VENDOR SPOTLIGHT // The CakeHouse
So excited to spend some time getting know Tamara, owner + baker at The CakeHouse, today!
A short description of what you do: I Bake! Baking, making and creating delicious confectionaries for your special event! I'm there to help make the process a little easier, make it fun and share in the excitement of your big day. We have a huge following in the vegan/mindful consumer side of the wedding industry and are also a company who supports equal rights and same-sex marriages; all you need is LOVE.
How long have you been working in the wedding industry? I have been lucky enough to be involved in weddings for the last 8 years.
What makes your business unique? Well everything. Everything pretty! Everything interesting! Everything eye-catching! I'm drawn to bright colours and well designed items. But so many softer and delicate themes can be just as breath taking. I seek inspiration in every day things from plates to fabrics. Artwork to magazines. It really is everywhere you look - I see so many things that would be pretty on a cake or a cookie set. I sneak pics when I'm out and save way more photos than I should from online, literature or nature. All tucked away for a future order or simply for fun. I never know where I may find inspiration next but it certainly is all around me.
Favourite part of your business? Just one? (haha) I'd have to say seeing it all come together for sure. 2nd is taking it to the decorated venue and seeing how pretty it all looks together. I like getting excited when a new order comes in. I like being able to take the couples ideas and create a vision for them that will reflect how they see themselves on their wedding day. To me theres nothing better than presenting a delicious dessert for someone and their special event — I mean really, what's a party without cake?
Who is your mentor/hero in the industry? (your own industry or the Niagara wedding industry) I'm racking my brain to find just one. I'd have to say there are so many talented cake artists and cookies that have opened my eyes and challenged me to take that step further or take a leap of faith and see how far I can push myself. I am a member of multiple monthly clubs or supportive groups for people in my field. Instagram or Pinterest has more mentors than I could possibly even name. So much beautiful work on there for any aspect of your life - be it business or personal, the place is a treasure trove of awesomeness. The key tho when spotting something to create, is to put your own twist on things. An absolute must, put a bit of your heart into every creation, it sounds corny I know but if you care about what goes out the door, it shows and you have happy customers.
On your day off...where would we find you? I'm a traveler; it has my heart - although a little less in the last few years since becoming part of the Mom club, my Husband and I like to pack her up and take her on our adventures also. I LOVE camping. We have 2 dogs as well, so when we pack up that car to head out there’s not much room for anything else! I'm a crafter - always something on the go - I sewed for years, cross stitch occasionally. I run another business Little Tweet Heart that keeps me busy and I like to rotate between crafting and baking. I don't have many days off, by choice. But when I do have a day off, I take that time to try something I've been wanting to get my hands on. The last few months has been designing and making my own cookie cutters which I might add is SUPER fun! I love photography. I honestly could look at beautiful photos for hours...I took courses years ago but have to admit I do need to pull out the DSLR more than I do - nothing says anything better than an amazing photo.
If you weren't a wedding vendor, what would be your dream job? Honestly this is my dream job! For 16+ years I was a Customs Officer. Well still am actually.
A few years back I took a leave that is offered to take care of your loved ones. We had no before or after school care for our girl and left us with little choice. So I took a leap. A BIG leap. I had been in business a few years at this point and decided it was now or never. Go big or go home.
We made the shop legit, I kicked up my other shops and I haven't looked back. I still have a few more years to decide if I'll ever go back, but having a happy child was number one. She’s only young and crazy interested in what I'm doing - I love being able to see this side of her. Something I may have missed had I not gone down this road. Even small things like having dinner together - with two shift workers in the house, being able to work from home has certainly made changes for the better. Dreamers gotta dream.
What great wedding trends are you seeing this year? Not sure if this is a trend or not but I'm totally feeling Letter Press printing! I've recently bought one and it's next on the list! Vintage anything - the history and craftsmanship in these items alone add depth, sophistication and intrigue to your special event right off the bat.
Do you have any practical advice for couples planning a wedding? Relax! Weddings are a huge investment and can be very stressful - do it together, support each other and make decisions together, you won't regret it.
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