Meet Maryn Silverberg | Baker and Owner of Piece of Cake, L.A.

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

Hi Maryn, what makes you happy? Why?
I believe liking your job, if not loving it, is vital to happiness. I have had jobs that when Sunday night rolled around, the pit in my stomach grew to the size of basketball. That’s no way to live. I have had to make compromises and will continue to have to do so in order to do the job I love, but because I love it, I am willing to make those choices, regardless of how difficult. When I see a bride and groom cut into their wedding cake and feed each other a slice, it makes me happy. When a little boy sees his firetruck cake and his mouth turns into a round O of surprise, it makes me happy. When a 21 year old sees her drunk Barbie cake and laughs out loud, it makes me happy. Having a job that is literally designed to make others happy in turn makes me happy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Reaching any goal is a challenge. Its an uphill climb. In 100 degree heat. With flip flops on. Wearing a backpack full of rocks. In my book, part of reaching a goal involves taking chances. It also involves setting smaller goals that are attainable that will get you to the bigger goal. I knew when I started my company that my mom should be the face of it. She had a company when I was growing up called Piece of Cake and she sold cakes and brownies that she made in our kitchen and when I would come home from school, when I wasn’t helping mix batters, we were out making deliveries. Seeing my mom start this company and achieve notoriety was a huge inspiration to me and also the reason I named my company after hers. I have learned that sometimes you have to try again and sometimes you have to know when to NOT try again. If something doesn’t work out, maybe its because it isn’t meant to. My story is about family and friends. Its a nod to my Midwest upbringing. Its recognizing that we all congregate in the kitchen or over a table full of food. Some of the best and most memorable times I have had with my loved ones was over a meal. More than anything, though, my company is about letting yourself have that piece of cake. Not gluten free or dairy free or light sugar but a PIECE. OF. CAKE. There is no tally at the end of the road that takes note of of how many calories you managed to avoid in life or how strict you were. Relax. Enjoy. There are enough hardships in life and I have always found that something sweet cures most ills.

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.
I would take them to all the gems that I love! Cheebo (for a pizza and the Cheebo chop), Jones on Santa Monica for the dark booths and calamari. Bossa Nova for basically anything. Dan Tana’s for the Cesar and the Ted Demme. The Rockwell for dinner and a show. A day at Malibu Wines. Barone’s for pizza. A hike to the Hollywood sign (prerequisite). The Getty Villa followed by a boozy lunch at Duke’s. A day exploring the Venice canals. Maybe a studio tour because I haven’t done one since I was a teenager! Drinks and flirting at Good Times At Davey Wayne’s. A show at the Bowl is mandatory. A show at The Improv or Laugh Factory seeing as you are likely to see most of the comedians in one of your favorite movies. A Runyon hike if necessary. An evening at Cinespia.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is an easy one but difficult in the sense that I don’t have enough room to mention everyone who has supported me. My mom, dad and sister however, are my biggest cheerleaders. They have pulled me up by my buttercream spotted shirt when I was down and reveled in my successes, too. When I approached them about starting my own company and what it would entail, they were patient and understanding and gave me their blessing. I even flew to my hometown to get it face-to-face. That was really important to me. If they had misgivings or were uncertain about me going off on my own, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. Naturally, living far from my hometown in Ohio, I depended and still depend on the support of what I call my “family of choice.” I consider my friends my family and in return, they give honest feedback, order from me, post about my company on social media – all the things a small business owner needs when it comes to the support of their friends. Lastly, the POCLA customers deserve a MAJOR shout-out. When someone reaches out to re-order, recommends me to friends or posts a glowing review on Yelp, it literally makes my heart full.

Website: https://www.pieceofcakela.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pieceofcakela/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryn-silverberg-45017087/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pieceofcakela
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/piece-of-cake-los-angeles
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/marynsilverberg