Meet Morgan Clay | Owner & Cake Artist

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

Hi Morgan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Life isn’t about eliminating risk; it’s about understanding it and moving forward anyway. Every step we take has some level of uncertainty, but it’s in those moments that we find purpose. Entrepreneurship is no different—it’s not about playing it safe; it’s about having the courage to back your vision while staying open to reality.

I’ve spent 14 years as a decorator, starting with my training at Johnson & Wales University and building my career across several bakeries in Denver. Each bakery was more than just a workplace—it was a chance to learn and to deepen my understanding of the industry. I learned new techniques to custom cake design, and how to navigate the complexities of client expectations. Every experience taught me something valuable, from what works to what doesn’t.

My husband comes from a background in finance, where risk has always been central to his professional life. His ability to evaluate, manage, and adapt to uncertainty has been invaluable as we navigate the inherent challenges of business planning. Together, we balance creativity and strategy, each of us bringing a unique perspective to our shared vision.

We both believe the biggest risk any entrepreneur faces is ultimately themselves. If the community loves something, they’ll tell you. And if they don’t? They’ll absolutely let you know. That’s why, while we have a vision for the future, we focus on listening in the present. We’re here to serve the community above all else. Their needs will always supersede our vision. Risk will always be our partner in entrepreneurship, but the more we listen, the less risk we face.

What I cherish most about this work is how it brings people together. Clients often become friends, and their loyalty inspires me to keep pushing my creativity. Denver’s community has given me so much, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to give back—whether it’s through a beautifully decorated cake or simply being part of their stories. For me, this isn’t just about baking; it’s about building connections and celebrating life’s sweetest moments with the people who make the risks all worthwhile.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets us apart is our attention to detail in every aspect of the product. We start by listening to the customer’s needs, understanding their vision, executing it with passion, and ensuring that the quality and taste of the product itself are on the same level. We do not pick and choose one element of our product to shine; we strive for the entire creation to be a work of art—both visually and in taste.

It has not been easy. No food service job is easy. We work long days, put in hard hours, and do not go home until our jobs are completed. We make it through knowing that what we are creating is something our clients will cherish. Every time we hand off a cake, it is for a special occasion, and it means the world to us that we have been chosen to be a part of that person’s special day—whatever the occasion may be. People trust us, and we always work hard to do our best to ensure everyone has the special day of their dreams.

Our brand is more than just a cake shop. Our clients are our friends, and we strive to form long-term relationships to celebrate with these families and individuals again and again. We aim to make memories not only with them but also with their friends and family. We want them to know how much they mean to us, and their choice to work with us creates a bond that defines who we are. We love our clients and are so grateful for them every day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Denver has a lot of great food and we’re more than happy to share some of our personal favorites. You cannot beat El Five for drinks and dinner in Denver’s Lower Highlands neighborhood. Stunning views of the downtown Denver skyline. A mix of African/Mediteranean/Spanish cusine that offers drinks as creative as they are delicious. If you have a large group and love to try a little bit of everything, Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings has something for everyone xiao long, shumai, we could spend a long time there, and often do. When it comes to making a special occasion even more special, the expertise and creativity at Beckon are second to none. Their somm can do no wrong and the seasonal offerings are to die for. The attention to detail is always above and beyond. If you’re looking for a laid back vibe with a European twist, French cuisine is mastered at La Foret with their perfectly tender escargot, and heartwarming onion soup. For a Sunday breakfast, our go to is Call Your Mother Deli. They offer bagel sandwiches that have changed our weekend habits in the best way. We wouldn’t know it’s Sunday without them. For entertainment everyone knows about Red Rocks, I don’t think we could say much that hasn’t been said, but for those visiting, The Mission Ballroom has quickly grown into a hometown favorite. With great sound and a perfect setup to enjoy live music with your friends, a night there is a night well spent. If you see us out, say hello!

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?
We would like to first and foremost thank the community for its support in this big step. The love and positive feedback reassure us that we are exactly where we need to be, and we look forward to pushing ourselves to always strive for greatness. To our family and friends who have been there for us along this journey—you are our rocks and our constant motivators. And to my husband, for seeing my vision, supporting me with love, and assisting me in every way possible, thank you. We couldn’t have done any of this alone, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

Website: https://www.cakesiconic.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/cakesiconicdenver

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cakes-iconic-denver

Image Credits
Morgan Clay, Alistair Clay