Bloomingdale Resident Creates Edible Works of Art

Baking may be a piece of cake for some people. But Bloomingdale Oaks resident Audrey Vigh is taking cakes to a whole new level.

Vigh is the owner of The Cake Geek, a business she began a year ago at the urging of friends and families who were amazed at the creative cakes she made for special occasions.

A registered nurse and case manager at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and a mother of four, Vigh said she's always enjoyed baking and decorating cakes for special occasions.

But she began getting so many requests for her unique specialty cakes, she decided to turn it into a part-time business.

"It's just spread by word of mouth," said Vigh. "I've never advertised. One person will tell another and I'll get a call."

Vigh said she chose the name The Cake Geek for her business because "geek" means "A person with an eccentric devotion to a particular interest."

"I have an eccentric devotion to making cakes," she said. "I think about them inside and out, from top to bottom and all the way around. I strive to make the best edible memories that I can make."

Vigh considers decorating cakes a kind of art form that constantly challenges her creativity.

"I can do just about any type of cake anyone asks for, the more difficult, the better," she said.

Depending on the intricacy of the design, a cake can take days to complete. And because Vigh is a full-time nurse, she only has time to make one cake a week.

"Sometimes I will get into it and forget to sleep," she said.

Those ordering her cakes can specify any filling they'd like as well as any design.

"I like having two weeks' notice," she said. "I draw the design and then send it to the customer for approval with a price estimate."

The cakes range in size from a typical sheet cake to 4 feet long. Some look so realistic, some people don't realize they're edible.

One of her favorites was a cake she created for her husband, Mike's, retirement after 25 years in the Army. The cake was a replica of the front of his formal military uniform, complete with ribbons, medals and his name tag.

Another cake was for a 50th birthday for a sportsman. It was modeled after a mounted bass trophy.

"I love making cakes," said Vigh, who is often assisted by her 14-year-old daughter, Katie Berry. "My dream is to have a little bitty cake shop one day."

In the meantime, those wishing to place orders can call Vigh at 813-802-9081, email her at thecakegeek@aol.com or visit her website. She also has a Facebook page.