Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Cook.
Hi Denise, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Being in the kitchen with my mom baking cookies at Christmas time and my intense love of sweets, is really where my love for baking started. But it wasn’t until I had children that I began my journey into cake decorating. It started with their birthdays and wanting to make something special for them. It was a lot of trial and error and ruined batches of cake and buttercream. While in the process of learning the basics of cake and cookie decorating, I would jump at any opportunity to create something sweet to give away. I used family birthdays, events at my kids’ school, my husband’s work, and every holiday to learn new techniques, practice my skills, and build my collection of cake-decorating supplies. Despite the occasional tears, late night hours and forcing my family to taste test even though they don’t share my obsession with sweets, I love the whole process from start to finish. After making cakes for friends and acquaintances, word of mouth traveled, and I started receiving requests for custom cakes and cookies. Since it wasn’t my motivation to make a profit, I would only charge a small amount to cover the cost of ingredients. As my skills grew and the amount of time I spent on each design increased, I realized that I had the potential to turn it into something more than a hobby. I have such a strong passion for cake decorating and love being part of someone’s special day. I knew then that I needed to step outside of my comfort zone, put myself out there and let it grow into something more. It’s a long ongoing journey that brought me to where I am but, I know that in the field of artistry and creativity, learning never ends and you have to commit and trust the process.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been the smoothest road, and any struggles I faced have been just as much internal as external, if not more so. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome has been a constant battle from the start. For instance, in the beginning, I was very reluctant to charge any money for my work because of self-doubt and thinking there was always a better option than me. Because I started as a hobby, I let myself believe that my work wasn’t worth much more than the cost of ingredients. Although I was proud of what I was doing, I let the fear of potential criticism keep me from pursuing my passion. I realized that confidence affects so much of what we do, and how the lack of it can negatively affect the outcome and cause unnecessary stress. I have found that if have confidence and just enjoy myself while in the process, I am much happier with the final result. Even so, it took a couple of years after I began selling cakes to post my work on social media. I mostly relied on repeat customers and word of mouth. My husband is in the military and we relocate every few years. Starting over at each new location has been one of my biggest struggles. Having a naturally introverted personality makes it difficult for me to actively seek out new clients and gain a local reputation. I’ve learned that, for me, promoting myself is just as important as having faith that opportunities will present themselves. Although there have been ups and downs, I feel extremely blessed to have found something I love to do.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a cake designer/baker/decorator. I work closely with each client to design personalized cakes, cupcakes or cookies for any special event. I work in a wide range of mediums that include buttercream, modeling chocolate, fondant, gum paste, wafer paper, and handmade sugar flowers. I pride myself on creating designs that give the customer what they want while staying true to my own creative perspective. I strive to go above and beyond expectations to create something unique that can make their special day unforgettable. I want every client to feel that no matter how big or small the event, they’re always getting my best.
What were you like growing up?
As far back as I can remember, I have always had a love for creating things. I have memories of baking in my Easy-Bake oven, learning to crochet from my Granny, sewing old pillowcases into stuffed animals, pulling taffy, mushing wildflowers together to make my own perfume and, of course, making mud pies that were expertly decorated with leaves, flowers and berries after it rained. I also enjoyed video games, writing short stories, dirt bikes and all animals. I was quite shy growing up and always had a wide imagination. As my interests evolved and I finally found myself around thirty, I found that cake decorating has given me a creative outlet that also opens up an opportunity to connect with people on a personal level.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/cakemethodcook
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cakemethod
