Alexis Blanton had a sweet idea to start a business. She is the owner and operator of a home-based bakery in beautiful St. Pete, Florida. It all began 3 years ago when Alexis was asked to make a cake for her stepson's birthday. The Lego-styled block cake was such a hit at the party, that people began to take notice of Alexis' talent and asked her to bake cakes for them. As the demands grew for her delicious and fabulously designed cakes, Alexis decided to go into business for herself.
Her company Fat Baby Cakes has been pretty popular with the locals and as her orders began pouring in, her skills have increased. She now takes on more complex projects and her customers are blown away by her talent. This self-taught baker explains what it took to get her to this point and her aspirations of owning her own bakery.
P.A.R.C. Mag: How many years have you been baking? Are you professionally trained or a natural baker?
Alexis: "I have been baking since I was a child but I only began learning to work with fondant and other decorative mediums about 5 years ago. I was taught the basics of baking by my family growing up. I would say I am mostly self-taught, reading books, watching tutorials as well as some training in a bakery setting. Most of all, practice, practice, practice."
P.A.R.C. Mag: What made you decide to share your love of baking with others? Or what made you pursue baking?
Alexis: "For me, baking has always been about sharing, not just a sweet treat but a little love. Now that I create more decorative desserts, I am able to share my artistic side as well. I enjoy seeing the smiles that something I make can bring."
P.A.R.C. Mag: Besides cakes and cupcakes, what other delicious treats do you make?
Alexis: "I make gourmet cookies, decorated cookies, pies, cheesecakes, cake pops, tarts, candies (chocolate and hard sugar), dipped/decorated pretzels & cookies, snack mixes, rice cereal treats, chocolate dipped strawberries and more… pretty much anything sweet you could ask for, I can also create a delicious custom order."
P.A.R.C. Mag: How did you come up with the name Fat Baby Cakes?
Alexis: "Fat Baby Cakes” is actually a name I came up with in honor of my late grandfather. As a baby, he gave me the nickname “Fat Baby” and when I started toying with names for my new business, it justcame to me and it was perfect, so it stuck!"
Fat baby cakes
Interview By: KC Loesener