We had the good fortune of connecting with Connor Mansberger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Connor, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I fell into my business by accident, and I still chuckle at how the whole process unfolded. As a previous health officer in the US Air Force, I never predicted that I would not only be running my own business, but also so heavily involved in an artistic field of work–much less the wedding industry!

As an avid home cook, I’ve never had any formal experience working in a bakery, but I’ve always gravitated toward the kitchen where I thoroughly experiment creating dishes both on the savory and pastry side. Not long after I separated from the Air Force in 2022, my brother and his wife held a going-away party for their separation from the Marine Corps, where I offered to bring a few low-key sheet cakes as a contribution to their celebration. I decided to bring three flavors that I knew would please everyone: Brown Butter Caramel, Raspberry White Chocolate, and of course Chocolate. To my excitement, their guests raved about the cakes and asked for my business card. Although I was elated that I received such overwhelming feedback, I giggled at the prospect of actually having a cake business. After trying to forget about the idea, new cake flavor ideas flooded my mind and I starting thinking of ways I could level-up my skills to make cakes that not only tasted delicious but also featured elevated artistry. Shortly after, in an effort to start a “side-gig” where I could start offering a few small celebration cakes a month, I quickly found my niche to favor weddings, and I officially started my home-based business, which I named, “Connor’s Craft Cakes”, and became fully licensed, permitted and insured to serve clients across Southern California. After several months of learning the cake art form, I decided to make this business my full-time venture and I haven’t looked back!

I still chuckle how it all happened, but now I see how God led the whole process the way he did. I’m very grateful!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Wedding cakes are an excellent tradition! It’s an edible art piece that showcases the personality and style of the couple and celebrates their new-found identity as a married unit. I take this approach seriously when couples come to me with a desire for their wedding cake to do just that. I believe a wedding cake should be dynamic, create the illusion of movement, and like any other art piece, tell a story without words. When couples see their cake at their wedding, they should say to themselves, “that’s so us!”

Wedding cake artistry comes in many forms, and varies VERY widely across the industry. From fresh flowers to chocolate sculpting, and sugar flowers to fondant mold work; for my business, I have chosen to offer only edible artistry–in my case, this means nature inspired art where I use mainly buttercream (frosting) and wafer paper (an edible materials made from potato starch) to create handmade realistic florals that can be eaten alongside the cake. I am continually on a journey to improve my skills and create even more appealing blossoms. Because wedding cakes are a laborious task where I can spend upwards of 20-30 hrs per cake, each piece I create is an opportunity to improve my abilities and techniques.

Unlike other types of artistry, both the canvas and the medium in cake art are both temperature and time sensitive; specifically, cakes must be kept cold in order to maintain their structural integrity and to avoid perishing. Additionally, buttercream frosting easily melts in your hands as you pipe flowers, so to be successful adequate technique and creative strategies are required to create a realistic piped buttercream floral. But it’s so worth it! A reaction from guests that I particularly enjoy hearing is, “I thought the flowers were real!” It makes me proud to know that my countless hours of practice with buttercream piping are paying off.

My personal style ranges from highly realistic florals to abstract renditions that create a clean and timeless feel even when using lots of texture or bold colors. The bride that chooses me to create her cake for her big day appreciates a unique and personalized art piece rather than necessarily opting for a trend. Looking back at my own life, any time I’ve succumbed to a trend in fashion, music, home decor, art etc. I look back and giggle that I thought such a thing was appealing at the time–and we all fall prey to trends no matter the subject. Trends come and go, and I’m of the camp that a couple should look back at their wedding cake without regrets. Timelessness is the way to go!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Encinitas, CA is all about the beach and the coast highway! Surfing, boogie boarding, body surfing, and skim boarding are all necessary activities if you visit. Because my golden retriever enjoys the water even more than I do, we normally find ourselves at the dog beach in Del Mar where he can prance in the waves free of a leash. A perfect way to complete a day in the sun and salt water is some Mexican food and pizza. Some of my favorite Mexican places are actually attached to gas stations! There’s a few of them in Encinitas, and you can’t go wrong–the Taco Stand is one of my favorite spots for a carne asada burrito, but the line is usually out the door for good reason. Corner Pizza in Leucadia has some of the best crust around with a good chew and an almost sourdough-level flavor. One of my favorite pizza places is Gelati & Peccati where you can buy a slice of Roman-style focaccia-crusted pizza freshly crisped in the oven and finish strong with a scoop of gelato in the same building. Walk your scoop out to the bluff to watch the sunset and you’ll have yourself a perfect day in Encinitas!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d proudly like to dedicate this shoutout to my parents who have provided generous amounts of support and mentorship as I’ve navigated the business world for the first time after leaving the corporate setting. Thank you Mom & Dad for continually thinking of how you can support me and my business, honoring my hard work, and encouraging me as I struggle along the way. Your love toward me is seen, remembered, and appreciated–thank you both!!

Website: https://www.connorscraftcakes.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connorscraftcakes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connorscraftcakes2022

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/connor-s-craft-cakes-encinitas

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@connors.craft.cakes

Image Credits
Personal photo: Nancy Easton of Easton Studios

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