February’s Cake Decorator Spotlight
Hi friends! I am excited to be featuring Alisha Barbera, @alishasbakedgoodness from Jacksonville, Florida, for February’s Cake Decorator Spotlight. Alisha owns a small cake studio operating out of her home and specializes in modern buttercream cakes and one-of-a-kind sweet treats. Read on to learn more about Alisha, and check out her favorite cakes to the date!
How did your cake decorating journey begin?
This journey began for me shortly after having my second daughter! I made cakes for friends and family and was encouraged by many to start baking for business! One day my father-in-law brought me a bunch of tools to get started, and it’s been 4 years since then! He’s always believed in me and has been a big supporter.
What is your favorite process of baking/cake decorating?
I would say my favorite process of baking and cake decorating is brainstorming and adding the decorations to the cake! I love seeing everything come together to the final outcome!
What are your go-to tools when designing a cake?
Must haves are my Ateco turntable and acrylic Cake Safe tools! My favorite decorating items are florals and delicate sprinkles. I research a lot before decorating, so Instagram is a great tool to see how different techniques are done!
Do you have a memorable cake that challenged you?
My first three tier wedding cake! Tiered cakes require a lot of foresight and planning as well as proper structuring. I always try to be as prepared as possible so everything goes smoothly from decorating to transport!
Do you have a favorite cake design?
My favorite cake design would be a clean, modern moment! I love differences in textures and soft neutrals. Florals are a favorite too!
Where do you find your inspiration from?
My inspiration for many cakes comes from the overall theme of what my clients desire! I like to pair different elements together to form something unique!
What are the most important aspects of running a small cake business?
I’d say the most important aspect to me is making sure that my clients feel as though their experience is special and tailored to their needs. Of course being organized and proper planning are a must! Luckily, I thrive on organization!
What advice would you give yourself at the beginning stages with your current knowledge?
The most important thing I would tell myself is to create what you love! Don’t feel pressured to take every inquiry that comes in. It’s a quick way to lose the joy in what you do. Boundaries are healthy and necessary in every aspect of life!
Share a fun fact about you!
I love tattoos, haha! I’d get new ones every week if I could! I think they are such a beautiful art form.
What is your favorite dessert?
Ooo, this is a hard question! I’d say it’s a toss-up between fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and tiramisu!
Favorite Cakes
Swan Cake
Butterfly Tiered Wedding Cake
Absolutely a stunner! I love the variety of butterflies and wafer paper.
Floral Stenciled Birthday Cake
Ombre Stenciled Cake
She was captivating from the moment that ombré was done.
Pastel Rainbow Cake
I adore pastel rainbow cakes like this. For more rainbow cake inspiration, click here.
Floral Gold Drip Cake
Floral Gold Drip cakes are a staple at Alisha’s Baked Goodness!
Floral & Butterfly Cake
So sweet and whimsical.
Pretty Pink Butterfly Cake
All things pink, frills, and butterflies!
Sealife Mermaid Cake
This cake truly is a picture of sea life. Buttercream textures as coral are a fantastic idea. For more mermaid cake inspiration, click here.
White Wedding Tiered Cake
There is nothing like a clean and minimalistic white wedding adorned with gold leaf and florals.
What a beautiful group of cakes! Thank you, Alisha, for sharing your beautiful creations.
