Today we meet with Tammy Mansberger, owner of the Cake & Wedding Cottage, a family-owned business that's celebrating its 35th anniversary. She'll share more about growing up in the industry, switching gears, the hottest trends, dish on the popular cake decorating shows and share more about what lies ahead.
Tell
us more about your business.
“Cake & Wedding Cottage specializes in cake decorating and
candy making supplies as well as wedding accessories. My cousins first opened
it and I worked at the store all through my high school years. My grandmother
was the most wonderful baker and she inspired us all at a very young age. My
cousin Donna, who owns her own shop in Shrewsbury, Pa., is an amazing cake
decorator and candy maker.”
Did
you always plan to be owner of the Cake & Wedding Cottage?
“I never thought I would one day own the store. After college, I worked in the educational
software development field and then transitioned into the pharmaceutical sales
training industry. I loved my career but
things took a twist when my mom died unexpectedly. That changed my life
forever. At the time, my cousins were already
planning to retire and were looking to sell the business. After almost a year of considering it, I
decided to take the challenge and I’m so grateful to my cousins for giving me
this opportunity. That was four years ago, in 2008.”
Your
family had an interesting philosophy about the secret to success for the family
business. Tell me more.
“We first opened in 1977 and have always believed in quality
products, a family environment and a love of learning. Teach them and share
your knowledge was the motto of my family who turned their vision into a
dream.”
What
do you think of the hit TV shows that spotlight the art and craft of cake
decorating?
“I love the shows! They have revitalized our industry and have
taken creativity to a whole new level.
It’s a joy seeing an increased number of teenagers taking interest in
the field. So many people are getting
hooked on baking and decorating because of the shows. "
What
are some interesting trends in the field?
“Cake pops, cupcakes, isomalt and disco dust! Edible transfers,
that let you bring in a favorite photo and make it part of the cake design. And
you should see our 10-tier cupcake stand, which can be decorated to compliment
your special occasion.”
Tell
us more about the year ahead.
“Our focus this year is on quality products, great classes, and
letting everyone know that we moved. I
recently had discussions with an internationally recognized confectionary
artist and she is working on launching a degree program in sugar arts. We have a lot of exciting developments in the
works. I’ll keep you posted!”
What
do you love most about your job?
“We have the best customers and a loyal following who like to
bake, decorate and wow their friends and families. It’s a warm, friendly place
where we have a lot of fun and you can find the latest products, take classes
to learn from our talented team of instructors
and quickly find everything you need in one central place.”
How
do people find out more?
Visit www.cakeandweddingcottage.com,
our facebook page or call 410- 529-0200.
Cake & Wedding Cottage will hold a 35th
Anniversary Celebration event on
Saturday, Sept. 22.
Yes, join us! Customers will enjoy a free gift with ANY purchase and festivities
will also include delicious cupcakes, in-store demonstrations and a few
fantastic giveaways – one to the shop’s popular Basic Cake Decorating Class (a
$65 value) as well as another for a super-duper gift basket filled with goodies
that every decorator will envy.
Saturday’s
Schedule of Events
10 AM Store Opens
11-1 Basic Cake
Decorating Class (Session 1)
2 PM Fondant Basics Demonstration
3 PM Molding with
Fondant Demonstration
7 PM Store Closes
The Basic Cake Decorating Class meets for six two-hour sessions –
this is the first session - and participants can learn to make those impressive
cakes they’ve always admired with a look at icing, color, borders, the basket
weave, pattern transfer, and of course, “The Rose.” Space is limited – so call today to
pre-register. Tuition is $65. There also
will be two $5 demos that day for anyone interested in working with Fondant. First,
learn the Fondant Basics at 2 p.m. What is it and how is it used? Then, in Molding with Fondant at 3 p.m.,
learn the proper techniques for using silicone molds to create flowers, borders
and other decorative frills that liven up any display. Pre-registration is
required for both demos. Call 410-529-0200.
Located at 7670 Belair Road in the Belair Beltway Plaza in Fullerton,
the Cake & Wedding Cottage invites cake decorating and candy making
enthusiasts young and old to celebrate this special occasion and to join in the
fun. Whether you’re new to the craft or are really experienced, stop by to see
for yourself what this third-generation has done to guarantee “sweet success.”
The Cake & Wedding Cottage is known for its wide range of baking, cake decorating, and candy making essentials that draws hobbyists from first-timers to pros to pursue and finesse their craft. Shelves are lined with all the ingredients needed to transform a basic cake into a simply stunning centerpiece.
