Queen Of Tarts Cakes: Meet Angela {Exclusive Interview}

Angela of Queen of Tarts Cakes designs and decorates beautiful cakes and cookies. While she is based in Southern California, she ships her cookies nationwide, and her edible wafers worldwide!

I had the pleasure of getting to know Angela through Kim of The TomKat Studio during our collaboration on the Wizard of Oz Party--Angela created those darling Dorothy silhouette and gingham cookies!

{design by The TomKat Studio; Silhouette by Pen N' Paper Flowers}

Later I worked with Angela on the cookies for The Nutcracker Suite Ballet {Signature Party} dessert table, and she knocked my socks off--just gorgeous!!! I gave her a daunting task of creating a "bundt cake" cookie based on detailed descriptions, as well as a cupcake cookie based on a photograph of a real cupcake--she took these ideas and custom created something far more lovely than I ever could have imagined--her work shows off her incredible attention to detail. These cookies are just stunning and I adore the perfect colors she used--LOVE!

Today I have the pleasure of featuring a wonderful interview I recently conducted with Angela. I hope you enjoy learning about this artist and entrepreneur.

{Question} Please tell us about Queen Of Tarts Cakes, from conception of the idea to where you are today!



I have always loved beautiful desserts and frequently poured over Martha Stewart Living for the lovely DIY images on cakes and cookies. Everything looked so put together and perfect. I have been a fashion designer my entire life from college in design school in New York, up to the moment I started my Queen of Tarts Cakes business. I had just left BCBG where I was Head Designer for 3 years, where I designed their dresses and sportswear and was I home watching my son. At the same time, he needed a birthday cake for his upcoming 1st birthday and I could not find an alligator cake for his zoo themed party that cost less than $500 from any of the local bakeries, so I made it myself. After that, I was hooked.

I signed up for Wilton decorating classes and then attended Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Pasadena for a few more cake classes. Since then, I have also studied sugar flowers with Jacqueline Butler of Petalsweet Cakes in San Diego, and have an upcoming sugar flower class with Ron Ben-Israel at Minette Rushing’s Savannah Custom Cakes bakery in GA in March. I’m not able to attend school fulltime since since it conflicts with my schedule as a mom, so I take classes that last a few days and choose amazing instructors such as Ron and Jacqueline.

{Question} We would love to learn more about you! Please tell us a bit about yourself.


I always make my son my first priority. He knows his mom bakes a lot, but it never affects my time with him since he’s in school during the day when I am working. I found a local commercial kitchen that I rent from part time for baking. I do the edible image graphics late at night from my home computer after he goes to sleep. Usually I have about 10-15 orders going at once since I ship edible images worldwide, and the cookies are a nationwide business.

 I enjoy doing cakes and cupcakes although I reach an extremely small audience since those are for local delivery in Los Angeles, only. There is no store front. I get all of my business through social media sites such as Facebook or my blog, and 95% of my customers are outside of the Los Angeles area.

{Question} What are your goals for Queen of Tarts Cakes in 2011, and what steps do you plan to take to achieve them?




My edible image collections are going to expand and I plan on introducing new selling channels to reach a broader international audience. I will be selling on Amazon.com soon, and my website will hopefully be up in the next two months. I will always be baking and shipping, however. It’s so much fun!

{Question} What are your favorites sources of inspiration for your work?



Fashion, vintage fabrics and prints and vintage ephemera. I love whimsical nostalgic images that remind me of childhood, such as the Baby Rummy and Old Maid card edible images in my Etsy shop. Cookies need to look so pretty that you remember them long after they are gone. They help build cherished childhood memories.

{Question} Can you give us any hints or previews of new designs or products to come from you in the coming months? We would love to hear about them!




I am working further at really addressing the DIY home baking industry with my products, whether they are sugar flower cake toppers for DIY wedding cakes, or edible images people can use at home on their cookies and cupcakes. Brides give my edible images to their caterers to use when baking wedding favor cookies if they don’t buy the cookies from me. Martha Stewart built her empire on the DIY crowd and home baking is part of that. It’s fun being an artist but I do also watch the bottom line and sales are a huge part of that.

Many thanks to Angela for sharing with us such insight, and lovely images of your edible art!

