Inspired Occasions

Who knew that the simple decision to bake and decorate a cake on her own for her oldest daughter’s first birthday would lead to a new career for Queen Creek homeschooling mom, Bonnie Adams?  “I had decided to play around with it and see if I could make her cake myself,” Bonnie recalls.  “I took a beginning cake class at Michael’s.  I picked it up fast and right after her first birthday, I started my business.”

Almost nine years have passed since Bonnie opened Inspired Occasions in 2003.  After she fell in love with cake decorating, she knew she had found her calling.  She baked in an inspected kitchen to adhere to health and safety codes.  The rest of the time, she was able to spend decorating, studying and playing around with the various tools and techniques of the cake decorating trade.

When Bonnie opened Inspired Occasions, she had only one child, who was then a young toddler.  In the years since then, she went on to have two more children and begin homeschooling the oldest.  “This (balancing work and homeschooling) is a little tricky,” Bonnie admits.  In her household, it’s important for her to plan ahead for her children’s schooling and the cakes clients have commissioned her to bake.  “We try to get our school done in the morning,” she says.  “Depending on the week, it could move to afternoons.”

Flexibility is key.  Being well organized is crucial.  While Bonnie can and does bake her cakes and work on school with her eldest child at the same time, she must give the frosting and decorating her full attention.  “I stay up late a lot,” she reveals.  “I have a schedule where I try to get all the baking done one day, and the icing and boards another day.  I like to have my cakes done the day before they are needed, as it leaves room for anything unexpected.  However, each week is different for both work and school.  It’s important to be flexible.”

That flexibility has allowed Bonnie the freedom to bake and cook with her children, playing with fondant and supporting and encouraging her oldest daughter to enter several cake decorating competitions herself, as well as do the community service work she finds so important and give Cake Boss a run for his money with some local celebrities.  She has made cakes for Randy Johnson’s daughter and Louis Gonzales’ daughter.  She made a baby shower cake for a group of football players’ wives, and a birthday cake recently for Chester Taylor of the Arizona Cardinals.

Yes, it is very special to have a celebrity clientele, but from (an author’s) personal standpoint here, Bonnie’s commitment to serving her community is more impressive.  She regularly donates cakes for the monthly birthday parties and other special events sponsored by HopeKids and Icing Smiles.  “I enjoy giving back a little bit and helping to make a bright moment in their lives,” Bonnie says of the chronically and critically ill children that both organizations serve.

Bonnie has also recently expanded her services to include decorating classes for homeschoolers.  Her very first class was in my home, and was attended by 10 children who all had a blast with their cupcakes and frostings.  “I really enjoyed teaching the homeschooled kids,” Bonnie says.  “It was a lot of fun and it was nice to see them enjoying it too.  I plan to teach more now!  I have plans for more homeschool classes and to start offering decorating events for birthday parties.”

Homeschooling and military families each enjoy a 10% discount on orders placed with Inspired Occasions.  Homeschool groups can also contact Bonnie about the classes she offers at Bonnie@InspiredOccasions.com.