As I grow in this Ithaca community and meet new people, I really enjoy learning about them and their passions. I have decided to highlight one of these amazing people and the business they are passionate about each month on my website. One thing I think all of these people have in common is that they are passionate about people and their businesses reflect that. I am so excited to help these businesses grow and provide all my followers with some great local businesses to patronize.
I’m thrilled to start off with Trisha Virgadamo, the owner of Sugar & Slice, a boutique style bakery that specializes in wedding cakes, specialty cakes, and fine confections. She provides sweets for all over the Ithaca area and Finger Lakes, even all the way from Albany to PA!
Q: How did you get started?
A: “I was inspired by cake decorating while I was planning my wedding in 2009. When I finished my degree program in Interior design I decided I needed a new hobby, so I start decorating cakes. The hobby slowly started growing into a business over time and I decided to take the leap!”
Q: Why do you do what you do?
A: “I LOVE what I do. I love having a creative outlet, and one that’s so yummy! I love that with cake decorating there are always new techniques to use and things to learn. There is always room to grow and improve.
Generally when people are ordering a cake it’s for something special in their lives. Graduating, birthdays, bridal showers, weddings, revealing the gender of their baby to their family, baby shower, 1st birthday. You can’t help but feel a part of their celebration in some way. My favorite is when I make a couples wedding cake, then their gender reveal cake, then their child’s first birthday cake. Seeing these happy families growing is so fun!”
Q: What treat do you most enjoy baking?
A: “Decorated cakes for sure. I enjoy making my other confections, but my heart is definitely with cakes for sure.”
Q: What is your dream cake?
A: “Oh my gosh I have a bunch! I even have a few Pinterest boards full of inspirational images for cake designs, and I add to it often. Ultimately I love creating new cakes and trying new designs. It’s fun that I rarely make the same cake twice.”
Q: Where do you find your inspiration?
A: “I follow other cake decorators a lot on Facebook and Pinterest and gather a lot of inspiration for new techniques. I also love then I can gather inspiration from the event or party by seeing the invitation, decorations, colors, etc. Then you can really make something special!”
Q: Where is your favorite place to go in Ithaca?
A: “I love anywhere in Ithaca in the summer (don’t we all), but I guess my favorite would have to be the farmers market on the weekend with my family. We love walking around looking at all of the awesome local vendors, getting some food and sitting by the water, and listening to the live music. It’s great!”
Q: Any tips for the bakers at home?
A: “My tip could work for inspired home bakers or anyone who has a passion for something, never give up. Never give up learning, never give up growing, and most importantly never lose your passion and love for what you do.”
Q: How can we purchase your creations?
A: “I take orders directly for all of my creations, and I always say it’s never too early to book. There are also currently two cafes on the Cornell campus that also sell my macarons, Manndibles Café and Fork & Gavel Café.”
You can find Sugar & Slice at www.sugarsliceny.com Like her on Facebook or follow her on Instagram.
You can also contact her by email: sugarandsliceny@gmail.com or (607) 592-0011
I buy all my smash cakes from Sugar & Slice and they are just beautiful! Keep an eye out on my Facebook page and blog for more beautiful cakes.
