Lemont Teen Starts Her Own Cake Business

For Lemont teen Sammi Kezerle, baking cakes always seemed like something she would enjoy.

When she started taking cake decorating classes with her mother two years ago, she realized it was something she had interest in pursuing seriously after the lessons ended.

Initially she made a cake or two for family and close friends, but as word-of-mouth spread, she found herself having more requests and decided to start a small business, Sammi's Cakes By Design.

Today, Kezerle has experience making dozens of specialty cakes.

“I really started watching the Food Network and some TLC shows, like Cake Boss,” Kezerle said. “When the craft store Michael's began promoting cake decorating classes by Wilton, my mom and I went and I fell in love with baking.”

Kezerle, a senior at Providence Catholic High School, doesn’t actually plan on turning her love for baking into a career. As of now, she plans to go to school to become a veterinarian, but she hopes to keep the cake business as a casual side project.

“I wasn’t surprised she chose to pursue a cake decorating business,” said Roxanne Kezerle, Sammi's mother. “We got a chance to spend some mother-daughter time at the class together, and she picked it up pretty quickly. It is definitely something she enjoys.”

The younger Kezerle prides herself on doing a wide variety of designs. Some of her works include making a giant caterpillar and baby bonnet for young children’s birthdays, as well as other two-and three-tiered cakes for different occasions.

She also has made cheesecakes, cookies and cupcake for others. Because her clients' tastes vary, Kezerle likes to change things up and make a unique cake each time.

“I’ve made a microphone with glitter, extravagant flowers, a cake for someone’s retirement — each time is really something new,” Kezerle said.

In the past, Kezerle’s work has also been displayed at the local , 316 Canal St. The deli asked her to showcase some of her cupcakes, and eventually they became available to customers. Her cheesecakes were also served at Lemont's , 1243 State St.

“I still continue to welcome any orders and opportunities,” Kezerle said. “It’s something I want to keep doing in my free time for as long as I can.”

According to the website for her business, all cakes are baked from Kezerle’s home kitchen. Kezerle works with fondant, gum paste, butter cream and other Wilton products, and offers to meet with potential customers and deliver any of the specially-designed baked goods.

For more information on Kezerle and her business, visit www.sammiscakesbydesign.webs.com.