Have you ever had a moment in your life that sparked a passion within you? A moment that made you fall in love with something so deeply that it became an integral part of who you are? For me, that moment came while watching Ace Of Cakes on Food Network. Little did I know that this simple act of tuning into a TV show would ignite a baking journey that would shape my life in the most beautiful ways.
My name is Gabriela Flatt, and I am the proud owner of D's Bakeshop AZ. My love for baking and decorating novelty cakes was born from that day of watching Duff create epic bakes. As I watched the incredible creations come to life, I was captivated by the artistry and the joy that baking could bring. From that point on, I knew I had found my calling.
To expand my skills and learn more about the art of cake decoration, I turned to YouTube. How To Cake It and Nerdy Nummies became my virtual classrooms, teaching me the intricacies of baking and edible decoration. The more I learned, the more I wanted to do.
I had dreamed of going to culinary school and even did multiple tours but in the end decided to go to college for education because it would provide a consistent income with set hours and holidays off. I never stopped baking on the side though!
Then my life changed. My father was diagnosed with cancer and passed away. We were lucky to have a few years with him, but nothing could have prepared me for the day he was gone. I lost all interest in baking and to be honest I lost interest in everything. One day, while scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled upon the How To Cake It Replicake contest. It was an opportunity for me to get my mojo back. I decided to enter and in doing so, I decided to give it 100% despite the feelings I had going on behind the scenes. Excitement coursed through my veins as I gathered my courage and entered the contest.
Out of the thousands of entries received, I was one of the fifteen winners chosen to be featured in the Replicake book. It was a dream come true, a validation of my hard work and dedication. This experience fueled my passion even more and solidified my belief that baking was not just a hobby but something I wanted to share with the world.
Life continued and I became a mother to a beautiful baby boy. As any new parent can attest, my time and priorities shifted. Baking took a backseat, and I found myself longing to get back into the kitchen. That's when The Christmas Cookie Challenge on Food Network entered my life.
Watching the talented bakers on the show, I was particularly inspired by Chelsea from Rolling In the Dough AZ. Her skill in cookie decorating sparked something within me, and I became obsessed with learning the art of decorating cookies and developing unique recipes. Baking cookies became my therapy, my creative outlet, and my way of reconnecting with myself.
As I delved deeper into the world of cookies, I knew I had found something special. The idea of opening a bakeshop began to take shape in my mind, and I wanted a name that reflected who I was. Combining my maiden name, DiFerdinando, with the nickname my students and teacher friends affectionately called me, Ms. D, I decided on D's Bakeshop.
For me, baking is more than just putting ingredients together. It is a medium through which I can create connections, evoke memories, and bring joy to people's lives. Flavors have the incredible power to transport us back in time, reminding us of special moments, places we've been, or loved ones we've lost. It is this power that I want to bring to our community through D's Bakeshop.
Having been fortunate enough to travel and meet amazing people, I now have the privilege of sharing those experiences through my bakes. Every cake, every cookie tells a story, and with each order, I have the opportunity to create new connections. It is a humbling and fulfilling experience to be a part of someone's celebration, to contribute to their happiness and help them to create new memories.
Looking toward the future, I am filled with excitement and determination to continue my baking journey. I want to create more, decorate more cookies, and connect with even more people. My goal is to spread joy, love, and a sense of connection through the art of baking.
So, welcome to D's Bakeshop AZ. I invite you to join me on this delicious adventure as we create memories, forge connections, and celebrate life, one bake at a time. Together, let's explore the sweet and magical world of baking and discover the power it holds to bring us closer.
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