Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie McDaniel.
Julie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up around grandmothers and great-grandmothers who were some of the best cooks and bakers I have ever known. I helped since I was a little girl standing on a chair so I could see over the counter. My own cake journey began when I was in college, and my dorm mates were from all over the country (and the world). I began making cakes for them so we could celebrate her birthdays since their families lived so far away. After I got married and became a mom I started making birthday cakes for my children and then for other friends and family. By 2013, I had so many requests for cakes I decided I would pursue a cottage food license and officially opened Artful Cakery by Julie. I am self-taught and have learned to decorate by trial and error. At this time, I am focusing on showpiece-type cakes and wedding cakes. I still like making cakes for all occasions and get so excited about designing cakes for themes I haven’t made before. I enjoy making stylistic/realistic cakes that are very similar to the “real thing”. For example, cakes that look like other foods, clothing, animals, or everyday objects. I always want to continue learning and improving my skills.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In 2016, I tore the labrum in my left shoulder (yes, the same injury baseball pitchers have). It was bakery-related from overuse. I had surgery and then a lot of physical therapy and recovery to recover the use of my arm. In 2017 about six months after the surgery I got a job offer for a lead decorator position at a grocery store. I accepted the job and quickly climbed the ladder to bakery manager. I was grateful to have that steady job throughout the pandemic. In 2022, I decided to focus on my business again and hit the ground running.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am known for unexpected cakes. A cake that is a standing penguin for a 60th birthday, a green metallic sweat bee cake for an 18th birthday, a fireman’s hose and helmet for a firefighter’s retirement, a bulldog groom’s cake, or a ramen cake for a networking meeting.
I grew up with food allergies, so I also try to cater to people who suffer through parties having to avoid certain foods. Imagine being a child at a birthday party and you cannot eat anything the other guests are eating. It is very fulfilling to be able to make an egg-free, nut-free, gluten-free, or dairy-free dessert/cake for special occasions so everyone can be included in the celebration.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I always wanted to be a teacher like my paternal grandmother. I would set up desks in a room in her house and “teach” my siblings and cousins. We loved to ride bikes and play outside, building forts and sleeping under the stars. I played with dolls and Barbies and lots of cards and board games.
My major in college was early childhood education. I did homeschool my children, which I never planned to do. It was very rewarding, though very difficult work. I still love teaching and training, whether it is cake decorating, sewing, arts and crafts, algebra, or whatever else someone needs help with.
Pricing:
- Buttercream Wedding cakes begin at $5 per serving
- Fondant wedding cakes begin at $7 per serving
- Cupcakes begin at $3 each
- Decorated sugar cookies begin at $5 per cookie
- 3-D realistic cakes begin at $300
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artfulcakery.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/artfulcakerybyjulie
- Facebook: Facebook.com/artfulcakerybyjulie
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-mcdaniel-ab1b30139?trk=contact-info
- Twitter: Twitter.com/kahulamae
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@artfulcakerybyjulie?si=10jPl-j0RSsvtnuL
- Yelp: Yelp.com/artfulcakerybyjulie
- Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/artful-cakery-by-julie-flowery-branch-ga-2066729
