Meet Lia. If you had a chance see to the cakes, cupcakes, and custom cookies designed by this 16-year-old, you would think she is a classically trained pastry chef. The attention to detail combined with her creativity is simply art. Edible art. What I find even more remarkable is that Lia is 16 now, but she started her custom cake business, Lia Bakes, at the age of 13. Lia was bored on the first day that school was closed due to Covid-19. Her mom gave her a baking challenge and the rest is history… The extra time at home provided her with the opportunity to hone her skills and reveal her true talent. What a cool silver lining to the pandemic lockdown.

 

According to her family, Lia has always been independent, patient, and inventive. Her grandmother speaks glowing of Lia’s tenacity and determination. Through sharing her gifts and talents, Lia’s compassionate spirit shines bright. It was my pleasure to have her take part in my Shine Your Light Artist Project.

I photographed Lia in studio with one of her amazing custom cakes. If only the portraits allowed you to taste it!