Meet Julie Deffense

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Julie Deffense a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Julie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
A chance encounter at a charity ball in Portugal steered the course of my life when I met Jacques, who would eventually become my husband and greatest supporter. The allure of an overseas adventure had lured me to Portugal, yet I found myself grappling with loneliness and uncertainties. It was in these moments of uncertainty that serendipity found me, guiding me to a whirlwind romance that marked the start of a fairy tale.

As I settled into a life with Jacques on the stunning coast of Portugal, I dealt with the challenges of acclimating to a new culture and language. Despite the struggles, I found solace in my passion for baking and creating delectable treats. Balancing my creative inclinations with a career, I stumbled upon an opportunity in the form of a cake decorating course, which would become the pivotal moment that unveiled my true calling.

Upon completing the course, the encouragement and unwavering support from Jacques ignited a newfound determination within me. With a fondness for experimenting with flavors inspired by Portugal, I delved deeper into the art of cake design. The response to my creations was overwhelming, leading to commissions and a growing business that transcended borders.

What began as a love for baking and a background in fine arts blossomed into a full blown profession. With an online presence and collaborations with luxury hotels and planners, I found myself at the helm of a successful cake design venture that spanned continents. Embracing opportunities to share some of my recipes and decorating techniques I authored multiple books and won accolades for my culinary creations.

My story is a testament to the fortitude of following one’s passion and the resilience required to overcome challenges. With every swirl of buttercream and delicate sugar flower petal, I found not only a career but a vocation that resonated deeply within me. The culmination of these experiences has brought me to a place where my personal and professional aspirations align harmoniously, crafting a life that epitomizes the American dream on both sides of the Atlantic.

In the end, I found my purpose in the sweet symphony of cake design, and in doing so, I discovered my very own ‘happily ever after’. This journey of love, resilience, and pursuing one’s passion underscores the profound truth that amidst life’s challenges, our dreams can take shape and, when realized, can become the icing on life’s cake.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hi, my name is Julie Deffense, and I am the Queen of Cakes.

I am originally from Boston, and I studied fine arts before moving to Lisbon for a design project in 1998.

My love of baking began in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother. It was living in Portugal, however, that sparked my creative talent for luxury cake design. My career evolved as I transitioned from editorial design work to elaborate cake artistry. Formerly an art director, and then an editorial design director of two of my own magazines, it was the love of Portuguese culture and sweets which reignited my lifelong passion for designing extraordinary cakes.

I have studied with various renowned cake designers worldwide and travelled between Portugal and the U.S. to train at the famous Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Art. I have also developed many popular decorating workshops, novel “pop-up” cake shops and grew quickly to become a leading luxury cake artist worldwide, known for my towering, embellished wedding cakes and handmade sugar flowers.

My cakes are really one of a kind. They are sculptures made with edible products. They are art pieces, they belong in palaces, museums, centre stage and as the highlight to any celebration. They are artistic, creative, layered with sugar lace, textures and often beaded with sugar beads that I can spend up to a month applying one by one with a pair of tweezers to a cake. Everything is made with love, everything is made with attention.

I am also an award-winning author, I have written four popular cookbooks published in Portugal, two of which are also in English, available in the States (and on Amazon).

My biggest commission to date was a 32 tier wedding cake, complete with a hand made edible gold pattern, a 6 tier hand embroidered sugar pearl panel that reflected the bride’s gown, and over 2000 handmade sugar flowers that took over 2 months to create. I plan to surpass this in September 2024 for a spectacular couple who have commissioned me to create a 34 tier cake complete with one of a kind details (I can’t tell you all the details yet, but it’s going to be out of this world!).

I love to travel and will happily travel for special clients to assemble their epic wedding cake on site. Always searching for that next special client who appreciates my art and is looking for me to create their fairytale cake.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I love what I do. It’s my profession, but it’s also my hobby, my passion. Some advice tidbits:
– Take the adventure. Take the path less traveled. Follow your dreams, don’t just do something because someone told you it’s what you’re “supposed to do”.
– It’s important to find your strength, your style, and not just copy others.
– It’s important to find your passion.
– It’s ok to say no if a client’s vision doesn’t align with your artistic style.
– It’s important to constantly learn – take classes, read blogs, watch Youtube. Even when you think you are at the top of your field, there is always something new to learn.
– Always answer your phone.
– Always respect others in your field.
– Create your own trends, don’t follow them.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I would love to find a book publisher in the USA! I am currently working on a book that reflects my affection for, and celebration of, Portugal. And, I would also love to be a judge on a baking/cake decorating show in the USA, to inspire aspiring cake designers and to share my knowledge and expertise.

Contact Info:

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