Meet Dani Richardson | Homebased Baker- Cookie and Cake Decorator

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

Hi Dani, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My work life is very time consuming. At first when I started baking and taking on so many custom orders I would never say no. it got to the point where I would stay up late late hours to finish the work I took on and not making any time for myself or my family. It definitely took me a couple years in to realize that I could not keep and and keep my personal life separate for my work. I now take 1 family day a week minimum and know my limits on my work load.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a homebased custom cake and cookie decorator plus I make a wide variety of other desserts. I think I am the most proud of my sugar cookies. Decorating cookies is definitely not the easiest thing to do and takes a lot of patience, time and control. At first I was not the most skilled and had some many more local bakers that did amazing work. I dedicated all my extra time learning as many new skills to get where I am at today. Along the way I have learned to time is my friend and rushing only creates problems which were hard to fix. Taking a little extra time and care I was able to create the most delicious and stunning cookie artwork that has gotten me to where I am today, I would love for you guys to know that I am a very dedicated and hard worker who pays close attention to details and will always deliver and beautiful piece of edible artwork for your occasions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For my besties visit! definitely a day at Salt Creek beach in Dana Point. It has a great view of Catalina Island, amazing views and super soft sand. We would go to Dana Point Harbor and shop around and stop by the Cholate Solider, she makes the yummiest little chocolates! There are so many fun shops and restaurants to chose from as well to make of a full day of fun you can even rent paddle boards and jet skis. One of our favorite restaurants to eat at is Ichibiri, its a teppanyaki grill and ask for Isaac he is the best. We would visit the Irvine Spectrum if you want to go shopping and go to Le Café Du Parc, the most delicious coffee! Another great dinner spot would be Slice Shabu in Mission Viejo. its a great place to sit, talk and eat and the staff is amazing, its a small restaurant and definitely worth the wait! If your in Orange County a visit to Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm should always be on the list to visit and a trip out of the Harbor for whale watching.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The one person that I think the most credit has to go to, that has definitely been with me thru everything would be my husband Nick. Nick from the very beginning has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, to keep going when times we tough. Nick took on some much for me with our 3 children while I worked late nights and weekends. He would not only help with deliveries but would help bake, shop, clean for me when I wasn’t able to. he definitely kept me going when I thought about quitting.

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/miabellabakeshop

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/miabellabakeshop

Other: tik tok – @miabellabakeshop

Image Credits
all photos taken by myself