My former life as a cake decorator
by Karly West
Once upon a time I worked as a cake decorator (March 2007-November 2011)
My degree is in Spanish Education--I have no training in pastry arts or cake decorating. To everyone's shock, horror and dismay I decided not to pursue a teaching career. So I found myself working at coffee houses and temp jobs after graduating in 2004.
In 2007 I was working at a particularly frustrating and mind-numbing temp job (sticking labels on popcorn bags). I decided I needed a low-key artistic hobby that would take my mind off the dismal career choices I have made and didn't know how to change.....
So I called a local bakery hoping to take a cake decorating class. Just for fun. Turns out they did not offer classes but the universe was smiling on me that day.....because that phone call led to a job interview with them instead!
Eventually (with TONS of hard work, of course) I became the main decorator and had the opportunity to create thousands and thousands of interesting designs using cake, icing, food coloring, edible pigments, gumpaste and fondant. These photos are some of my favorite or most memorable cakes.
I can't say enough kind words about my experience at Wild Flour Bakery. Thank you, THANK YOU for taking a chance on a girl with no experience that "just sounded nice on the phone!" Otherwise I might still be sticking labels on popcorn bags....
