Bold Business: Cake Zen

I only met Jama of Cake Zen a few months ago, as we are both part of Your Formal Affair, but I immediately knew she would be perfect for BCE brides and clients.  Her personality is full of life and I don't think she has a dull moment.  I am so happy to be spotlighting her as a Bold Business.  Here's more about Jama and Cake Zen...

Cake Zen Owner: Jama Finney

What sets Cake Zen apart from other bakeries in the area?

We have developed a gourmet cake menu based on seasonal fresh fruits and dairy, inspired by cocktails and favorite desserts, and anchored by fabulous must-have traditional flavors. Cake Zen offers organic and locally sourced ingredient cakes and all of our cakes and fillings are made with pure butter and real vanilla. I won’t create the same cake design twice, so my clients know that their cake will be a one of a kind. My biggest industry influences are the Toronto cake designers, so you know I’m looking to introduce a new style to Indy!

What is your favorite part about your job? 

Meeting with couples and turning traditional wedding cake designs into something personal and unique to the bride and groom. Educating my clients and walking them step by step through tastings. My favorite projects are when clients give me the keys to the car and let me drive! I truly enjoy developing new techniques to decorate with sugar and hand painting on cakes. The foodie in me loves deconstructing desserts and cocktails to create new cake fillings and flavors.

What recent project or client have you worked on/with that screamed “unique”? 

I’ve had quite a few requests for Shabby Chic and Anthropologie style wedding cakes lately so I’ve had the chance to play with different fabric, painting, floral and sugar stenciling techniques. I have also been challenged to re-create the look of a few wedding dresses, so I’ve enjoyed creating detailed brooches and ribbon roses to adorn stacked cakes.

Where is your favorite place to relax and be inspired? 

I love coffee chats in cozy little coffee shops and hot yoga classes. I can’t even tell you how many designs I have come up with while hanging out in a down dog or “meditating”! On the flip side, you can stick me in a noisy bar with a pint and some great conversation and I will be equally as inspired.

What do you love to do when you are not in the kitchen?

I love rolling around in a big tickle pile with my boys! Enjoying movies, reality cake TV and business chats with my husband (we both own our own business, so you can only imagine how much of our time is focused on talking shop!). I love taking photos and cooking for family and friend events. I live for our trips to Seattle to see my family and weekends at our little cabin by the lake.

Describe your business in 3 words. 

Gourmet. Artsy. Not-Your-Mama’s-Wedding-Cake.

We love working with Jama and we think Indianapolis has something special on their hands.  Check out Cake Zen's website and Facebook page to stay up-to-date on this Bold Business!


Boldly Yours,
Lori