Voyage ATL
I was honored to be interviewed by Voyage ATL, a publication that highlights entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners across the Atlanta area.
The interview shares the story behind Artful Cakery by Julie, including how my passion for baking began and how the business grew into a custom cake studio serving weddings and special events throughout Atlanta and North Georgia.
If you would like to read the full interview, you can visit the article here:
https://voyageatl.com/interview/daily-inspiration-meet-julie-mcdaniel/
Below is a short excerpt from the conversation.
Where the Cake Journey Began
Voyage ATL asked where my story begins, and the answer goes back to my childhood.
I grew up around grandmothers and great-grandmothers who were incredible cooks and bakers. Some of my earliest memories are of standing on a chair in the kitchen so I could see over the counter and help them bake.
Those experiences sparked a love of baking that stayed with me for many years.
My own cake decorating journey really began when I was in college. My dorm mates were from all over the country — and even from other parts of the world — so I started baking cakes for their birthdays since their families were far away. It became a way for us to celebrate together.
After getting married and becoming a mom, I continued making birthday cakes for my children and eventually for friends and family as well.
By 2013, I was receiving so many requests for cakes that I decided to obtain a cottage food license and officially open Artful Cakery by Julie.
Learning Cake Decorating Through Practice
One thing that often surprises people is that I am largely self-taught.
Most of what I know about cake decorating has been learned through trial, error, practice, and experimentation over many years.
That process of learning and improving is something I still enjoy today. Every cake design presents an opportunity to try something new and continue refining my skills.
Today my work focuses primarily on showpiece cakes and wedding cakes, although I still enjoy creating cakes for all types of celebrations.
One of my favorite challenges is designing stylistic or realistic cakes that resemble real objects, such as food items, animals, clothing, or everyday objects.
Challenges Along the Way
Like many small business owners, the journey hasn’t always been easy.
In 2016, I suffered a bakery-related injury when I tore the labrum in my left shoulder — the same type of injury that many baseball pitchers experience. It was caused by overuse from the physical demands of decorating cakes.
After surgery and extensive physical therapy, I eventually regained the use of my arm.
About six months after the surgery, I accepted a position as a lead cake decorator at a grocery store bakery. I quickly advanced to bakery manager, and that position provided valuable experience and stability, especially during the uncertainty of the pandemic.
In 2022, I made the decision to return my full focus to my own business and continue growing Artful Cakery by Julie.
Known for Creative and Unexpected Cakes
When Voyage ATL asked what I am most known for, my answer was simple: unexpected cakes.
Over the years I have designed cakes such as:
a standing penguin cake for a 60th birthday
a metallic green sweat bee cake for an 18th birthday
a firefighter helmet and hose cake for a retirement celebration
a bulldog groom’s cake
a ramen bowl cake for a networking event
Designing cakes like these allows me to combine creativity, sculpting techniques, and artistic detail to create cakes that surprise and delight people.
Making Celebrations Inclusive
Another part of my work that is very important to me is accommodating people with food allergies and dietary restrictions.
Because I grew up with food allergies myself, I know how difficult it can be to attend a celebration and not be able to enjoy the dessert.
Whenever possible, I try to offer options such as:
gluten-free desserts
dairy-free desserts
egg-free desserts
nut-free desserts
Being able to include everyone in a celebration is incredibly meaningful.
A Love of Teaching and Creativity
Growing up, I actually thought I would become a teacher, like my paternal grandmother.
As a child, I used to set up desks in her house and “teach” my siblings and cousins.
My college major was early childhood education, and although my career path eventually took a different direction, I still love teaching and sharing knowledge — whether it is cake decorating, sewing, crafts, or helping someone learn a new skill.
Continuing the Journey
Today, Artful Cakery by Julie is a custom cake studio based in Flowery Branch, Georgia, creating cakes for weddings and special events across Atlanta and North Georgia.
Each cake is baked fresh to order and designed specifically for the client, with the goal of creating a centerpiece that reflects the style and story of the celebration.
I am grateful for opportunities like this Voyage ATL interview that allow me to share a little more about the journey behind the cakes.
