Today we’d like to introduce you to Merrit Alve.
Merrit, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am currently a home-based baker and cake artist. I have been working with cakes for about 17 years. I grew up in a home where baking was done almost every week if not every night. Baking for our family was the way my mom and grandmother could share their love. I grew up where we might not have a lot of money but we could always make an amazing birthday cake, Christmas cookies or even special thanksgiving pies.
I couldn’t wait to have my own kids and create their birthday cakes and let me tell you every year they put me through my paces trying to pick the most elaborate birthday cakes. I love being able to make their wishes come true. I also started designing cakes for my friends and family and then I would get more calls from friends of friends needing cakes. I love how Facebook and Instagram have helped grow my business as well, People can reach out directly and see my work first hand.
With the popularity growing for shows like Nailed It and Sugar Rush, I had more demand for people wanting to learn cake decorating skills. I started teaching group classes about two years ago and now host cake decorating birthday parties. I am amazed at how much kids really want to learn and how talented they are even in kindergarten. I truly love passing all the skills I have learned on to new generations and love the excitement they get from creating their own sugar masterpiece. Baking is love and I truly love what I do.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. My industry is always changing and there is a need to keep up with constant training and education. That being said, I do love doing a new design or technique, there is nothing cooler than surprising someone on their special day with a sugar work of art.
I will say that teaching the cake classes has been more of a smooth road, it is a learning process for all. Sugar does not always behave the same way every time and it is great teaching moments to show what happens if it is hot outside or if you don’t do all the correct steps in assembling a cake.
If you aren’t learning you aren’t growing.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I am a home-based baker that specializes in custom cake designs. I do all types of baking but cake artistry is my passion. I love taking someone’s ideas and creating a custom cake for their special day. It can be as crazy as a hippo, Lego masterpiece, to a classic super Mario cake. I love the original requests too.
Right now what sets me apart is the custom cake classes and birthday parties I host. I not only handle all the hard work for you, but I also teach you how to create a cake in a fun, light-hearted atmosphere. Cake decorating can be stressful, but I want to take that stress away and teach people that it can be amazing too.
I take great pride in my work and treat every cake as if it is my only cake, everyone deserves the best!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Right now I am taking some classes furthering my education in pastry skills. I do hope to either become a pastry chef at a local restaurant or even open my own cake school one day, offering classes and camps for all that love food as much as I do.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 214-908-3953
- Email: merritsgreen@aol.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merritsgreen/
- Twitter: game of cakes
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