That search eventually brought me to New York City in 2008.

I enrolled in a culinary school specializing in vegetarian and health-conscious cuisine, believing I wanted to become a chef. After graduating, one of my instructors helped me find an internship at a custom cake studio. It was there that I discovered the incredible world of sugar art.

 

The irony wasn’t lost on me. After studying healthy cooking, I suddenly found myself surrounded by butter, sugar, and chocolate every day. But I quickly realized something important.  

 

Pastry wasn’t simply about desserts.

 

It was about celebration. It was about creating moments that make people smile. And that feeling completely captured my heart.

A few years later, I decided it was time to pursue another dream—starting my own business.

At first I considered opening a cupcake shop, but then an idea came to me that felt much more personal: instead of making cupcakes, why not create beautiful handcrafted figures that people could treasure long after the cake was gone?

 

That idea became mimicafe Union.

 

Today I specialize in handcrafted cake toppers and custom figures that celebrate weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, beloved pets, favorite characters, and life’s unforgettable milestones. Every figure is sculpted by hand, and every commission tells someone’s unique story.

 

Teaching has become another important part of my journey.

I now travel throughout the United States and internationally, sharing my techniques through hands-on workshops. Watching students discover confidence in their creativity is every bit as rewarding as finishing a sculpture myself. I believe that anyone can create beautiful work with encouragement, patience, and practice.

 

People often ask me about the name mimicafe Union.

For many years I dreamed of opening a small café—a place where people could relax with tea, pastries, and good conversation. Although that dream evolved into something different, I wanted to keep that warm feeling alive.

“Mimi” was the name of my beloved white Chinchilla Persian cat. After she passed away, I wanted her memory to remain part of my life and my future. “Union” represents bringing together my memories, my dreams, and the wonderful people I meet through my work. Every custom figure, every workshop, and every shared creative experience creates a new connection—a new union.

 

That idea continues to inspire everything I do.

Whether I’m sculpting a wedding topper, creating a favorite character, or teaching a room full of students, my goal is always the same:

 

Spread Joy.

 

I believe handmade art has the power to celebrate people, preserve memories, and bring smiles that last long after the special occasion has passed. Thank you for being part of my journey.

I hope my work inspires you to create, celebrate, and cherish life’s sweetest memories.

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One little detail you might notice is the cat in my logo. It’s inspired by our two beloved cats, Quincy and Phoebe. They may not have anything to do with figure sculpting, but they remind me every day to stay curious, playful, and to enjoy life’s little moments. That’s a small part of the heart behind mimicafe Union.

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