Cottage Creations Custom Cakes, located in the heart of Bailey, Colorado, is more than just a home-based bakery—it's a labor of love. Owner Lisa Day has turned her lifelong passion for baking into a thriving business that brings joy to the Platte Canyon community. Specializing in custom cakes, Lisa works from her own kitchen, where she combines creativity and skill to craft personalized and delicious treats. Each cake is a unique creation, tailored to the specific tastes and desires of her clients, making every order a special experience. From birthday celebrations to weddings and special events, Cottage Creations Custom Cakes delivers not only artistic excellence but also a sense of warmth and personal touch that can only come from a home-based bakery.

From Southern Roots to the Rockies

Lisa's journey to Bailey is as unique as the cakes she creates. Originally from Memphis, Lisa’s upbringing was steeped in the rich baking traditions of the South. "Everyone bakes. It's part of your heritage," Lisa shares, recalling how her father and grandmother instilled in her a love for the art of baking. Despite her mother’s occasional German chocolate cakes, it was Lisa’s father’s side of the family where her baking roots truly took hold.

Lisa's life took her across the globe, thanks to her father’s work with the Department of State. But it was love that eventually brought her to Bailey 15 years ago, where she and her husband found a home in this picturesque mountain town. With a master’s degree and a background in business, Lisa decided to leave the corporate world behind and turn her passion for baking into a career. In 2016, Cottage Creations Custom Cakes was born.

A Baker's Passion Turned Profession

Lisa’s dedication to her craft is evident in every cake she creates. While she enjoys the challenge of baking laminated French doughs like croissants, cakes are her true love. "I love the science behind baking," Lisa explains. "Understanding what the proteins and flours do, what the fats do, and watching something transform from simple ingredients into a beautiful creation is endlessly fascinating to me."

This passion has translated into a successful business, with Lisa’s cakes being praised not only for their taste but also for their stunning designs. "I offer a plethora of different flavors, fillings, and frostings," she says, "and I can tailor the look of the cake to exactly what my clients envision." It’s this combination of taste and aesthetics that sets Cottage Creations apart from other bakers.

Overcoming Challenges with Grace

Operating a custom cake business in a remote area like Bailey comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to delivering large wedding cakes on rough, unpaved roads. Lisa’s solution? She transports her cakes fully assembled, navigating the bumpy terrain with white-knuckled care. Despite these challenges, Lisa has built a reputation for her reliability and attention to detail, ensuring each cake arrives in perfect condition.

The unpredictable nature of ingredient costs, especially during times of inflation, is another hurdle Lisa faces. "Managing the balance between costs and profits is always a thin line," she admits. But with her background in marketing and business, Lisa has been able to navigate these challenges while maintaining the high quality of her products.

Community Connections and Custom Creations

Cottage Creations Custom Cakes is a true community business, with Lisa delivering her creations to clients throughout Bailey, Pine, and Conifer. Her cakes have graced numerous weddings, not only at popular local venues like Deer Creek Valley Ranch and Glen Isle Resort but also at smaller, more intimate gatherings at local Airbnbs.

Lisa believes the exposure her business has gained through her involvement with the Platte Canyon Area Chamber of Commerce has been a game changer. Being a vendor at Bailey Days has provided her with the opportunity to showcase her custom cakes to a wider audience and attract new customers. Her participation in the Chamber’s first Christmas Market at Cowboy Christmas last year further boosted her visibility in the community. These events have not only helped her business grow but also strengthened her connections within the community, and she is grateful for the support and exposure the Chamber has provided.

Lisa’s business has grown steadily, thanks in large part to word of mouth and her commitment to quality. "I have a wonderful clientele here in the area," she says, "and from them, I get a lot of referrals." Her success is a testament to the supportive and welcoming nature of the Bailey community, which Lisa has found to be warm and open.

Looking to the Future

As for the future, Lisa is content with where her business stands. While the idea of opening a retail shop might be a possibility down the line, for now, she’s focused on continuing to create custom cakes that bring joy to her clients. "I'm happy with where it's at," Lisa says, reflecting on how far she’s come since starting Cottage Creations in 2016.

When she’s not baking, Lisa enjoys the simple pleasures of life in Bailey, like watching the local wildlife from her window. "We have at least five different moose that come by our house," she shares with a smile. It’s a fitting pastime for someone whose life’s work is all about savoring the beauty and joy in the world.

Get in Touch with Cottage Creations

For those interested in ordering a custom cake, Lisa is easy to reach through various channels, including Facebook, email, and her website. Whether you have a specific design in mind or need some inspiration, Lisa is ready to make your vision a reality. With her commitment to quality and her passion for baking, Cottage Creations Custom Cakes is a true gem in the Platte Canyon community.

Contact Information

Website:   https://www.cottagecreationscakes.com

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

Email: cottagecreations@cottagecreationscakes.com 

Phone: (303) 719-9341

Whether you’re planning a wedding, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a beautifully crafted cake, Lisa Day and Cottage Creations Custom Cakes are ready to sweeten your day.