I wasn't really sure where to post this - so feel free to move if necedssary.

Does anyone here bake and decorate cakes out of their home? I've been doing simple birthday cakes for about 15 years. I don't want to risk needing an inspection - so I would only do word of mouth and for friends...do you think this could be a lucrative 'hobby'?

__________________
Stephanie (27) & Virgil (31)
Caden 3 y.o. 11/28/04 29w preemie
Wyatt 17 mos. 9/25/06
#3 due 8/24/08

the Woman who made my wedding cake does just this. For her real job she teaches the wilton cake decorating classes. she is a friend of the family. she has been doing it for years and has a steady income. Not sure how much teaching cake decorating pays but she appears to be doing well. I don't know if she is licensed officially, don't think she is. she is only by word of mouth that I know of.

allgirls

__________________
allgirls, mom to 3 girls

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time

I actually applied to teach - the basic courses anyway, but they felt I needed more experience.

I can do almost everything...roses are one of my downfalls. LOL And that's just with teaching myself. I really should invest in the classes.

__________________
Stephanie (27) & Virgil (31)
Caden 3 y.o. 11/28/04 29w preemie
Wyatt 17 mos. 9/25/06
#3 due 8/24/08

Hi - I'm a cake decorator, too! I really thought it was something I could pursue for a little extra money until I started researching the legalities of it. I live in Minnesota, where no baked goods can be sold without a license. Doing so puts yourself at risk of major (tens of thousands of dollars) fines. Word of mouth is considered advertising, which is illegal without a license.

Different states have different guidelines. I highly recommend checking out www.cakecentral.com. They are a great resource for help in researching what is allowed in your area.

Good luck!!

__________________
Life is an adventure!

Thanks Emilie! I'm a member there - but hadn't thought about checking in! I usually only go if I need an idea for a cake!

__________________
Stephanie (27) & Virgil (31)
Caden 3 y.o. 11/28/04 29w preemie
Wyatt 17 mos. 9/25/06
#3 due 8/24/08

Search your state's dept of health or dept of agriculture website, one or the other should be able to give you info on what's required for home bakeries, what it takes to be licensed, etc. Ohio's requirements are pretty lax for home bakeries, at least imo.

LOL - Too bad we just moved from OH! LOL Guess I have some research to do!

__________________
Stephanie (27) & Virgil (31)
Caden 3 y.o. 11/28/04 29w preemie
Wyatt 17 mos. 9/25/06
#3 due 8/24/08