Interview with Liz Mares, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: Years ago, my first cake was for my daughter’s first birthday. I challenged myself with making a two-layer, two-tier cake that was sugar-free and vegan. It had ladybugs on it and a big yellow bow. I knew nothing of cakes, but knew a lot about the love I had for her. It looked adorable, until the heat of the day melted the letters and ladybugs right off of it. I’ve learned a lot since then, but always think back to that first cake. As I giggle through the memory, I’m reminded of the overwhelming amount of love I felt for her as I created. It’s the same amount of love my clients feel for the people they order for. It’s my favorite part about my business and the exact reason I created Emerson Summit Cakes at the start of the year.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: What distinguishes my business from others is that there is really no challenge too big or too small. My motto — “If you can dream it, I can create it in cake” — is the foundation that starts every consultation. I start by getting to know each client and recipient, and it’s this level of commitment to making each order perfect that sets me apart. It’s never about the cake first. What comes first is always people and the dreams they want to come true in cake form. Regularly, my clients comment that the cake was better than they could have ever imagined, and that is the best compliment!
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: What I like best about my line of work is connection. It’s rare that I know my clients personally, or that I stay for the event they’ve ordered for. However, my creation becomes part of the event. Something to be remembered. And through that, I become connected forever to that event and to the people who attend.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: I started Emerson Summit Cakes to ensure I had more time with my family. With that, my biggest challenge is to find balance between family time and the time required for my growing business. I love both and am excited by both, and thankfully have yet to say no to either.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: Something that people may be surprised to learn about my business is how I created the name. I wanted something personal and a name that would make me smile when I said it. Emerson Summit is a combination of my children’s middle names, and in it I accomplished both tasks — it’s highly personal to me, and I smile each time I say it.
Profile
Business: Emerson Summit Cakes
Address: Lakewood-based
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday through Saturday
Founded: 2015
Contact: 303-718-1152,
Employees: 1