You can find Angela in her shop here, her blog here, or on facebook here.

Laura Winslow of Laura Winslow Photography {Exclusive Interview}

Laura Winslow is an incredibly talented photographer--each photograph of hers you will see in this post will show you just that. I am a tremendous fan of her work, and based on her large portfolio, I am not alone!

Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to conduct an interview with Laura of Laura Winslow Photography, and I am THRILLED beyond words, to share it with you today! I believe she is incredibly down-to-earth, open, kind, gracious and inspiring!

{Event Styling & Alice printables by The TomKat Studio}

{Question} Please tell us a bit about how you decided to go into photography, and start Laura Winslow Photography?


Like most photographers, I have been drawn to photography for what seems like my whole life. I used to dress my little sister up and make her sit on little chairs in front of the window, with her stuffed animals and anywhere else I could practice!

                                                    {Styling by The TomKat Studio}

When my son was born and I received my first DSLR from my hubby, I spent all of those beautiful quiet moments photographing my sweet son. My family and friends are such a support system and were so encouraging in starting my business and I feel so fortunate for that.

                                          {styling by The TomKat Studio}

{Question} We would love to get to know you! Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up as an army brat and have moved 17 times and wouldn't change it for the world. In my previous life, I interned at the Department of State and on Capitol Hill when I lived in DC. I studied World Politics and Spanish in college and later found my way to teaching and taught high school Spanish for seven years. As a result of my educational and personal background, I love traveling. I lived in Germany and Spain and had a blast taking a group of 40 students to Europe. Such a wonderful experience to share the gift of travel with a group of young people.

                                    {Printables & Styling by The TomKat Studio}

When we moved to Arizona from the New Orleans area three years ago, I stayed home full time with my son Jackson and began my photography business. My daughter Addison was born not too long after.

{Question} You have taken some absolutely stunning photographs of products and staged children's events, which we all find incredible inspiration from. What is it that you love most about doing this type of photography in particular?



Thanks so much! I just love working with Kim (of the TomKat Studio), and we have so much fun dreaming up shoots and complement one another really well. I am always trying to think of new ways to be creative and unique, and this is what I love about commercial photography. I love "layering" all of the elements in my head to create a beautiful image--the color scheme, the patterns, the cakes, the flowers, the wardrobe and sweet little models.

                                     {Styling by The TomKat Studio}

 While I absolutely adore child and family photography, staged shoots provide a unique opportunity to think outside of the box and be as over-the-top as you wish. This ability to style and dream with absolute abandon is what draws me so much to it. There are no boundaries, no limits really. When fun and exciting commercial projects are combined with adorable child models, my heart just smiles. It is just a blast to me, and I thrive on this happiness! I begin dreaming up new ideas as soon as each shoot ends!

                                  {printables & styling by The TomKat Studio}

{Question} What are your goals for LWP in 2011, and can you give us any hints of what we might expect to see from you in the new year?



I feel so blessed to do what I love and to meet so many wonderful people. I think when you have a certain style of photography, you naturally attract those that are of similar personality and style. My clients become friends and I love that! I want to continue to photograph with passion and happiness. A constant goal is to stay fresh and to push my limits with my creativity. I love making each shoot unique in some way.

 

 I want each and every family that I work with to feel special and to have beautiful memories of themselves, of their child, of their family...I don't take my job lightly and seek to provide each client with my absolute best. I also love the commercial projects I work on as they provide a unique outlet for creativity. This year, you will see different and various commercial work from LWP that will be on some wonderful websites and in magazines as I work on some freelance projects and both with wonderful new and familiar boutiques.

{Question} Please tell us how we can stay connected with you!
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter

{printables & styling by The TomKat Studio}

A HUGE thank you to Laura for taking the time to answer my questions--in such a genuine, kind and thoughtful way! I simply cannot wait to see what Laura has in store for us all!

CHS Creative Productions: Meet Carolyn Horton {Exclusive Interview}

Carolyn Horton of CHS Creative Productions is an incredibly experienced, successful and brilliant event planner in Southern California. The children's parties that Carolyn designs are in an entirely different league--they are just as her business name says: "Creative Productions", not just ordinary celebrations. She does everything on a dramatically large scale, and I am in such awe of the incredible parties she not only designs but also executes, often with just a few weeks notice!!!

