Today we’d like to introduce you to Aria Bucko.
Hi Aria, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always been drawn to the arts—whether through music, painting, or baking. Growing up in Beaverton, Oregon, I spent my early years selling cupcakes and lemonade at the park, never imagining that hobby would one day become my career. A pivotal moment came at age 11, when I decorated a cake for a church fundraiser with the help of a family friend. That spark stayed with me, even as life got busy and my family moved frequently across the country.
After starting college classes early, working full time, and supporting my family through major transitions, my love for baking resurfaced while working at Dairy Queen, where I became the head cake decorator. But it wasn’t until moving to Utah and marrying my husband that I truly dove back into the passion—experimenting at home, building skills, and eventually launching Bucko Bakery from my kitchen in 2020.
Today, I’m known for my custom wedding cakes and artistic designs that bring my clients’ visions to life. In 2023, I realized a childhood dream of teaching by launching cake decorating classes, blending my love of education with my craft. With a supportive husband by my side and over four years of full-time baking behind me, I continue to grow my business with heart, creativity, and a deep joy for sharing edible art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a small business during a global pandemic was anything but easy. From shifting health regulations to ingredient shortages, I had to constantly adapt just to keep up with orders. Behind the scenes, I was learning everything on the fly—how to price my cakes, how to pay myself fairly, how to scale my work, and most importantly, how to reach the right audiences in a crowded wedding vendor area.
As a self-taught baker with limited funds, every step felt like an uphill climb. I didn’t have formal training or a mentor—I learned through trial, error, and a whole lot of late nights. Perfecting my recipes took time (and plenty of failed batches), and investing in quality tools was slow when every dollar counted. There were moments of real doubt, but also tiny wins that reminded me why I started.
It wasn’t just about making pretty cakes—it was about creating something sustainable during the most uncertain time of my life. And despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything. This business is built on passion, resilience, and the belief that sweet things can come from hard beginnings.
Now, I finally get to celebrate the incredible milestones I’ve worked so hard for and I’m so grateful.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in creating custom buttercream wedding cakes that showcase elegant designs with palette knife florals, hand-piped details, and hand-painted watercolor elements. With a strong focus on florals, color matching, and refined elegance, I work closely with my couples to bring their vision to life. I’m most proud of the moments when I walk in and see my couples’ ecstatic reactions to the cakes I’ve designed for them. What sets me apart is my creative vision, the ability to combine various elements into a cohesive design, and my flexibility in working closely with my clients to ensure their cake is perfect for their special day.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
As a small business owner, I’ve taken several risks that have pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. I’ve reached out to people, even when I knew the answer could be a “no,” because I believe in the power of connection and opportunities that can arise from even the smallest conversations. I’ve invested in styled shoots, networking, and other initiatives without always knowing what to expect, but those risks have opened doors to collaborations and exposure I never could have anticipated. I’ve also pushed myself creatively, stepping outside my usual niche with cake designs that my clients adore, even when they’re not the most conventional. Each of these risks has taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone, and the rewards have been more than worth it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://buckobakery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buckobakery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buckobakery
