Tell us about Love Is Blind Bakery—how did it all start, and what makes your baked goods special?
I was working as a cake department manager at a local bakery. I got married and had our first child. We found out in utero that she was going to be born with a rare condition causing her to be born completely blind. I wasn't able to just put her in a regular daycare, and needed to be home to care for her, and take her to appointments. I decided to start baking from my home and balance caring for her. Which is why I named the bakery as a nod to my sweet girl! I started the bakery in December of 2019, right before the global pandemic. The pandemic ended up sky rocketing my bakery. Everything shut down, and people were looking for in home bakeries to create a small cake for their immediate family. Customers wanted to make their occasion extra special since they couldn't be with their family and friends at that time. I also created "boredom boxes" and sold hundreds of them. They were undecorated cookie kits to give families something to do during this time. Word of mouth has been the way to my success. I just post a picture on social media everyday of my work, run giveaways and flash sales sometimes and it has been incredibly consistent business. The great part about running the bakery by myself is I am a part of every single step, of every single order, ensuring the customer gets exactly what they are looking for. It has been amazing being a part of families traditions and watching their family grow! I've done a bridal shower, then wedding, then baby shower, first birthday, and so on, its beautiful!
You created a cake for the carnival Cakewalk and were crowned 2025 Cake Walk Cake Off Champion by the judges - what was the inspiration behind it?
I knew the theme was Carnival, but wanted to create something more universal and eye catching. People could use this cake as inspiration for lots of different themes! It had the feel of carnival, but had so many different elements to bring the entire cake to life. I love using lots of eye popping elements that give it a real 3d feel. I also wanted to showcase the fact that this showstopper cake does not have to be completely covered in fondant. Many customers are not a fan of fondant and most designs I do are in buttercream, and just using fondant as accents. I think that is a huge appeal to customers.
Why was it important for you to enter the Cakewalk, and what did the experience mean to you?
I have had SO MANY people tell me that I need to compete in a cake competition. I have always wanted to, and this opportunity was perfect! I LOVE having full creativity on creating beautiful edible art! I knew it would also be a great opportunity to get my name out there in the community as well! I had so much fun participating and looked forward to in the future!!
Can you share your personal baking story—what led you to fall in love with baking?
Growing up my dad always told me to do something you love and you will never have to work a day in your life. I have always loved art class, being creative, and baking, so I decided to pursue a career as a Pastry Chef. I went to Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to get my degree as a certified Pastry Chef. I then worked at different resorts and bakeries in Wisconsin, Florida, Georgia, and Ohio, including a position as the Assistant Pastry Chef at a 5 Diamond Restaurant in West Palm Beach at The Breakers Hotel. I eventually settled down in Ohio and fell in love with cake decorating as my specialty. 22 years later I never imagined I would own my own bakery!
How can people reach you if they want to place an order or see more of your work?
On Facebook (preferred), Instagram, 814-449-5055
HUGE THANKS TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS FOR MAKING EXPERIENCE SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP POSSIBLE | UNCLE TITO'S MEXICAN GRILL | T2 DESIGN | KAISK CHIROPRACTIC | PLUMBUM MARKETING | THE SPRINGFIELD LEVY COMMITTEE | SPRINGFIELD LOCAL SCHOOLS