nights. I crammed my education into a few years and graduated Summa Cum Laude November 2013, with a Bachelors in baking & pastry arts and food service management.

While juggling jobs and practicing at home for friends, family, and coworkers, I grew my skills learning from mistakes. My first real paying order was scary, overwhelming and full of dreams and possibilities. Not sure where my direction would go next, I continued to expand my “real orders” and became very busy with a full time job at Logan’s Roadhouse and baking as much as possible from my Aunt’s home.

I was soon presented with an opportunity I didn’t even think would exist for my path. I was asked to run a bakery for another business who would be managing the spot and needed someone to do cakes to provide that department of treats. I jumped before I could think, because thinking probably would have stalled the path I was meant to travel. This opportunity didn’t take but a short two months before I was buying out the lease, equipment, and ownership of the location and making it my own. Days before I turned 25 years old, I had a running and operating brick & mortar bakery in May 2014.

I had no idea what I was doing. But I was committed 100% and was determined to learn and make it work. Trying to do all things myself, I worked sun up to sun down and then some more. I slowly started adding employees and letting people help me. I couldn’t have made this possible without the help and love from my staff. It took a lot of different aprons to work this vision to life!

The path I was determined to climb was filled with trials and tribulations, I almost didn’t make it through. I had to find myself during difficult times and I was only able to finally do that, by turning my life to God. It is ONLY through him that this dream has been successful. With God at my right hand, I am determined to spread a sweeter outcome for those that will be put in my path. I can’t wait to see the sweet future he has planned for all of us at CMA bakery!