Carolyn is a truly wonderful person to know, I admire her greatly as a mentor to look up to in the children's party planning industry. Her focus is spot on: exceeding her clients' expectations.  She has MUCH to teach us, and I always feel I have much to learn!

It brings me great pleasure to share with you this interview I conducted with her recently. {And the stunning photos of her events--purple, a regal color you haven't seen much of on this blog--are utterly spectacular. Those white tiger cubs are melting my heart! Beautiful photography by Richard Kelley}
 

 
 
{Question} Please tell us about about yourself, and how CHS Creative Productions came about, how long you have been in business, and how it got to where it is today?!?!
 
 
I have always loved planning parties and events, it is just a part of who I am. Before I became a party planner I was the one who planned all the parties, showers and business functions for friends and family. CHS Creative Productions came about really because of my two children and my love of throwing them over the top birthday parties. At that time I was a stay at home Mom and was feeling like I needed to do something for myself, some sort of creative outlet. A friend told me I should do children’s parties for clients, my first reaction to that suggestion was “Who is going to pay me to do that?” As it turns out people were very happy to pay someone else to do their children’s parties so that they could enjoy the party and not have to be in charge.
 
 

 

I placed an ad in a local children’s magazine, a feeler if you will to see what the response would be and next thing I know the first client I booked was a First Birthday party for 150 guests, baptism by fire was how it all began. From doing children’s parties, I had wonderful opportunities from repeat clients and referrals for showers, weddings, adult parties, business functions and holiday decorating which has enabled me to expand my business and experience into all types of events. I am so blessed to be doing what I love and have the support of my family. CHS Creative Productions is celebrating its 15th year in business and I couldn’t be prouder, it has certainly been a dream come true, even if I didn’t know it 15 years ago.

{Question} With your tremendous experience and more parties than you can count, what does CHS Creative Productions always offer their clients, or strive to (your business motto, what you are all about)?



CHS Creative Productions always strives to execute and deliver an event that exceeds their Clients expectations. My favorite business motto would be there are no do-overs in event planning so you had better bring you’re A game every time. I am a firm believer that it is a privilege and honor to be chosen by my clients to help them celebrate some of the most important moments of their lives. What I do is very personal and I am always humbled by my clients openness and appreciation of what I create for them.

{Question} We would love to get to know more about you!


I have been married to the most wonderful and supportive husband for the last 17 years and have two wonderful children Chase 15 and Jessica 20. They are all 3 the loves of my life and I am grateful that I have my own business that allows me to be there for them whenever they need me. I used to have a ton of hobbies, decorating, shopping, designing, gardening, scrapbooking and creating something from nothing but they are all now my work, I am so fortunate to be able to do what I love every day. Now when I do get a chance to relax I love to read a good book, it allows me not to think too much. I am a workaholic, even when I’m not working I am thinking about work and there never seems to be enough hours in the day so a good book allows my mind to relax. My style and taste is all over the board and I guess for what I do that is a good thing, since every event and client is looking for something different. I appreciate good design, motivational quotes and inspiring stories about people who are living their dreams.

{Question} You are incredibly well-established, but I know most businesses do look to innovate and keep everything current to offer the clients the absolute best possible service. What goals do you have for CHS Creative Productions in 2011?



I have been very lucky with my business and have worked for some fabulous clients. I am not one to rest on my laurels and am always looking for ways to be more creative and expand my business, I guess you could say I am my own worst critic. This is my 15th year in business and I love what I do more each time I work. This year my goal is to network with other talented party ladies, like you Kate and expose my clients to some of the awesome handmade and custom items that are available to them. Of course, that would mean I would need more than two weeks’ notice.
 
 
 

 
 
Some details {not outside of the norm for CHS!} from a lavish purple party that Carolyn recently did for a client {all in less than 2 weeks!!!}:

-Custom printed products from Paper & Pigtails
 
-A guest list of 50 children and 70 adults
 
-1 and 1/2 days of set up
 
- Entertainment of a juggler on ball and stilts, photo booth, face painters, caricature artists, balloon twisters, dj and white tiger cub interaction
 
-Golf cart shuttle service throughout the party
 
-Catering by Ruth Chris
 
-Drink fountains, purple party props for everyone to wear
 
-Custom purple outdoor lighting at night
 



A tremendous thank you to Carolyn for this wonderful interview and glimpse into her life and events from CHS Creative Productions.


