Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Mahoney.
Lori, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Early in my 20’s, I made a few wedding cakes for friends/family and always thought it would never be possible to do this as a career so I went on following my other passion computer software. Years later I started back at my hobby and started making cakes for friend’s birthdays and the passion came back in full force. I quickly discovered I simply could not resist it any longer. In 2015 my hobby had taken over my life and led me to quit my day job and open my licensed home bakery. I have always had a passion for art of all kinds but cake decorating has been what was missing, I felt like I finally found myself. It is truly a blessing following your dreams and doing what you love every day.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth is not the word that comes to mind :). Running an operating Lori’s Custom Cakes is a 24/7 job. Being the sole operator there are many 14-hour days and sometimes the days just do not end. I specialize in custom cake design which require a lot of attention to detail, a cake can literally take a couple days to complete the process. The biggest struggle for me is not having enough time to fulfill everyone’s request. Running a small business by yourself means you can only do so much and book so many cakes in a week. I am very fortunate to have a busy full schedule but always try to fit in some time for the last-minute orders if possible.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lori’s Custom Cakes – what should we know?
I specialize in unique one of a kind custom designs. As with anything custom, cakes are specific to the person requesting them. Often there can be a list of 15 items with specific colors and details to incorporate to make it original I pride myself on my dedication, I am always researching new techniques and trying to make every cake better than the next. In cake decorating there is always something new out there to learn, fads change and cakes change right along with them. Researching and self-training are very critical in keeping your designs up to date.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family and my friends have been so supportive throughout my journey. I would never had had the courage to do this without their help. The constant encouragement and belief they have in me is overwhelming at times. I am a very lucky girl to have such an amazing support system. In the cake community I have met some amazing people as well, some I consider lifelong friends and family. As for mentors, the list is so long it could be a book in itself. The first time I saw a cake from Tennille from Hot Mama’s Cakes I said …WOW! That is it! I want to be just like her! (She will kill me for saying that but it is true, she was my first cake crush ever and still is to this day).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.loriscustomcakes.com
- Phone: 619-757-8797
- Email: lori@loriscustomcakes.com
- Instagram: @loriscustomcakes
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/loriscustomcakes
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Meredith Segal
December 20, 2017 at 4:51 pm
Lori has been one of my best friends since I was 10 years old (I am older than she is). She has always been sweet, smart and an extremely talented artist! When I receive a text message from her about a new opportunity, or she is nervous about something to do with her business, I always tell her she is amazing! I have always known she is amazing, but now the world does too! I am so proud of Lori. As we say in the Jewish world, I am kvelling (which means bursting with pride)! Kudos to Lori and the author of this article.