Prepped Feature: Ceci Melendez + Cake Art Studio

We are thrilled to feature a different Prepped Food Entrepreneur each week on our blog. This week, we are featuring Ceci Melendez of Cake Art Studio. Please check back weekly to learn more about Prepped and follow us on social media using #PreppedAZ.

Name: Ceci Melendez What is your company’s name and what do you make? The Cake Art Studio is a place where you can find a special creation that will delight the eyes and sweet tooth of any recipient. We design custom Cakes and 3D cookies for each of our clients. Do you have a specialty such as a signature dish, drink, or item? Yes, we specialize in 3D cookies: everything from a 3D cookie vase with flowers to a beautiful 3D box. I get inspiration from everywhere, I then design and usually sketch my ideas. I use different things around the house to contour the dough and make unique shapes for my designs. What or who inspired you to start your company? Art has always been a big part of my life. I spent my high school and college years taking oil painting, ceramics, and sculpting classes. Cookie and cake decorating were the furthest things from my mind until my mother asked me to make a cake for my sister’s birthday. To my surprise, it was the hit of the party. That humble creation quickly turned into my business venture. In 2014 I joined Local First Arizona and took business classes to prepare for success. My goal is to provide a unique product and be a valued business member of the community. I donated cakes for the City of Phoenix Police Department and the ASU Business Scholarship fund. I have also joined the culinary internship program for Estrella Mountain Community College. I believe that if you give, you shall receive. Our client base has grown quickly to include corporate accounts like AJ’s Fine Foods and SRP. My husband and I have used personal finances to keep the business debt free. Is there a cook or chef who inspires you most? Who are they? Julia M. Usher If you could only eat at one restaurant for the rest of your life, which would it be? Cibo What is your greatest dream and goal for your company? My Dream is to open The Cake Art Studio Boutique! Learn more about Cake Art Studio:

Cake Art Studio’s website: http://www.cake-artstudio.com Cake Art Studio’s Facebook: http://facebook.com/CeciCakeArt Cake Art Studio’s Pinterest: http://pin.it/5haZwqm