You can find Carolyn on her website here, or facebook here!

The Cookie Jar: Meet Lisa Stone {Exclusive Interview}

Lisa Stone of The Cookie Jar is an incredibly gifted cookie designer, a genuine and *very* kind person, and a great inspiration as a true entrepreneur. I consider it a tremendous honor and privilege to know her and have had the great opportunity of working with her--she always pulls through and delivers above and beyond what I could hope for!

It brings me great joy to share with you a recent interview I conducted with her. Prepare for insight, and suprises!

                   {image by Open Shade Studios}

{Question} How did The Cookie Jar come about? Tell us a bit about everything from the conception of the idea to current day!



I have always felt the need to create. The memories that stand out the most from my childhood always involve crafting. I have baked ever since I can remember. For those of you who don't know me, let me explain that I am a bit older than most of the women that I work with. I have two beautiful boys who have grown up to become wonderful young men. One of my children is in college and the other is heading off in another year.

                                        {image by Jessica of Pen N' Paper Flowers}

I attended college to become a teacher. I have a Master's Degree in Education. Long story short, I worked for 10 years in an office job and was absolutely unhappy. All I wanted was to be home with my babies and to be creating. The draw was very strong. Eventually, I was laid off of my job and was able to be home where I truly wanted to be. As my childrem grew older, I found that my need to create grew stronger. In my spare time, I became a self-taught jewelry artist. I have also been knitting for 28 years. I tried my hand at selling my goods, but without the help of Etsy, FaceBook and blogging, it fell flat. I struggled to find an item that I believed I could market better. There was no way that I was going back to working at an office and after having been home for 13 years, I had no great skills to present myself with. I decided that I would return to my baking skills that I had been honing since childhood.

I have a knack for seeing trends just before they become mainstream. I am excited to say that I noticed that iced cookies were just beginning to be introduced in the market. I began studying every bit of info I could get my hands on. I learned the craft from beginning to end well before I had the courage to actually try it! Looking back, I think that I did not want to let myself down. I just HAD to succeed. I have now been creating my cookies for over a year and I am so very grateful for the support and encouragement that I receive daily. I have never felt true success until this year.

                               {image by Open Shade Studios}

I don't know how to put into words the gratitude that I feel for my customers, my business contacts and most of all, my wonderful, supportive husband. Ira has worked tirelessly to help me recognize my goals. He has become a baker a decorater, a shipper and my connection to you all. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

                                    {image by Kate Bogot Photography}

{Question} You have created so many stunning cookies (including many for our Wizard of Oz party shoot with Kim of The TomKat Studio) for events. Can you give us any hints of cookie designs we can expect to see from you in 2011?


To tell you the truth, most of our business is custom designed. Our orders are customer driven. When I especially like the outcome of a request, I enter it into my Etsy shop. I very rarely think of a design and take orders from it. We have developed a clientelle that requests cookies be made to coordinate with their invitations and party goods. In the beginning, I was making lots of characters, but I am thrilled to say that we have moved away from that genre and I am able to use my creativity more freely. It is always so exciting to me when I get a request for a photo shoot, for instance. I am able to plan a theme and create from beginning to end. What else could I ask for?!

                                           {Image by Melissa Lester}

{Question} Tell us a bit more about you!


As, I've said, I love to create. I am an advanced knitter ~ something I hold near and dear to my heart. One of the biggest challenges for me has been the lack of time that I have to knit anymore. I never went a day in 28 years without relaxing with my yarn and needles until my cookies took over. That is the truth! I also taught myself the art of jewelry desirn. I LOVE to make sterling and semi-precious jewelry. It is so gratifying to wrap sterling wire and chain and stones. It is so organic.


Most cookiers have hundreds of cookie cutters. They would be able to tell you all about the differences in brands and metals. I decided early on that I wanted to make my own cutters. There is something special about having my own signature shapes. They are not so "cookie cutter"! And I get to use some of my jewerly tools and techniques!

