Ethan and I are selling our house. Our realtor, PJ DeCicco, knowing we are vegan, promised that at the brokers’ open house, all the food would be vegan. On the day of the open house, we took the dogs with us to work, so the house would be in perfect condition. When we got home that evening, there was a note from PJ saying he left something for us in the refrigerator. In the fridge was a box of red velvet and carrot cake mini cupcakes from Cake’s Babies. We called PJ to check on how the open went and also to make sure they cupcakes we vegan. He assured us they were and we dove in. They were fantastic: moist, flavorful and not too sweet. I knew I had to find out more about this company. I jumped online and read all about LaTasha Carter and her company. When I read that LaTasha was a recovering lawyer turned baker, I knew I had to meet her. I emailed her immediately and after a few back and forths, we set up at time to meet and chat briefly. Here is how our conversation went…
Michael: Let’s start with some background, how did you come to start Cake’s Babies
LaTasha: I was a prosecuting attorney for 4 years in the Bronx. My division focused on Domestic Violence. I was just getting more miserable as time went on. I felt stifled in the rigid structure of the office. I was forced to conform to a conservative persona and wear a strict uniform. There was no room for individual expression. I was becoming someone I didn’t recognize. I looked around at my co-workers and everyone had the same story: they were planning on leaving, but just got too caught up in the daily routine to break free.
M: That sounds similar to what I went through when I was practicing law. What happened?
L: One morning in November 2012, I woke up at 3AM in a panic. I was supposed to be going to court later and I just couldn’t do it anymore. I got up and wrote my letter of resignation. Every attorney I knew who was practicing was unhappy. The ones I knew who were no longer practicing were happy. I wanted to be happy.
M: I completely understand. Do you regret having gone to law school and practiced?
L: Not at all. I would do it all again because I learned so much through the process. I learned how to reason and see different sides of things. I would not miss the chance to learn all of that again.
M: How soon after this did Cake’s Babies begin?
L: About a year. In September 2013, I lost my identical twin sons as a result of prematurity. Before then, I was still unsure about my decision to leave law, but after my loss, I realized how short life is and that it can end in the blink of an eye. I decided that going forward, everything I do would be to further my bakery.
M: I think it is wonderful that you were able to take such a great message from such a painful loss. But, I have to ask, how did you get the nickname Cake?
L: That is thanks to my fiancé. He started calling me Cake from some reason. Soon his friends picked up on it and it stuck.
M: When did you officially launch Cake Babies?
L: In December 2013.
M: Where did the name “Cake’s Babies” come from?
L: It actually has 2 meanings. First, I think of cupcakes as the babies of cakes. Second, my nickname is Cake and my company is dedicated to the memory of my sons, Cake’s babies.
M: Have you always been a baker, even while practicing law?
L: Yes! I have always loved to bake. Many of the recipes I have are veganized versions of old family recipes.
M: I love that! Ethan and I are doing the same thing with many of our family favorites for our blog. Why vegan baking?
L: I have always tried to omit dairy from my diet for health reasons. When my fiancé talked to me about supplying desserts for HLS he told me they had to be vegan and I was totally on board with that. I wouldn’t call them a health food, but they are certainly healthier than many deserts made with traditional dairy ingredients. However, they are still desserts and should be consumed in moderation.
M: Good point! So maybe not an every meal, every day thing.
L: Exactly.
M: When we tried your cupcakes, we were blown away at how good they were.
L: Thank you! Just because something is vegan, does not mean it has to taste bad. I refused to sacrifice taste. It took some time, but I learned how to make vegan versions of my recipes that taste just as good, if not better, than the original version.
M: Where can people go to try your amazing food?
L: Right now, you can find them at HLS Juice Bar & Grill, in Maplewood, NJ and Montclair, NJ. You can also order them online and have them shipped anywhere within the continental United States.
M: Do you have any plans to open a store front?
L: Not just yet. I am keeping to online and HLS for now. Partnering with HLS allows me to focus on learning about the business without having also worry about running a store.
M: On to the cupcakes themselves, what is your most popular flavor?
L: The red velvet! But my personal favorite is the carrot cake.
M: I tried both and they are truly outstanding! Is there any recipe that you haven’t tried yet, or haven’t had the success with that you want?
L: Yes! I really want to make a vegan cheesecake that is so good that non-vegans won’t be able to tell the difference. I also want to come up with a great vegan custard. I’ve made some, but I am not completely happy with the results yet. I will not serve something I cannot be 100% sure of.
M: I know a lot of people like you and me who made radical career shifts. What advice would you give someone looking to make a change?
L: DO IT! Do it responsibly, but do it! Do what makes you happy. Pursue what you love.
M: That is great advice. Especially the “responsibly” part.
L: Right. I want to tell people that they made smart decisions to get where they are, but even if you are unhappy, don’t be careless. Make the change, but you need to be smart about it.
M: Is there anything you wish someone had told you when you were leaving law to pursue your happiness baking?
L: I wish someone had told me sooner to have faith and be fearless. Everything I do now is to further my bakery.
M: Be fearless. I love it! But again, fearless does not mean careless. So, where can our followers find you?
L: They can find me on line at Cake’s Babies on Instagram, and on Facebook. You can also call me at 732.455.CAKE or drop us an email at cakesbabies@gmail.com.
M: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me today. I wish you the best of luck and success with Cake’s Babies!
L: Thank you and it was my pleasure.
So, now that you have learned a little about LaTasha Carter and Cake’s Babies, I strongly encourage you to check her out online or if you can get to HLS and try something, do it. I’ll just say you’re welcome now. You’re welcome.
