
About Me...
When you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, they usually answer, “a ballerina”, or “a princess”. Not me. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a chef, in a professional kitchen, creating edible art for others. I have always leaned more toward the sweet side, although I do love to cook.
After high school I attended Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, SC for my Pastry Arts degree. I never imagined that school could be so amazingly fun! It challenged me in the best way possible. I learned under chefs from all over the world. After my two years in Charleston, and meeting my husband on day one of college (literally!), I decided to move to Providence, RI for my Food Service Entrepreneurship BA degree at Johnson & Wales’ home campus. What a culture shock! Providence was cold, fast paced, and very different from easy-going Charleston, but I loved it. My BA degree was essentially 2 years of learning how to open a food business. I knew I would need that knowledge someday 😉
Upon graduation, I bounced from being a banquet manager, barista, catering director, to pastry chef. I worked for others, worked for myself by selling baked goods at local farmers markets, and learned a lot. But I still hadn’t found the right place for me at that time.
Then one day, I got a phone call from a beloved mentor of mine. There was a pastry teaching job available at a local university, it was mine if I wanted it. Teaching had never once crossed my mind. But, never one to turn down a potential opportunity, I accepted. After teaching that first class, I was hooked. It was electric, and I felt energized. I bonded immediately with my students, and had more fun than I had ever had professionally. I taught Pastry Arts full time for almost 12 years. I earned my Executive Pastry Chef certification through the ACF. I formed some of the best relationships during those years. Seeing a group of students master a new technique for the first time, or walk across the stage at graduation is a profound experience. But in those 12 years of watching others mature and spread their wings, I was preparing for the same thing. I was ready to be my own boss, and challenge my creativity again.
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So, with 2 kiddos and the most wonderful husband a girl could ask for behind me, I bring you Lana’s Cakes. I create custom, artisan cakes for all types of special occasions. I pull from all of my professional experience in baking science, flavor development, and artistry to put my heart into every cake, to make sure that your event is as special as possible. Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, or a simple dinner with family or friends, I will provide the perfect sweet ending. Cheers!