Meet Dolores Williams | Cake Artist and Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dolores Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dolores, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I started my cake business when my four children were very young. What started as a form of creative expression and love of baking for my children, quickly turned into a business. I joined up with other Texas bakers a few years later and became part of the movement to legalize home bakeries in our State. The Texas Cottage Food law was passed in 2011, and I went full force after that. I was able to stay home with my family, while also doing what I loved. Finding the balance was extremely difficult the first several years. I suffered from the dreaded “burn out”. The creativity doesn’t flow when you’re overwhelmed and overworked. I had to find a balance, which was hard since I worked out of my house and was the one making the schedule. I learned to set aside a time to answer calls and emails. I had to learn to say no and turn down orders. I’m a one (wo)man show, and there is only so much I can do. I’m really happy with the work\family balance I have now. I love being a part of so many customer’s wedding days, happy occasions and celebrations, and I’m so blessed to get to do all that while still being home with my family.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always created, always needed to create. I grew up playing instruments, drawing, crafting. Cake decorating was something I never knew I wanted to do, or considered for a career path. It started from making buttercream sheet cakes for my children’s birthdays, and turned into fondant tiered cakes once I started watching cake decorating shows on TV. Soon, other Moms were asking me to make cakes for their parties. Once home bakeries were made legal under the Texas Cottage Food law, it went from being a side gig to a legitimate business. I got into Wedding cakes, and really love being apart of the wedding industry. Trends and styles are always changing in the cake world, just like with any industry. I love exploring other artist work and seeing what’s hot in the cake world. Everyone has their own style. it’s easy to recognize it in other peoples work, but harder to see in your own. I pride myself on clean work, I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I just strive to make my customers happy, I want them to love not only how it looks, but how it taste too.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Whenever I have guest visit the Dallas area, we always head to the Arboretum. The gardens are just beautiful no matter what season it is. We love the Deep Ellum area and seeing live shows. Small venues are more our style, so this is mainly where we see shows. The Dallas Grilled Cheese Company is another favorite, and the Bishop Arts District is a very cool spot to walk around and explore.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family has always encouraged my creativity. I come from a creative family and also married into one! We are full of artist and musicians. It’s a loud, messy life and I’m thankful no one has ever tried to discourage that in me. I have passed that on and do the same for my kids.

Website: www.apieceofcake.us

Instagram: www.instagram.com/apieceofcakebydolores

Facebook: www.facebook.com/apieceofcakebydolores