Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Marie Hartley.
Hi Ann Marie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
It all began 10 years ago. I loved watching (and still love watching) the cake baking shows on Food Network. I remember telling myself, “Hmmm… I bet I can do that.” From there, I decided I would make a fondant-covered cake for my then, step-daughter’s 13th birthday. I watched several YouTube videos and read many tutorials online on how to cover a cake in fondant, how to make your own fondant, how to make a fondant bow, and all the steps of making this custom cake.
I remember it took forever to make this cake, but I did it and my step-daughter loved it! After posting pictures of the cake on social media (because that’s what we all do, right?), I had several comments telling me I should start making cakes. And that’s basically how I started! From there, I came up with a name and just started baking from friends, family, and colleagues. Eventually, this small, side business began to take off and now I book up one to two months in advance.
I am a self-taught cake artist. I have not taken any formal classes or have gone to school for cake artistry or culinary school. I have watched countless hours of YouTube videos and have taken several online tutorials from top cake artists from all over the world. I am a cottage/home baker. I run my cake business from home. Right now, this is my “full-time” side business. I am also a music teacher. I teach General Music at Jacob G. Smith Elementary School. This is my 20th year teaching. Which I also think is crazy! I call my baking business my “full-time” side job because after I teach a full day, you can find me in the kitchen after dinner and on the weekends working on cake stuff.
I am so blessed for my success so far in my cake business. Like I mentioned earlier, what started out just baking for people I know, I now book up months in advance. I have entered several cake baking competitions and actually won first place in one of them!
I will be attending The Ultimate Sugar Show this weekend (Sept 24th-26th) and will be competing again. I enjoy challenging myself when it comes to custom cakes. I truly enjoy creating delicious works of art!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like any small business, there are always bumps along the way. At first, it’s getting your name out there and letting people know who you are. I didn’t advertise or pay for any advertising. So it was (and still is), all word of mouth.
However, my biggest struggle is juggling teaching, making cakes, and making time for my family. There are many nights where I will stay up late and wake up early to finish a cake. I am doing better at not burning the candle at both ends, but this is the biggest struggle and obstacle for me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in custom cakes. I create delicious works of art. Even though I make other desserts like cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, etc… it’s my custom cakes that I’m known for. I’m most proud of not only creating something amazing, but it also tastes delicious. I have actually been told that by a few of my customers. I’m not really sure what sets me apart from others, as there as several cottage bakers and bakeries in Savannah and the surrounding areas that make custom cakes.
I like to think that my attention to detail on every cake I make sets me apart from other bakers. I also like to think that my versatility in creating custom cakes sets me apart from others, too. I can make elaborate cakes that spin or move or look like it’s defying gravity and I can also make simple, elegant, and beautiful cakes too.
I also created “Sips and Sifted,” which is a fun social event for anyone who wants to learn cake decorating. It combines cocktails and learning cake decorating together. It’s like “Painting with a Twist” but for cakes! These classes are really fun and I get such positive feedback from them! I have held a few of these events in Savannah and in Bluffton, SC.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Anyone can reach out to me through my social media or website. My business is on Facebook and Instagram. @siftedsavannah
I love to collaborate with others and I am all about supporting local businesses!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: siftedsavannahbakery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siftedsavannah/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/siftedsavannah
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQHa6Zy6ybRTAPEGHKyoC9g/featured
Image Credits
Headshot of mine photographed by J. Michael Walker
