We had the good fortune of connecting with Julie McDaniel and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Julie, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is undoubtedly the dedication to creativity and personalization. In the world of cake decorating, the ability to transform a client’s vision into a delectable masterpiece is paramount. I invest significant time in understanding the unique needs and desires of each client, ensuring that every cake not only meets but exceeds their expectations. This personalized approach, combined with my commitment to using high-quality ingredients and staying abreast of the latest trends and techniques in cake design, has helped establish a distinctive brand identity. Moreover, my passion for what I do shines through in every creation, making each cake not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. This dedication to excellence and innovation has resonated well with customers and is a key driver of the brand’s success.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I began baking in college (after being around it my entire life). When I had my children, I began making all of their birthday cakes. Back then there were only books on cake decorating and no online videos with tutorials. I am completely self taught as I have never attended a cake decorating class I was not teaching. The earlier cakes I made were not at all spectacular compared to most recent years, but at the time, they caught the attention of party guests and I began making cakes for them as well. It definitely took a while to get where I am and a lot of mistakes were made along the way. Now I am thrilled to get cake inquiries for cakes that are outside the box. I have made so many 3-D cakes that look realistic. Some of my favorites were an 18-wheeler truck, a frog, a penguin, a violin, a vibraphone, a camera, several cheeseburgers, a hotdog, a bowl of ramen, a green metallic sweat bee, and a bushel basket filled with tomatoes.
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?
First of all, we would stay at The Candler Hotel. It is a historic landmark since it was the brainchild of Asa G. Candler, the founder of the Coca Cola company. The king suite with a separate bedroom, living room area, and luxury bathroom with a huge bathtub will make you hesitate leaving the hotel. The architecture and decorations are exquisite and very picturesque. One of our first stops would be The High Museum of Art. It has permanent and rotating art pieces so every trip has new things to behold. Another place I absolutely love is the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. They also have special exhibits to keep you going back to visit again and again. Speaking of Mr. Candler, The World of Coca-Cola is a must-see in Atlanta! You can see history from the beginning of the company until now and even get to try different flavors of beverages from around the world. If you are intrigued by ancient times like me, you would be excited to take your friend to the Michael C. Carlos Museum. They have mummies and other ancient relics to peruse. Two more places I love to go include the Atlanta History Center and Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Atlanta History Center has the reimagined Cyclorama exhibit, memorabilia from the 1996 Olympics, and the historic Swan House. Fernbank includes dinosaurs, outdoor nature trails, and a huge IMAX movie screen where they show a variety of exciting and informative films. I would also want to take them to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to attend an Atlanta United soccer match. I was there when they won the MLS cup and it is always an electrifying environment. The Varsity is absolutely a must for one meal while entertaining guests in the city. They have to try a frosted orange while they are there! So delicious! The Flying Biscuit Cafe is also a must for breakfast or brunch! My favorite is grits and a “Dirty Bird” which is basically the best chicken and waffles. Gotta have a mimosa flight to go alongside it!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In the spirit of the Shoutout series, I would like to give a shoutout to my family—my children and my husband—who have been my rock throughout this journey. Their love, encouragement, and unwavering support have been fundamental in shaping the path of our cake decorating business. My sons, with their innovative ideas, have consistently pushed us to explore new horizons and stay ahead of trends, making our creations stand out. Their creative input and willingness to experiment have been key in defining the uniqueness of our brand.
My husband’s constant belief in my vision from day one has been the cornerstone of my success and a driving force behind my brand’s development. Moreover, this journey has been enriched by the broader community of cake decorators and entrepreneurs whose stories of perseverance and creativity have inspired me. The shared knowledge within this community has been invaluable, fostering a culture of learning and mutual support that has propelled us forward. I enjoy knowing I have their backs and they have mine if we are struggling with techniques, availability, health concerns and more. I also became way more adventurous in my cake designs watching Duff Goldman on The Ace of Cakes. He was constantly pushing the envelope when it came to what was possible with cake!
In dedicating this shoutout, I recognize that our story is a tapestry woven from the contributions of many, with my family being the most vibrant threads in that fabric. Their contribution goes beyond mere support; it’s a testament to the power of love, teamwork, and collective vision in achieving success.
Website: www.artfulcakery.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artfulcakerybyjulie
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/julie-mcdaniel-ab1b30139
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kahulamae
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artfulcakerybyjulie
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/artful-cakery-by-julie-flowery-branch
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@artfulcakerybyjulie
Other: Wedding Wire https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/artful-cakery-by-julie/2a47d6981bd661cd.html The Knot https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/artful-cakery-by-julie-flowery-branch-ga-2066729