                                         {image by Colleen via The TomKat Studio}

{Question} What are your goals for The Cookie Jar in 2011, and what steps have you already taken to meet them?

Hmmm, that is a scary one! Right now, Ira and I are just meeting the needs. We work incredibly long hours, but we get the work done. We see the business continuing to grow and we know that there will be a time in the not too distant future where we will need to hire more people. That has always been the plan, but as you can imagine, it is a scary step to take. We do plan on opening a shop as well!

                                   {images by Apple Velvet Photography & Jackie Lindfors Photography for The Fresh Chick Design Studio}

{Question} We would love to learn a bit more about the day in the life of Lisa Stone and The Cookie Jar! Can you tell us briefly what a typical day is like for you?

Oh! That is easy! Wake up, work, go to sleep for a few hours! Start again. I am serious about that. I don't think that many people realize the amount of hours it takes to create our cookies. We have to research and design the order, bake them from scratch, make the icing, mix all of the icing colors, decorated the cookies, let them dry overnight, package them, and finally ship them. Oh, and then clean it all up! I hate that part.  I usually get up at 9am. Since my children are older, I am able to work from when I get up until 3 am. Ira is the greatest cook and he even does laundry! I take no breaks except to have dinner. It is a good thing that I love what I do. I usually have one day off if I am lucky and that time is spent preparing orders for the next week. Since this is a family owned business, I have to say that I am lucky I see my family this much.

                                    {image by Becca Bond Photography via Anders Ruff Custom Designs}

WOW! Thank you so much Lisa. You are absolutely one of the hardest working women I have ever known, and your true passion for your work comes through your words in your interview. Thank you so very much for opening up and sharing with us more about you, Ira, and The Cookie Jar!

{image by Open Shade Studios}

I can say first-hand that Lisa is a delight to work with, and in my experience she has always been spot-on and delivered above and beyond my greatest expectations. Love her cookies, which have always arrived perfectly iced and never a crack in all the times I have worked with her!

                     {image by Open Shade Studios}

Find Lisa on Big Cartel here, Etsy here, Facebook here, or her Blog here.

Make A Wish

Make a Wish!  Took this photo last summer in California, and on this dark winter's day, I thought I would share it. Wishing for spring to make it's way here!

Sharnel Dollar Designs: Meet Sharnel

When I first stumbled upon Sharnel Dollar's work, I was absolutely blown away. She has an extraordinary gift for designing children's parties and dessert tables, and each new design she introduces us to never ceases to amaze me.

You may know Sharnel from the recent baby shower she designed for an episode featured on Oprah {during Oprah's trip to Australia}, her work in Peekaboo Magazine or maybe just finding her in a blog search for incredible children's party inspiration!

It is with great joy that I share with you today a lovely interview I recently conducted with Sharnel. I find it incredibly insightful, informative and learned many wonderful new things about the beautiful and talented Sharnel...hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

{Question} What inspired you to launch Sharnel Dollar Designs, and how did you make it go from a dream to a reality?




I decided to launch my dessert table and event styling business in early 2010 after repeated interest from the media in my blog and what I do.

My online shop was born out of necessity. I was receiving emails from blog readers asking where to source the products I was using for my own parties. I saw a market for it and launched my online shop in September 2010.

                                      {Photography by Naomi Vasington}

{Question} How long have you been styling children's parties and designing dessert tables (personally and professionally)? What is it about styling such events and designing such tables that you most enjoy?

I’ve been styling children’s parties for 6 years, however I started doing this professionally in 2009. My passion for dessert tables started in 2007 when I discovered Amy Atlas’ work. It was love at first sight. I instantly knew this industry was for me.

{Question} What part of your passion and career (website/product design/dessert table design/party design), do you most enjoy?

I love searching for new products for my online store. My main focus is to source product that is currently not available or not readily available in Australia. I certainly enjoy the thrill of the chase in finding suppliers and manufacturers.

I am most at home designing dessert tables and parties. I can sit for hours sketching, colouring and researching. The most rewarding part for me is seeing the end result, the beautiful images that capture my creations. I love to focus on the details, hence my tag line “every last detail”. Love is in the details.

