This month we would like to introduce Jazz Gilliam as our Artist of the Month.

Learn more about Jazz with our short interview bellow:

1.  What inspired you to start cake decorating?  
My big sister down in Atlanta (@SweEatDreamsnSunshine) had been running her baking business for a few years. I was craving cheesecake one day, acquired my mom’s recipe, and my big sister guided me through the process over the phone. It turned out great, and we had a good time in the process. Everything she makes is beautiful, and her work made me want to give it a shot, with my own spin on designs.

2. What motivates you?
Clients’ reactions when they see my finished work—ESPECIALLY my CupKicks. The confusion, disbelief, curiosity and wow-factor that they experience is what excites me and reminds me that I’m an artist, of sorts. But mainly, I have an absolute determination to be self sufficient. I‘ve seen people struggle with employment and fall dependent on companies owned by others. While I support everyone’s hustle, that’s just not for me. That, alone, motivates me to keep going, reinventing, learning, planning, networking and building toward self sufficiency.

3. How long have you been decorating?
I’ve been decorating since 2013, and began to truly and thoroughly enjoy it in 2014.

4. What do you like best about cake decorating?
I love that it’s an art form. Some people view it as “just cake”, but the thought, trial and error, color mixing, hating a design, loving a design, crying and smiling that comes with it totally makes it art, for me. At first it seemed silly to me—but the more I took it seriously and the more clients of mine that expressed how special my designs are to them just make me feel like an actual artist. There’s nothing that can be done on canvas that can’t be done on cake. I love that.

5. How would you describe your style of cake decorating?
I guess that depends on my client. Sometimes street and edgy. Sometimes jazzy. Other times classy.

6. Any upcoming events we should know about?
None in the near future.

7. How can you be reached?  
Instagram and email!
@CakedUpLV
CakedUpLV@gmail.com