Meet Mae Hirota | Fake Food Artist

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

Hi Mae, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started creating fake food in 2015 when I used to work at a bank, and the artist in me was hungry for creation. My soft spot for sweets and love for crafts led me to the world of fake food. I was enamored scrolling through images of beautiful desserts made from silicone, resin, and styrofoam. I started searching for tutorials but found very little information. I sought apprenticeship from veterans and found each kept their “recipe” a secret. I hit a wall but was already way deep down the rabbit hole. After scouring the corners of the internet, I found a handful of DIYs and was elated. My first creation was a strawberry shortcake. Primitive, but I proudly wore it to the Strawberry Festival Hat Contest. I didn’t win but I felt like one anyway. I keep the memory close to heart as a gateway to becoming a fake food artist!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a Fake Food Artist, my inspirations come from the Japanese fake food culture and memories of patisserie shops in France where desserts decorated the displays like enchanted jewels too beautiful to be eaten. I have 3 memorable projects I’d like to share. In 2017, I created a 128 piece collection designed for CURIOUS, a London-based Event Agency for the “let them eat cake” themed event at the prestigious SWAN Shakespeare‘s Globe. In 2019, I was featured on Buzzfeed Tasty showcasing how to make a fake alphabet cake. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with an artist, Tommii Lim at his solo show, ODD MAN OUT at the Avenue des Arts in Los Angeles, CA. I felt proud of working with amazing people through creativity and hope to meet many more.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to send my special thanks to my dear friend and mentor, Ann Johnson! Ann is owner and designer of Annie’s Treasures LLC. She opened her handcraft wreath business in 2016 and transitioned to fake bakes in 2019. Ann opened her Etsy shop, “Annie’s Treasures” in 2019 and has made over 10,000 sales. She has pioneered the fake bake community providing digital tutorials, monthly live courses and introducing the craft through social media. Currently, Ann’s Facebook Page, “Annie’s Treasures” (facebook.com/AnniesTreasures2) has over 9,500 followers and IG, @anniestreasures.llc over 950 followers. Ann has announced her online fake bake course, FAKED WITH LOVE in her Facebook Group. Each month members will enjoy 4 fake food tutorials, Bonus games/contest/giveaways and a LIVE Q&A session. Ann has expressed her hopes of easing hearts through creativity and building a sustainable craft community supporting entry level to business entrepeneurship. Starting this year, she has invited me to teach in this exciting venture and I have participated in presenting fake bake video tutorials as well.

Website: fauxsweets.com

Instagram: instagram.com/fauxsweets

Facebook: facebook.com/fauxsweets

Other: “Cookie Letter Cake” as made by @fauxsweets Tasty – 04/01/2019 Produced by Betsey Johnson, BuzzFeed youtube.com/watch?v=zf9704NZRMc

Image Credits
FAUX SWEETS