re: How Did YOU Get Started?

I had just finished up my Master’s degree in Food Science way back in 1990 and my best friend at the time, who is very crafty, ‘dragged’ me to a Wilton class at JCPenney’s. She bought everything and I bought the minimal things because I was not sure if I was going to ‘like’ this cakie thing. Turned out that she did not like it but I went on and took the other Wilton classes by myself :-)!

I worked as a scientist for many years and cake decorating was my creative outlet. In 2000, I became a Wilton instructor. I was very understanding with those students who purchased minimum product because I knew what could happen if that spark ignited and if that happened then they too would own a lot of cake stuff like I did ;-)! I always loved my cake teaching job because that was my ‘fun’ job! I then moved over to the culinary department at our community college and have taught their beginning and advanced cake decorating classes as well as a baking class and the Food Sanitation and Safety class. All of this time I have made cakes for family and friends.

My health (hence my business name Dizzy Dame) has created a different path for me these days, I am no longer in the lab or the classroom, although I do teach the online Food Safety class. So I spend my days experimenting with baking recipes as well as selling cakes and baked goods from my home (AZ finally enacted a Cottage Food Law!). My focus has shifted to playing with baking. But don’t get me wrong, I still love to decorate and LOVE to look at others’ cake creations :)! I am happiest with a piping bag in my hand even though I will work with fondant when ‘pressed’,,,sorry I could not resist the pun ;-). Gumpaste flower making and modeling are my second favorites.

Thank you all for taking the time to read my wordy post! And thank you for posting pictures of your beautiful creations! They are awesome! I know how much work, time, and effort go into your creations so know that I am over here clapping for you!!

Happy Baking and Decorating all!