I’ll be honest.  I love baking and I love eating baked goods.  But my love for such things pales before that of the Cake Spy.  She’s living the sweet life with her job as a freelance writer and illustrator with tough jobs like reviewing bakeries.  Are you jealous yet?  She took a break from her busy life to share a little bit about how she became the creative entrepreneur she is today.

I have to ask how you came up with the idea of becoming the Cake Spy.

After working in artistic positions for years, I wanted a job or project that would satisfy my other loves too: baked goods and writing. CakeSpy was the project that was born of that – the intersection of my three greatest loves: illustration, writing, and baked goods. I got the idea for the name because as a constant pleasure-seeker, I thought it might be nice to pass on my sweet findings and musings to the masses.

You’re a freelance writer and illustrator but you’ve recently opened a brick and mortar shop, Cake Spy Shop, as well.  What has been the biggest benefit of expanding your brand in such a way?

It has, for me, lent an air of legitimacy to everything else I do–people seem to respect the brick and mortar in a way that an online business can seem “unreal” in some ways.

What advice would you give to freelancers who juggle multiple talents or multiple employers?

Get an accountant come tax time, because it is hard to do yourself. And, make sure to take time for yourself. Easier said than done, I know, but it will make you better at everything you do, I promise.

I know you have a book coming out, the awesomest book ever, called Cake Spy Presents Sweet Treats for a Sugar-Filled Life.  Would you be able to give us a few hints about what’s in it?

A collection of low-carb, low-sugar, low-fat, dairy-free recipes. NOT! It’s jam-packed with sweet excess, including many of my favorite recipes, illustrations, and plenty of witty repartee. Favorite recipes? Cadbury Creme Eggs Benedict, Cupcake-stuffed cupcakes, and Pop-tarts ice cream sandwiches. NOM!

Your company is so obviously centered around you and your persona, The Cake Spy.  Do you have any advice for entrepreneurs who wish to create a ‘name’ or ‘figurehead’ for their company? 

Don’t lose sight of who you really are. I think that my company rings true because Cake Spy, while an assumed persona of sorts, is really and truly who I am. Certainly I switch into “sales” or “event” mode at times, but it really is my authentic self. So, I guess my advice is that tried and true bit: be true to yourself.

I don’t know about you but I’m suddenly craving a cupcake.  Or a cupcake-stuffed cupcake.  Haha.  Thank you so much, Cake Spy, for the sweet advice! 

Don’t forget you can pick up a copy of her book to get all those delicious recipes she mentioned.  OR you can see her on her National Bakery Book Tour, Tour de Sweet!!!  You can find all of the dates on her site!  (I’m already marking my calendar!)

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As always, if you know someone you’d like to see interviewed or if you’d like to be interviewed yourself, please leave a link in the comment section!