Cake Interview with Bowman Kitchen
Welcome to the Cake Decorator Spotlight Series!
Hi everyone! I am excited to be featuring Mandy Hudec, Bowman Kitchen from Vancouver, Canada for the August’s cake decorator spotlight (a little late, sorry!) Mandy has some incredible cake creations incorporating fondant and chocolate decorations to have her cakes to stand out. Her style can be described as whimsical and I am obsessed. You certainly can see when you visit her Instagram page and scroll down to see some of her creations! Read on to get to know a little bit more about her!
Interview with Mandy, Bowman Kitchen
It was a pleasure sitting down with Mandy to ask some questions and get to know her a bit better.
Check out with Mandy had to say in our interview:
How did your cake decorating journey begin?
Well, my love of being in the kitchen goes way back to when I was a kid. I used to bake with my mom all the time so it’s always been a passion of mine. There were always lots of cookies, muffins and cakes to help with but I think the first time the idea clicked as an adult was after watching an episode of “Chef’s Table” featuring Christina Tosi. That really sparked something in me and reignited my love of baking. I started spending all of my free time in the kitchen, began following some amazing bakers on IG and fell completely in love with cake decorating. Not long after, I decided it was time to start my own IG account to house all my cooking and baking adventures, but overtime cakes just seemed to take over and it became clear that cake decorating was going to be my focus.
What mediums do you enjoy working with? (buttercream, fondant, chocolate and etc)
This changes all the time for me, but right now I am going through a huge fondant phase. I know it gets a bad rap in the cake world but I absolutely love making decorations with it, and it’s very forgiving! I‘m also a huge fan of SMBC, those dreamy buttercream swirls never get old!
What are your favorite tools to work with?
I’m obsessed with silicone molds and bright food colours as you can see from my page but I don’t think I could live without my cake turntable, scrapers and piping tips. You can truly make the most beautiful cake with just the basics.
Do you have a memorable cake that challenged you?
There are a couple that come to mind but the most challenging was an angel themed cake from last year. It had these really heavy fondant wings made up of individual feathers so just figuring out a way to hold them together and get them on the cake without it collapsing was a challenge. It definitely caused a couple headaches but it all worked out in the end!
Do you have a favorite cake design?
I’m not sure I can pick a favourite, but I was especially proud a Valentine’s Day themed comic cake I made back in February. The design was actually quite simple but it really popped and felt unique. My goal was to make the heart balloon appear as though it was floating on top and I think it turned out pretty well.
Where do you find your inspiration from?
It comes from just about everywhere for me! Sometimes it’s from other creators, a colour palette I’ve seen, a sprinkle blend, a movie or even home decor like a painting.
What is on your next to try on your list for trying new techniques?
I’d really like to have a go at making sugar flowers, I’m just working up the courage to try! They’re so intricate which makes them a bit intimidating, but I’ve already bought the tools so now I just need to play around and try it.
What advice would you give yourself at the beginning stages with the knowledge you have now?
I would’ve told myself to pursue my passion a long time ago. It’s easy to let fear hold you back from trying something new but life is way too short to not chase after the things that make you truly happy. Secondly, don’t compare yourself to others. It’s great to have people you look up to and normal to get inspiration from those around you but what sets you apart is that you’re “YOU!”. Don’t let comparing yourself to others steal your joy, just focus on being your best self!
What are your favorite desserts?
I love tiramisu, churros, Black Forest cake, lemon tarts and anything with a chocolate caramel combo! There are about a million more but those are a few of my favourites.
Share a fun fact about you!
I’m a total sap! If I witness something sweet happen or a teary eyed stranger, It’s a guarantee I’ll start crying, even sad commercials get me! Remember the discarded Ikea lamp commercial, yup I cried over a lamp!
It’s easy to let fear hold you back from trying something new but life is way too short to not chase after the things that make you truly happy.
Mandy, Bowman kitchen
Favorite Creations
Groovy Cake
Love this groovy cake style with chocolate accents and buttercream textures! Check out the reel on how this cake was made.
Angel Cake
A little slice of heaven complete with fondant wings and a halo made of chocolate.
Spring Flowers
HELLO SPRING! 🌷I know florals for Spring isn’t a new concept but when I saw this cherry blossom mold and I knew it was absolutely perfect for this spring cake! Click here for the reel.
Halloween Freak Sheet Cake
One of the cutest halloween sheet cakes! For more Halloween cake inspiration, click here.
Cute Bat Cake
Comic Cake
Love is literally in the air with this heart balloon comic cake. Click here to see how this cake was created!
Summer Treat Comic Cake
Comic cake summer treat style!🍦🍩 Check out the reel on how this cake was made.
Disco Ball Party Cake
The design for this one was actually inspired by two amazing cakes, the 1st one being a fully loaded Easter cake by @wonderfulwhittycakes and the 2nd a dreamy disco cake by @cake_annieioannides , so shout out to both these extremely talented cakers for the inspo! 💖🪩
Under The Sea Cake
Here’s a reel to see a video close up of this amazing under the sea cake!
Vintage Cake
I created this vintage cake for the National Sprinkle Day friends and for @sweetapolita ‘s birthday! For more vintage cake inspiration, click here.
Flamingo Chocolate Bar
This fancy bird on a chocolate bar is definitely worthy of a close-up!
More Amazing Reels
Thank you, Mandy, for taking the time to do this interview! Check out below on how to follow Mandy on social media.
More about Bowman Kitchen
Mandy, Bowman Kitchen, content creator
