October Cake Decorator Spotlight

Hi friends! Today, I am featuring Kayla @crumbs.by.kaylakors, located in Canada for October. Kayla creates some amazing TALL cakes for her clients and I am always amazed at how sturdy they seem to be and filled with gorgeous cake accents! Read on to find out how her cake decorating journey started and check out her favorite cakes!

How did you get started with making cakes? What made you decide that this is your career?

I always loved to bake. I grew up around flour, sugar, and butter since my mom was commonly referred to as Martha Stewart because of her baking. My mother played a huge role in teaching me the basics of baking. But it wasn’t until September 2012, when I attended Canada’s Baking and Sweets Show, that I knew cakes were my calling. I can honestly say I fell in love with the art of cake-making that day. From that day on, I spent countless hours teaching myself the basics of cake making. How to stack a cake, properly crumb coat, fondant work, etc. It was A LOT of trial and error, but on January 11, 2013, I registered my business and started Crumbs at 22.

What is the most significant accomplishment to the date of your baking career?

My biggest accomplishment to date would be the day I opened up my bake shoppe at 24. It was located on the main street in my hometown of Bradford, and it was something I had worked so hard for. Starting a business is not easy, especially when you’re young.

Do you have a memorable cake that challenged you?

I would have to say a wedding cake I made back in 2016. It was a gorgeous four-tiered wedding cake with over 1000 handmade mini gum-paste flowers on it. It was very time-consuming and challenging but so worth it. One of the cake tiers was also a double-barrel style. That was the first time I had ever made a “tall” cake, so I had to learn how to stack and secure it properly. I remember being such a nervous wreck during delivery.

What do you love the most about your job?

The thing I love most about my job is being a part of someone’s special event. Whether it’s a cake for a birthday, anniversary, gender reveal, wedding, etc, it’s something I am always so honoured to be a part of. I don’t think my customers will ever understand how much it means to me.

What are your go-to tools when designing a cake?

My go-to tool will forever be my cake scraper aka my drywall knife. I still have the first one I’ve ever owned. My husband (boyfriend at the time) actually bought it for me in 2013 as a gift, it’s special and I refuse to get rid of it. Fun fact, I can’t for the life of me work with a regular cake scraper, I’ve never owned one. Second, the go-to tool has to be my turntable and non-slip mat. If you’re serious about cakes, invest in a good turntable!

Do you have a favorite cake design?

Currently, my favourite cake design would have to be my sweetness overload cakes. A cake full of donuts, cakesicles, cupcakes, meringue kisses, and more. The possibilities are endless. I’m obsessed with them, and so are my customers!

Is there a baking/cake decorating technique that you would like to try soon?

A cake technique that I would like to try would be the cake top forward trend.

What is your least favorite process of baking/cake decorating?

My least favorite process is the baking process and the never-ending pile of dishes in the sink afterward.

How do you secure your tall cakes?

I secure my tall cakes with a wooden dowel in the centre. When it comes to structuring and texturing tall cakes, it is all about patience. I always work with a cold cake.

What are your favorite cake flavors?

My favorite cake flavours would have to be my Vanilla OREO cake, Salted Caramel, and Birthday Sprinkle cake.

What do you like to do to unwind after a long day?

The way I like to unwind after a long day is by working out. I train 5-6 days a week, and it is essential to my mental health. It’s my “me” time to disconnect from mommy duties as well as work.

My Favorite Cakes

Black & White Mickey Mouse Cake

I had the pleasure of remaking my black and white Mickey Mouse cake for the sweetest little 1-year-old!

Blush Bridal Shower Cake

I had the pleasure of making this intimate bridal shower cake with pale pink buttercream and some florals for a beautiful bride-to-be.

Construction Cake

It was definitely interesting putting this together and constructing the crane to stay in place, my hubby had to help me with this one so kudos to him.

Girly Pink Cake

This has to be one of my favourite two sweet cakes I’ve done. These pastel tones were inspired by the balloon garland my customer had ordered.

Barbie Inspired Drip Cake

You all know I love a good pink cake! I had the pleasure of making this Barbie pink cake for a beautiful client.

Pink Peony Cake

I love working with peonies and this was perfect!

Fairy Cake

This has to be one of my favourite birthday cakes yet! I had the pleasure of making my customer Sienna her birthday cake again this year. This year’s theme, fairyland. When I think of fairies I think of flowers and lots of them. 😍

Overload Tall Cake

This is for sure one of my favourite types of cake to create. My sweetness overload cake!

Pretty Tiered Cake

Rose Cake

I had the pleasure of making this beauty for a lovely customer’s 40th a while back. To say I love this cake is an understatement.

Rose Gold Glam Cake

A classy boho-style themed cake for a gorgeous gal’s birthday. I’m pretty sure Rose gold and gold combine is a new obsession of mine, and I’m okay with it.🤩

Stenciled Beauty

I had the pleasure of working with @turnofeventsandcatering and got to create this wedding cake for their submission to @todaysbridemag. I was able to design whatever I wanted as long as it flowed with the colour palette they were using. So happy to say that this cake is now featured in @todaysbridemag issue.