Today we’d like to introduce you to Kariann Rugg.
Hi Kariann, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey started in High School when I was working at a local Bakery. I slowly worked my way from cashier to donut fryer and then to cake decorator. I really didn’t have wedding cake experience when I was asked by a co-worker to come help her. But I realized quite quickly that I really enjoyed making fancier cakes and wanted to pursue it. I found a local baker and took a few cake courses and then started advertising and getting orders. I’m so embarrassed by my first creations and wish I could give those first few brides a redo cake.
Once I started having kids, this was the perfect little business for a stay-at-home mom. I would wake up really early and get all my work done, then get to be mom for the rest of the day. I think about my cake story all the time and how it’s felt so easy overall. Not to say I haven’t had some setbacks. I’ve had a cake tip over, a cake smash into the seat when I had to slam on the brakes during a delivery, sleepless nights, long days, a few missed soccer games, but overall, it’s been a breeze.
Almost 14 years after I started baking from home, we have 5 awesome kids that for the most part, I get to be there for everything with them.
My hubby spoiled me, and after only 1 year in our new house we built a commercial kitchen that pretty much takes up our whole basement.
Every year for my business just gets busier and better. I’ve had opportunities to make cakes for Lagoon (a local amusement park) multiple times, Scott and Kelly Wolf, Built Bar, Subaru, and even Mary J. Blige. I feel so very lucky and blessed!!!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part, it has been a smooth ride. There’s always going to be little hiccups, but mine have been minor, and keeping my fingers crossed it continues that way.
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 absolutely love the process of putting a cake together. Starting from nothing, and building it into something that I can be proud of and that brings joy and memories for others. I don’t know that I have a favorite type of cake, I just like trying something new that I don’t know how I’m going to pull it off and then getting it done! It’s awesome.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I really wish I could afford someone to take over my social media account. I really struggle there and feel like that in itself is a full-time job. I’m baffled when I watch a video of someone spending hours creating this work of art with cake and then they just cut into it for fun. It wasn’t even for an actual event, just their social media. I wish I had time for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.CakeDame.com
- Instagram: @CakeDame
- Facebook: Cake Dame
