I am still caught by surprise when I think back on how I got into this business. It all started back in 1999 when I was fresh out of college and in what they call the "real world." The real world for me was going to an eight to five job and coming home to the same routine day in and day out. I looked over at my tiny little apartment kitchen and wondered for the first time if I would have anything at all to offer a kitchen. I took a stab at a couple of baking recipes as a first go round and discovered a mystery. In total confusion, I wondered how I could follow a published recipe perfectly and it not turn out. Since I didn't come from a family of bakers or even have the slightest drop of interest as a kid, it was easy to see why I would ask such a question. My determination grew and for the next two years, I spent almost every moment of my free time experimenting in the kitchen. I paid attention to the things that worked and I began to take risks with my own ideas which led to the development of my many cake flavors. The most amazing experience during this quest was when I was trying to figure out how to make a great strawberry cake. After several miserable attempts, I finally just went to bed frustrated. That night I dreamt step by step of how to do it and woke up knowing I had to run straight for the kitchen. To this day, my strawberry cake is made just as I dreamt it and is one of the most requested cakes on the menu.

Never once in those early years of experimenting did I imagine a business. The motivation came purely from a desire to follow my instincts of something I truly enjoyed. My hope is that each person would choose the journey of connecting with the things they really enjoy. I share a little of my journey with each of you through my cupcakes. Check out my many flavors and their many names. There is a story behind each one that I am sure we can all relate to.

What's your favorite IveyCake flavor? Like your life story and mine, I hope your favorite is new each day and even better than the day before. Come by and visit the IveyCake store in historic downtown Franklin.