Meet May Riddle | Entrepreneur & Cake Designer

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

Hi May, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
The amount of time spent making a cake. From prepping your ingredients, to actually baking the cake and then designing and decorating. It can really take hours.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art and creating things have always been a passion of mine. I used to color and paint, crochet , anything that I can put my hands on. I think making cakes is a form of art. I get to use my creativity making beautiful designs, whether it be simple or fun, it’s something that I love to do.

When Covid happened, everything pretty much stopped. I couldn’t do my daily routine. It was difficult being home with nothing to do. I helped my daughter with her zoom classes but that was it. So I started to bake cakes for family and friends just to make use of all my free time. Baking has always been a passion of mine. I made treats here and there to gift to people, not really to sell. Then people started asking if they could order from me. I didn’t know anything about entrepreneurship. I only know how to bake. So I did my research and took care of all the necessary licenses and permits and ventured into the baking business.

It wasn’t always easy. Having your own business has its fair share of problems too. There are times when I overbook myself without realizing it, or when I undercharge for my service. It can be as simple as trying to find ingredients you need for a cake and they’re all sold out. I’ve learned to step away and take a break. That’s the beauty of having your own business. You are your own boss. I step away when I need to and just take a little break.

I don’t really advertise, although I am active on social media, my clientele is usually people that has tried my treats from a party they went to, all word of mouth. I have so many repeat customers. I think you have to be a people person to own a business such as mine. You have to listen to what they’re looking for, be good at explaining what works and what wouldn’t work as far as certain designs, and then do the best you can to create it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many places worth checking out/or doing here in San Diego. I don’t think one week is even enough. But La Jolla is my go to spot for a laidback weekend. Start with a walk along La Jolla Shores then brunch at Cody’s on Prospect or lunch at Harumama.

One Paseo in Del Mar is also another place to check out. They have nice little restaurants there and my fave ice cream spot, Salt & Straw. Across the street, we can grab drinks at the Understory.

Maybe dedicate a day to go to Balboa Park, check out the museums and have lunch or dinner at The Prado. Also go to the Botanical Garden if they’re open.

Another restaurant I love to go to in La Jolla is A.R. Valentien. The food is excellent and the ambiance is nice. They are temporarily closed though, but reopening in March due to renovations.

We have tons of theme parks here in San Diego as well. We have the SD Zoo, Safari Park, SeaWorld and Legoland. Maybe squeeze in a short hike at Torrey Pines one of the days.

Downtown is also nice, but parking can be a little hard. So much to do and see but so little time. So I think I’d ask my best friend to stay longer haha.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this shoutout to my family and friends, who from the very start believed in me. My husband Mike and my daughter Bella. They inspire me to be a better version of myself everyday.

Instagram: @BellaBellsCakes

Youtube: https://YouTube.com/@Bellabellscakes