Meet Tori Ceron | Cake Baker & Decorator

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

Hi Tori, why did you pursue a creative career?
My whole life I’ve been an artist through and through. I absolutely love creating in every way – drawing, painting, writing – you name it. I actually for the longest time thought I was going to be a singer songwriter. I used to write and record music. However, at the time I was battling a serious drug addiction, and in order to get sober and stay sober, I had to give up that dream. When I saw still newly sober, I was working at Waffle House. Every day, I was praying for a way to be able to do something with art all day every day and actually make a career out of it. The answer to my prayers came a couple months later when I was in a car accident where my hips separated from my spine and I had to learn to walk again. Obviously, I could not work for a while after that. I was able to spend time soul-searching and figuring out what I wanted to do. Four years and two kids later, I finally realized what it was I wanted to do. My daughter and I both have food sensitivities and allergies to some of the top allergens like nuts, gluten, dairy, and eggs. I’ve always loved baking and I knew there was no way we werer about to give up all our favorite desserts. Next thing I knew, I was baking every day, and everything was coming out really delicious. I felt like my creative abilities unlocked even deeper and this was the way I could bring my artistic skills to life in a way that just made perfect sense for me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is a cottage food operation, which basically means “home bakery.” My intention is to open an actual bakery when I outgrow my kitchen. What’s different about my business is that I work with people who have food allergies, sensitivities, and other dietary restrictions and preferences. First of all, everything I make is vegan due to my own sensitivities to eggs and dairy. A lot of my bakes are gluten-free as well. But there’s an issue with those words “vegan” and “gluten-free” – they immediately turn people off. I’ve given away lots and lots of cakes, cookies, cupcakes just for people to try them. That paid off in a big way and is what really got my business rolling. Once people actually tried my desserts, they wanted more – even people that were not vegan or gluten-free! I worked tediously on my recipes to get things right where I wanted them. I use as many organic ingredients as I can get my hands on, and I opt for sustainably sourced and fair trade ingredients as well. I believe in using these high-quality ingredients so I can feel good about what’s going in my body, as well as what I’m feeding my kids.

As far as getting to where I am today, I honestly expected success to be a struggle. However, before I went down this path to become a baker, I was going through a really intense period of personal and spiritual growth. I just kept following the next right step in front of me, not trying to force anything to go the way I thought it should go. By letting go and accepting things as they came and continuing to do so, every next step comes so clear at the exact right moment, and the path is being paved for me right in front of my eyes. It has truly been an incredible and magical experience.

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?
I would totally start the day by going to Hen Mother Cookhouse in Johns Creek- the best breakfast/brunch food EVER! Lunch at True Food Kitchen – lots of amazing allergy-friendly and vegan options. I love hiking the trail at Vickery Creek in Roswell/Sandy Springs, there’s a beautiful waterfall! Maybe the Georgia Aquarium or Zoo Atlanta – or both – the kids always have a great time there! The Halcyon is also an awesome hangout spot with lots to do and eat (and drink if you do that)! The kids love the sand pit and soccer pool there. Downtown Alpharetta is also always a great place to hang out, shop, and eat, and there’s a pottery painting shop called All Fired Up which is another great activity to do with kids.

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?
First and foremost, the credit has to go to my Higher Power for making things happen in my life in ways that I could have NEVER put together myself. I look back and I’m just blown away by how the Divine has paved the path for me.

Second, My husband, Jason, for always being so supportive of me following my dreams and anything I want to do. He always believes in me and he takes on extra responsibilities at home and with our kids just so that I can succeed. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Third, to an amazing mother-daughter team – Nikki and Afreen Panjwani – and our dear friend Hansel DeLeon. Nikki and Afreen helped me get a job at Planet Smoothie/Nestle Tollhouse which initially ignited my dessert-loving-cake-decorating fire when I was a teenager decorating cookie cakes. Hansel worked there too and later became a great friend and future roommate of me and my husband. Hansel is also always been so encouraging, and he’s an artist himself.

Lastly, I give unending gratitude to the program of Alcoholics Anonymous for helping me get my life back together and create something totally new and beautiful from the wreckage of my past. That program has given me hope, optimism, and perseverance, and there is absolutely no way I would be where I am without them.

Website: https://www.karmiccakes.com

Instagram: karmiccakes

Facebook: Karmic Cakes

Image Credits
Amber Meaker took my personal photo. Gender reveal cake design was sent to me to recreate – cannot find original creator of that design to give credit.