Meet Mari Baker | Custom Cake Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mari Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mari, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My Name, is Mari Baker, I started to pursue a career in custom cake designs as my son wanted a cake that no one was able to make. It was very detailed and very particular about the design. My husband, mother and mother-in-law encouraged me to try making it myself. They believed I could make it, I didn’t. I gave it a shot and it came out better than I expected. Once the party began, the cake was such a hit, many of his friends asked if I would be able to make cakes for their upcoming birthdays. I took on the challenge and found a whole new creative side of myself. With the hidden talent I didn’t know about, l decided in 2016 to start YB Cake Designs and see how the idea could grow. As of today, I have a couple hundred followers, repeat customers and always gaining new customers weekly. Many of whom, have become longtime friends and even family.

I started to pursue a career in custom cake designs as my son wanted a cake that no one was able to make. It was very detailed and very particular about the design. My husband, mother and mother-in-law encouraged me to try making it myself. They believed I could make it, I didn’t. I gave it a shot and it came out better than I expected. Once the party began, the cake was such a hit, many of his friends asked if I would be able to make cakes for their upcoming birthdays. I took on the challenge and found a whole new creative side of myself. With the hidden talent I didn’t know about, l decided in 2016 to start YB Cake Designs and see how the idea could grow. As of today, I have a couple hundred followers, repeat customers and always gaining new customers weekly. Many of whom, have become longtime friends and even family.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others in my industry is that I love a challenge and I never backdown from any design. I also love to get to know who the order is for, so I can add some personal details to fit their personality. The thing I am most proud of is that I have wanted to give up in the past but kept pushing forward. I am excited to see where YB Cake Designs will be in the next 10 years. l’m a custom cake designer today because my family loves to have my creative and fun cakes. They’re the reason I started in 2016. I continued for the love and passion of the creativity and the satisfaction I’ve brought to my customers. It wasn’t as hard as I imagined because I had a lot of support from family and friends with me every step of the way. Some of the challenges Ive overcame in the past have been f*ke orders, f*ke reviews and hateful competitors. I got to where I’m at today because of my perseverance, supporters, and all the wonderful people I’ve met along my journey. When you have an amazing support system, it definitely makes things a lot easier. I would have to say a big lesson I’ve learned along the way is to always listen to what your customer wants and says. Communication is key! The one thing I want the world to know about my journey, is that you have to believe in yourself as much as everyone else! Never back down from fear and mistakes happen, you have to use those as learning experiences.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite spots in Colorado Springs and Colorado in general are the mountains!
Garden Of the Gods is such a beautiful national park.
7 Falls is a beautiful waterfall that has changing colors at night.
All the different hiking trails
Hacienda Colorado is a great Mexican Restaurant.
Royal Gorge Bridge
Penny Arcade
Fox Run National park
Best of all Every Sunrise and Sunset are all different and beautiful!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to thank and give a huge shoutout my husband, Brock Baker, for inspiring me to try something new, get out my comfort zone and believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Investing in me emotionally and always finding new ways to help with any creative designs. He’s definitely one of my biggest supporters and a part of my success. My kids Alberto & Devon Baker for giving me challenges with all the different occasion’s and celebrations. For cheering me on and always willing to lend a hand when needed. From dying fondant, to deliveries and even baking. My Mom for believing I could do anything even when I didn’t. She is my biggest supporter and always cheering me on. She has even flown me out just to get a cake out of me. She is definitely a big part of my support and success from states away. My Mother-in-law for telling me I should give it a try and always believing in my abilities. She loved making homemade goods and she urged me to try to make a homemade cake.
Also, to all of my loyal customers and future customers. Without my family, friends, and customers, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: https://www.ybcakedesigns.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ybcakedesigns

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ybcakedesigns?_t=8nHwNbcEIz1&_r=1

Image Credits
Mari Baker