Mignon of Cake Face gets to work with everything sweet and delicious everyday. Creating works of art from sugar, eggs and flour is her passion and I must say that when I see the finished results, I have a little touch of design envy! Designing the perfect cake must be so satisfying, although ooooh’d and aaaah’d over, and then destroyed and eaten in half an hour – so this creativity lasts but a moment in time. So let’s find out about Mignon and Cake Face – as Mignon says – ‘Life’s short….eat cake’! So true!
Why cakes – what was it that made you decide on cake design as a profession?
Even since I was little I have always loved cake. I love the romance and the ceremony that surrounds it. Whether it is high tea at a beautiful hotel or a cupcake at home there is something magical about cake. And to be surrounded by beautiful cakes and lovely ingredients all day is pretty awesome.
Is there anyone in the cake fraternity who you particularly admire?
Margaret Braun was my first cake crush. Her Book “Cake Walk” was very transforming for me. I saw that cake wasn’t just about sharp edges and perfect roses – that it could be Art. Locally I adore Faye Cahill for her flawless work and passion and Lisa From Sweet Disposition Cakes for her unbelievable talent as an Artist.
How do you not stick you fingers in for a taste with every cake you make?
I’m sorry who doesn’t stick their finger in! Now you know you should never trust a baker who does not stick their finger in …… 😛
When a couple approaches you to decide on a cake, what is the tasting/design process, and how long does it take from start to finished cake?
My process is in the middle of changing and the information will be on my new Website. So right now it’s mainly via email ([email protected]). However with the new site, clients will be able to choose a cake package and consultation package according to their needs. If a client books a consultation we discuss the cake design and if the client is interested we book the cake and then start the final design process. Tastings are either at the consultation or as a take home pack again depending on the package chosen. We do a mix and match tasting pack of different cakes and cake fillings for our client to have fun creating their own cake flavors.
Do you have a signature ‘look’ with your cake designs?
I hope not. But I think a present I am probably known for quite romantic cakes with the scrunch roses and luster. For me this is a trend not a style so I am looking forward to creating some new and quite different designs in the future.
Are you able to bake cakes for people with dietary requirements – gluten free, egg free etc?
Yes we can offer gluten free but not egg free cakes.
If you could bake a cake for anyone – who would it be, and what would it look like?
Most definitely Pink! It would huge, pink, fabulous and hanging off a crystal trapeze from the ceiling.
What is your current favourite look/design?
At the moment it is anything made by Alexander McQueen. I would love to make him a cake too!
Where is your shop front located?
6 Claremont Avenue, Malvern. Victoria
Do you have a particular way you style your cakes in your shop?
At present I display them on vintage cake stands on vintage dressers. We have been doing this for years now and it has suited our shop. However our new store will be more contemporary although we will keep a couple of our dressers.
Other than cakes – do you have a signature dish that you cook – or does your family eat cake, cake and more cake?
I don’t cook a lot anymore, I bought Sean a Weber BBQ a couple of years ago and that turned out to be a very smart decision! A traditional family dessert we make is a tort of cornflakes, cocoa, icing sugar and butter. Which is layered with fresh whipped cream and strawberries. I have this as a birthday cake and at Christmas and on Boxing day all my siblings eat it for breakfast and we call each other.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I spend as much time with my son and husband doing family things J. Or I browse Melbourne’s lane ways to people watch and gather inspiration.
Thank you Mignon for sharing your story with us today. To find out more about Mignon and Cake Face please contact her on [email protected] or 0424 321 083. Her new website will be up and running soon.
Images courtesy of Cake Face.
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