Meet Shannon Turner: Cake Artist

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

Hi Shannon, what inspires you?
As an artist who earns a living from what I do, it’s always a dance between the service of providing a product for someone else and the deep pull of creative strings I’m drawn to follow as I am designing and creating. By nature, I am strongly driven by evocative design and art in my work with cakes. From an aesthetic perspective, I want you to feel something in your heart and in your mind when you see my cake for the first time. I love using textures, empty space, light, and color to weave a story. If it stirs something in you, maybe a nuanced memory, something you can’t quite put your finger on, or a combination of feelings, then what has inspired me has caused a new inspiration in you and it’s really a beautiful and impactful moment. Cake is such a powerful centerpiece in our lives. It’s almost always at the heart of some of the most profound moments we’ve all shared. How inspiring it is that my work might touch others in some of the most special and memorable moments in their lives. On its face, it is a deeply moving experience to create a cake for someone else.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My highest aim has always been to provide a phenomenal customer service experience. Whether a client orders a simple dozen cupcakes or a custom, tiered wedding cake, I am going to make a valuable connection and treat her with the highest care and attention. I am always thinking, ‘How would I want to be treated?’ The answer to that is a great start, but I go further: ‘How can I make this a joyful and memorable experience that will last for years to come?’ I’m always musing about ways to elevate the customer service experience I provide. For me, there is so much euphoria in service and for bringing happiness to others. One of the most special aspects of creating custom cakes is that the nature of the evocative experience is absolutely unique to every client: I am obsessively dedicated to understanding even their unspoken dreams for their cakes. I spend some time digging deeply into their taste, both in terms of what speaks to their palate as well as what excites them in design. I want to know what they are inspired by. I want to know what moves them. Only when I feel that I have a true understanding for their heart can I begin the design process for a uniquely created cake. I am always planning for and conscious of the unique experience I want to provide; not just flavors I want to bring forward, but also the feelings I want people to experience when they see and taste my cakes. My clients and local community have contributed so much to my success, so it’s important that I always strive to provide a customer service experience that is memorable, unexpected, and touches their hearts. This is who I am as a human; my passion for this work allows me to put my authentic heart into everything I do.

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.
Let’s start at the Atlanta Beltline for a bike ride! I love the people watching and how much culture there is to see. A great way to end the day would be at the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza at The Sundial with a glass of wine and some live jazz. There is no better view of the city, in my opinion. Then, with some Dancing Goats coffee in hand, we’ll hit the Book Nook in Decatur for some new things to read. I could spend hours in there looking at old books. Let’s have dinner and a good, local beer down the street at Brick Store pub in the upstairs dining area, right at the bar. I’d love to spend some time in Midtown as well. We could throw the frisbee around and enjoy a picnic at Piedmont Park before heading to King and Duke restaurant in Buckhead for some of the absolute best food in the city. They make a blood orange cocktail that is out of this world delicious. We could round things out at 2 am with some veggies, hummus, sangria, and bird-watching at R. Thomas Deluxe Grille in Midtown. This is an experience you can’t miss. My absolute favorite restaurant in Atlanta is Surin Of Thailand in the Virginia Highlands. This is such a great spot for lunch and then some walking and window shopping on a beautiful day. Of course, you’d need to come back to explore some of Atlanta’s amazing suburbs, such as my local areas of Woodstock, Marietta, and Kennesaw. There is so much to see and do here! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so grateful for my family and friends. I’ve stepped into so many different roles in my life, but when I decided to go all in on cake, they were so encouraging and supportive. My mom, especially, is always there to listen to my hopes and dreams, to love me endlessly, to help during the occasional all-nighter or big push, and she is always so proud of everything I do. I give her so much credit for where I am right now.

Website: www.shannonturnercakes.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/shannonturnercakes

Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonturnercakes

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