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Since graduating high school, I went to college at Henderson State University. I graduated in 1984 with a double manager (BSE) in Speech & Drama and English Education, with minors in Psychology and Business. From there, I moved back to Oklahoma City and went to OU College of Law. I graduated with a J.D. in 1987 and passed the bar that summer.
I worked as an attorney for about 10 years in town. While I loved what I did, I didn't like many of the lawyers I worked with. I made a major career change and began decorating cakes.
Shortly thereafter, I became bakery manager of an upscale bakery in OKC. In 1999, I was named IGA's International Bakery Manager of the Year out of 3200 stores in 31 countries. In April of 2000, I opened my own bakery.
Since opening the bakery, I've enlarged it twice. I've been featured on 3 Food Network specials, on Wedding Cake Wars on WE TV (airing Sept. 09) and on TLC's Ultimate Cake Off (airing Sept. 09). I have had my cakes featured in magazines and books internationally. I have won over 200 first place ribbons at cake decorating competitions and have 3 gold medals from the most respected cake show in the US.
I now travel and teach advanced cake decorating skills across the USA.
I married my sweetheart in 1996 and inherited a step son in the process, who lives in Ohio.
I was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia (CML) in 2001 and started on the miracle drug gleevec 4 months later when it was approved by the FDA. I am now in complete cytogenetic remission! I raise money for the Leukemia Society by doing endurance events. I have done 7 marathons/half marathons and one century bike ride so far and will do my next marathon this October.
