Meet Sarah Sparkman

We recently connected with Sarah Sparkman and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the whimsical world of baking and cake decorating. As a child, I loved experimenting in the kitchen—making messes, and colorful creations that brought smiles to my family and friends, who encouraged my creativity early on; fueling a passion that stuck with me even as life became more demanding.

Between working full-time at a medical facility and pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Library Science and Media, I carved out what little free time I had to practice decorating cakes from home. Late nights were often spent smoothing buttercream or perfecting sugar flowers—not for a paycheck, but because it lit me up inside. Eventually, I took a leap of faith and landed my first job in a bakery. There, surrounded by the sweet scent of butter and sugar, I honed my skills and discovered a new love: sculpting cakes into hyper-realistic forms.

Everything changed when I took a pottery class with my mom. Sitting at the wheel, shaping clay with my hands, I realized that the techniques I used in cake decorating could be applied to ceramics. What began as a creative experiment turned into my purpose: crafting realistic faux cakes that don’t just look delicious, but last forever.

Today, I teach others how to make these sculptural desserts. My workshops are more than art classes—they’re spaces for healing, expression, and community. Through this work, I’ve learned that creativity can be deeply therapeutic, and that art—whether edible or not—can help people reconnect with themselves.

Finding my purpose wasn’t a straight line. It was a path paved with late nights, bold choices, and the willingness to combine everything I love into something uniquely my own.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I create playful, hyper-realistic faux desserts and sculptural sweets that celebrate the joy of food and the healing power of creativity. What started as a love for cake decorating has transformed into a multidisciplinary art practice where I combine techniques from baking, ceramics, and sculpture to make cakes that look delicious—but will never melt, spoil, or crumble.

I specialize in teaching others how to make their own faux cakes through interactive workshops across Austin, San Marcos, and surrounding areas. These workshops are designed to be joyful, low-pressure spaces where anyone can tap into their creative side, whether they’ve never picked up a piping bag or have a background in art. I truly believe that creativity is for everyone—and that crafting something whimsical with your hands can be deeply therapeutic.

One of the most exciting things about my work is watching people light up when they see a sculpture that looks like dessert. There’s a moment of surprise, then delight, and often nostalgia. I love that my pieces can bring out those kinds of emotions.

Currently, I’m expanding my workshop offerings to include new projects like ceramic cake mugs and dessert-themed accessories, and I’m always exploring ways to collaborate with other creatives and venues. I also take custom orders for installations, wearable art, and decor for events or sets—anything where a little dessert magic is needed.

Whether it’s through a sculpture, a workshop, or a custom piece, my goal is to spark joy and remind people that art can be both playful and powerful.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are resourcefulness, patience, and creative curiosity.

Resourcefulness helped me make the most of what I had, especially in the beginning. I didn’t have a studio or fancy tools when I started—just a small kitchen, some piping bags, and a lot of determination. I watched tutorials, reused materials, and experimented constantly. For anyone starting out: don’t wait for the perfect setup. Use what you have, stay scrappy, and trust that your creativity will thrive when you give it space to grow.

Patience came in handy when I was juggling full-time work, school, and practicing my craft in the margins of my day. Progress didn’t happen overnight. There were times I felt stuck or unsure if things would pan out. My advice: give yourself grace and understand that growth is slow and layered. Every late night, every “failed” experiment, every moment spent learning—it’s all adding up, even if you can’t see it yet.

Lastly, creative curiosity is what continues to push my work forward. The turning point in my journey came when I took a pottery class out of pure curiosity—and that experience sparked the entire next chapter of my art practice. Stay open to new mediums, classes, and ideas outside of your comfort zone. Sometimes the best discoveries come from trying something just for fun.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

It’s hard to name just one person, because truly—it has taken a village. My husband, family, and close friends have been the foundation of my journey. They’ve encouraged me through every stage, believed in me when I doubted myself, and helped me navigate countless challenges, both personal and professional.

I also owe so much to the art community. From fellow makers who sit beside me at events to those who engage with my work online, share resources, and offer kind, honest advice—this community has been a constant source of support and inspiration. They’ve welcomed me with open arms, created space for me to grow, and reminded me that I’m not alone in this path.

Success doesn’t happen in isolation. I’m grateful every day for the people who’ve lifted me up, collaborated with me, and helped me believe in what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cakeshackco.com
• Instagram: @CakeShackCo
• Facebook: Cake Shack Co
• Other: TikTok: @CakeShackCo
  email address: cakeshackco@gmail.com