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Why baking? What got you started in this industry?
Food always interested me, growing up, so I was always up to something in the kitchen—-mostly baking. Around age 11, I found a spring issue of Martha Stewart Living. There was an article on decorating cakes with candied edible flowers, and I thought that was so cool. For next few years, I experimented with cake decorating, and by the time I was sixteen, I left high school to pursue a degree in baking and pastry. I've always been a creative type, so it was natural to go into cake decorating, where my two passions came together.
![the small object cake topper kellis creations cakes andie powers](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwh8f24bKN3tcott2IHnpAnnQ_TwuWsLwdPZ4cdmWOcQct8O_TEtcSM1DOIf1a_b98KnNSBU8LjZe5x4sLZAt_zZ16VWFEgHGerNTsHF3bbd4HFr2jfHcT9Rbf5RTWczj8fIBpMKIxCgL7/s640/andiecake.jpg)
Photo by Jaquilyn Shumate Photography
![cult cakes emily nelson](http://25.media.tumblr.com/b15ec6844ad585d4a237b96bab11c9da/tumblr_mkr93sAHeo1riyr2oo1_1280.jpg)
Photo by Cult Cakes
What does Cult Cakes mean to you?
My inspiration for Cult Cakes is usually brought about by pop culture, subcultures, different trends (fashion is a major influence) and finding a way to translate that into a cake. I want to take the cake medium, go outside the box of traditional cake décor, and give it a fresh perspective. Right now I’m working with the classic cake silhouette, but I have a lot different ideas that I’m looking forward to actualizing. Of course, there is always the indulgent aspect of cake, so I want to dazzle people’s taste buds as well as their eyes. It doesn’t matter how pretty a cake is if it doesn’t taste good.
What is your signature recipe?
I’m currently developing my own recipes, but I’m a big fan of Fannie Farmer. I used her cookbook when I was baking growing up, and I find her recipes extremely comforting. My favorite is her Peerless Chocolate Cake—-you can find that one in many of my posts on my blog. I'm also a big fan of her brioche recipe (and I actually baked you Andie a brioche from her recipe last year!) [Editor's note: it was one of the best things I have ever eaten.]
![cult cakes emily nelson](http://25.media.tumblr.com/9e94914928ba9beace6fe5af9b7114c6/tumblr_mkr93sAHeo1riyr2oo2_1280.jpg)
Photo by Assemble
What's your favorite things to make for clients?
Oh gosh, I don’t know if I can pick. I enjoy sculpting, be it the cake itself or figurines made from sugar or chocolate.
What are your goals for your business?
I’m looking forward to running a cake shop with a store front one day. I’m a big fan of knowing where my food comes from, so I’d hope to source locally and make our fillings (like raspberry jam) and decorating materials (like modeling chocolate) in-house. I’m excited to consult with and understand my clients, especially if I am going to be creating a custom cake for them.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuVtRyo_eWLf9AEkX6dBmhFuPJFIugLRtAAwaXXyT9opdDFPI-vynYN7FSvQw3T4TIFBSPgcdpqeAcpulMH2JdLN7HVmrrBQmdOkTUevYCxRNPN3a82C8rb4bG78MFKYtwxApSWYiuD1b/s640/cake2.jpg)
Photo by Cult Cakes
If you could eat at only one local restaurant, which would it be? What would you order?
This is a really difficult question for me, haha! Probably Than Brothers, since I feel like I’m always craving pho! I always order the beef pho with broccoli.
Which famous person would you love to see order one of your desserts?
Martha Stewart. I’d have come full circle. And I would cry salty tears of joy.
If you could live in any other location, where would you choose?
This is another tough one! Probably France or New York City.
![cult cakes emily nelson](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-C0WuhGOrFcWjQKnksJLi6yIIax0fGa0xfRvG6weCT-oZkoDTgvy4Xt5ImQ51VgXdnB4h361dgX-cujVO1u4CJXBguxgPn4IigrQIFUjoL9IUCiIQldpIdH5s7xMaopWyRSkQCU_Ta_k2/s640/emdancing.jpg)
Photo by Jaquilyn Shumate Photography
What else do you do for fun?
I’m really looking forward to barbecues this summer. I love to feed people. I also enjoy dancing (poorly), singing, gardening, painting, swimming, reading, and sleeping. I'd like to learn French and how to throw a good punch.
Thanks, Emily!