Happy Wednesday, Golden Divas and Divos!

Since February is “Black History and Love Month,” Club Fifty wanted you to meet the “Black & Iconic” pastry baker who is changing the game in baking with his ‘Sweet Treats,’ using his three main ingredients: love, passion, and skills! Our next guest at the club is a sweet soul and a delight to be around. I met this handsome guy at one of my church events years ago. I tried his peach cobbler in a jar and fell in love with the alluring taste of goodness, which has been tempting my taste buds ever since. A few years back, we collaborated unknowingly at our church. I did the graphics for a large banner for our Pastor, Rev. Dr. Trunell D. Felder (New Faith Baptist Church International), and he did the dessert table. He used my design for the Pastor’s cake, which looked phenomenal. I call myself a dessert connoisseur or a weak soul who loves the taste of some good desserts. There’s nothing like good pastry baker’s desserts that can mesmerize you and make you desire more. When a patissier knows how to throw down in the kitchen, satisfy your craving for those sweet delights, and make them look like a work of art to make your mouth water, it has to be desserts from ‘Cakes of Praise!’

*When I tell you,’ Cakes of Praise,’ sweet desserts are all that…believe me the first time!*

The ‘Cake Man,’ Spencer Cotton, is no joke regarding his baking skills. This young man will have you singing ‘Hallelujah, Mercy, and Glory in every bite. Now ya’ll know I had to take it to church with a name like Cakes of Praise! His desserts will deliver you from the rest, and you will go straight to the best for your CUSTOMIZED piece of heavenly treats! I am so proud of him and all of his accomplishments. Meet my Piscean Lil brother, ‘The Cake Man,’ who pours much love and passion into his baking, Founder of Cakes of Praise, LLC, Spencer Cotton.

MEET SPENCER COTTON

Spencer Cotton is a local native of Hazel Crest, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago). He earned his Bachelor of Business Management (2015) and Master of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration (2017) from Western Illinois University. In 2018, he established his baking business, Cakes of Praise, LLC, which provides custom upscale desserts for clients nationwide. Outside of his company, Spencer has over ten years of experience working in youth recreation and community development and managing a family-owned multi-unit building. In his spare time, Spencer enjoys cooking, swimming, spending time with family and friends, and being an awesome ‘Pet Dad’ to his border Collie dog, Mickey.

IN CONVERSATION WITH SPENCER COTTON

C50: Let’s Meet the baker behind all the delicious creations! Spencer, how did you get started in baking, and when did you know it was time to take your passion to the next level and embark on a business adventure?

SC: As a graduate student at Western Illinois University, I began my journey as a baker, making cake jars for my colleagues, professors, and community members. After graduating, I struggled to find a job in my field, and I decided to experiment with baking recipes and start my own business! What was a necessity became my reality!

C50: How long has Cake of Praise been operating, and was starting your business hard?

SC: Cakes of Praise, LLC was established in August 2018. Luckily, I had a great network that helped me establish my business paperwork and open a business bank account. It was relatively easy to get started, and I’m grateful for those who helped me establish a solid foundation.

C50: Describe the most challenging baked good you have ever made and how you ensure the freshness of ingredients.

SC: My most challenging dessert was a 3 tier birthday cake with a strawberry filling, fondant, and sports decorations. Each tier was 2-3 layers and very heavy (the cake weighed over 20 lbs). After completing it, I had to deliver it 30 miles away (Talk about anxiety!) To ensure freshness, I chose the best ingredients and proper baking techniques and prepared everything in advance, including the decorations, to ensure everything remained fresh until delivery.

C50: What techniques do you use to make your baking goods so desirable?

SC: There are a variety of different methods I use for baked goods, but the first technique is incorporating love. It’s the first and most important ingredient in baking, and people have told me they can taste my passion for baking!

C50: What delicious desserts does Cake of Praise offer for your sweet tooth, and what’s your favorite baked item to make and why?

SC: We offer a variety of baked desserts, including cakes, cookies, brownies, chocolate-covered treats, and vegan and gluten-free desserts! We believe in meeting everyone’s dessert needs for their special occasion.

C50: Do you have a signature/specialty dessert?

SC: Our most popular dessert item is our pound cakes. We currently have ten flavors and counting. Customers compliment us on the presentation, moistness, and taste!

C50: Spencer, what makes Cakes of Praise stand out against the competition?

SC: One of Cakes of Praise’s competitive advantages is customer service and attention to detail. From the moment you contact us, we will greet you with love and care, and a great-quality dessert to follow!

C50: How do you manage time during busy hours to meet all customer demands?

SC: Great question. I often wake up early hours (sometimes 3 or 4 am) to complete orders before working my Full-Time job as a Finance Manager for a nonprofit agency. Luckily, I have a supportive family willing to clean, complete prep work, and take inventory. This allows me to come in and manage my business efficiently and well.

C50: My God! Your desserts make your mouth pallet water when you look at the pictures, and luckily, I had the opportunity to taste your delicious creations. Please tell us what motivates and inspires you to create many tasty and beautiful masterpieces.

SC: Why, thank you for that wonderful compliment! Honestly, it’s my customers. They tell me what dessert they want, and I strive to create the best experience. I also follow several bakers on social media who constantly push me to try new recipes and designs.

C50: How do you advertise/promote your business, and what trends in baking have you recently incorporated into your recipes?

SC: Word of mouth from our current network is our most significant source of advertisement. Also, social media is a great tool we use to advertise. One trend I have been incorporating more reels and time-lapse videos of popular baking trends.

Bonus Question

C50: Spencer, how can someone contact you to purchase the sweetness of ‘Cakes of Praise?’

SC: Sure! I have listed our various contact information below:

Instagram/Facebook: Cakes of Praise

Website: cakesofpraisellc.com

Email: cakesofpraise@gmail.com

Business Phone Number: 309-569-6436

There you have it, Golden Divas & Divos, The Cake Man, Spencer Cotton of Cakes Of Praise, satisfying more customers with his delicious desserts!

Spencer Cotton