I also love receiving emails from other party gals showing me their work. It gives me a sense of pride and fulfillment to hear that I’ve inspired others to create a gorgeous celebration for their loved one.

                                      {Photography by Leanne Stamatellos}

{Question} Tell us a bit more about the lovely lady behind the business. What did you study, and how did you get from your career to this point? How has your family played a role in getting your business up and running?

On finishing school I went straight into retail and worked my way into a managerial role. My favourite aspect of that job was buying stock for the shop and merchandising. I would spend hours creating beautiful windows late into my Saturday nights when my friends would be out partying. I also worked most weekends as a lead singer in a band.

From there I went into shopping centre management. I worked in various roles finally finding my passion in marketing. I was a Marketing Manager for various shopping centres in Brisbane for 4 years until I had my first child, Olivia.

I have my children to thank for leading me down this wonderful career path. It was their birthday each year that inspired me to learn the art of cake decorating and that then lead me into the world of dessert tables and event styling.

I’ve been working with Peekaboo Magazine for the past 12 months styling their photo shoots. I absolutely love doing this and I hope to continue doing this for years to come.

                                   {Photography by Naomi Vasington}

{Question} What words of wisdom you have to offer those thinking of launching their own business in children's event design?

Find your own style.

{Question} For parents who simply wish to make their child's party more stylish, do you have a couple of tricks you can share with our readers to help make their party more sophisticated, classic, chic, darling?

1. Select a simple colour palette. Select two, but no more than three colours and stick to that.

2. Party printables are the easiest way to achieve a cohesive look through out your party.

{Photography by Leanne Stamatellos}

{Question} You recently traveled to the United States. Tell us about some of your favorite parts of your journey--whether they were meetings with people, visits to special places...we want to hear all about it!

My favourite part was just being by myself and having the time to spend 2 hours in a ribbon shop if that’s what I wanted to do. I spent five days in San Fran with Glory Albin from Glorious Treats. We had a ball together, shopping, propping and eating out.

I then travelled to New York and fell in love the place more and more each day. I took the subway everywhere and saw two of the best musicals I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing. I was honored to meet Amy Atlas and New York and spent the afternoon chatting about our industry.

I’m planning on visiting again in March/April this year. I’ll go to Chicago and New York again.

{Question} I know family is very important to you. How have you been able to manage your time between your family, styling events, traveling, managing your online shop and fulfilling orders? Any tips for our readers in balancing home life and work, and keeping priorities in order?

Keeping a balance is a constant work in progress for me. The one thing I do know is that if I didn’t have this creative outlet I wouldn’t be as happy as I am. I do have some help around the house with cleaning and ironing, so I am able to spend more time with my family and working on by business.

                                                 {Photography by Leanne Stamatellos}

{Question} What is your favorite color? Favorite pattern of fabric? How would you describe your style in terms of home decorating as well as fashion?

I am a classic girl that loves stripes, spots, checks/gingham. If it was flattering, I’d have a dress made only of grosgrain ribbon and I’d be in heaven.

                                                       {Photography by Leanne Stamatellos}

{Question} Are you currently accepting new clients--if so, how much advance notice should they give you to design either a custom dessert table or party?

Yes I’m always accepting new clients. I like to be given at least 2 months notice, however more notice is preferable.

                                        {Photography by Leanne Stamatellos}

{Question} How do you unwind and relax?

I love to travel! But I can’t do that everyday. So I like to take time out and have a massage, manicure and pedicure every month. It’s my time and it’s very special and a much needed part of my life.

                                                 {Photography by Leanne Stamatellos}

{Question} Tell us something about you that we may not know....a hidden talent, passion for something, anything!

I have a passion for singing and loved my time spent rehearsing and performing at school. On completing senior I worked full time and also was lead vocalist in a band working three nights a week. I loved it!

{Question} Do you offer international shipping on products ordered from your online shop?

Yes I do however shipping from Australia is expensive. Usually starts at $50+.

 

Many, many thanks to Sharnel for allowing me the extraordinary privilege of featuring this exclusive interview with her! It was a delight to learn so much more about the lovely lady behind Sharnel Dollar Designs! I have no doubt we will be seeing much more greatness coming from Sharnel!

You can find Sharnel on her website here, blog here, or facebook here.