Meet Michelle Day | Cake Decorator & Owner of Lucky Day Bakery

I have learned so much! Mainly that running a business is A LOT of work- it is so much more than creating a product. For me, it’s discussing an order with a potential customer, finding out what they want and don’t want, what fits in their budget, and having a vision that fits these parameters, meanwhile I bake, cool, fill, frost, stack, decorate, clean and clean and clean, photograph and box up current cake orders. I also have to keep track of inventory, order specialty items timely, make sure deposits are paid, post to social media, answer questions, advertise, all while holding up a household with 2 young children.

I’ve also learned it is completely worth all of the work. It is so fulfilling to see the joy it brings my customers when they pickup their cake. I feel so fortunate to have been a part of the birthdays, baby showers, anniversaries, gender reveals, and so many other important events.

I’ve also learned that people will support you if you truly take care of them as a customer. I take my time with people because without them I wouldn’t be in business! In return, most of my business has been from these same customers promoting me to others, whether it’s to their friends or tagging me on a Facebook post. Always treat people how you want to be treated. It is worth it!

About 15 years ago I created my first carved cake with a co-worker for her boyfriends birthday. It wasn’t perfect, but I was amazed that we were able to pull it off. I showed it off to our co-workers and started receiving order after order for all sorts of cakes. It was fun to see what I could do without any training- this was prior to the prevalence of YouTube and social media so there were far less resources. Eventually I moved out of the area and had my first son, and once he started school my second was born. They took up most of my time, and all of my energy. In 2018 my family moved back to Pembroke Pines and I was asked to make a cake for a family friend. This would be the first time I’d even touched fondant in 13 years! I had never stopped baking, but nothing extraordinary was created during those years. I nervously agreed, making sure to warn her that I may not be able to pull off the design that she wanted, but I’d definitely produce a delicious cake! The cake came together seemlessly, as if all those years hadn’t passed since the last one. It made me remember how fulfilling it was to be able to create something so special, so personal, as a cake customized to a specific person on their birthday- a true celebration of them. After that I did tons of research- YouTube, blogs, Pinterest. I joined Facebook groups and asked way too many questions. I took notes. A full notebooks worth. I came up with names, eventually landing on Lucky Day Bakery (a play on my last name), and I created branding. I developed a vision for my business. I had never felt more confident in pursuing anything in my life- I knew i could do it! That drive kept me motivated and the rest is history.

My go to local place is Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. You can see a show, have dinner and drinks, and do some gambling. My husband and I love Cipresso (the short rib ravioli is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten!). I love that it’s dinner and entertainment all in one and only about 20 minutes from home. Morton’s Steakhouse is another one one of our favorite restaurants. They have great quality beef, sides, and top notch service.

I also LOVE escape rooms. After dinner, we would head over to Think Escape Room in Ft Lauderdale. If I had more time, and someone to watch my kids, I would make my rounds through them all.

Yellow Green Farmers Market is also a must do. I love shopping local and supporting small businesses.

Top Golf and Painting with a Twist are always a fun time out as well!

First and foremost, my husband Jesse. If it wasn’t for him being able to support our family, I would not have the time or money to have done all of the research, or purchased supplies and equipment in order to open my business.

My sister-in-law Liz, who ordered a custom cake from me 13 years after I had made my last. This is the cake that rekindled my love for cake decorating and inspired everything that has followed.

Karolyn Kakes, Cake Cents, among many other YouTube channels that give valuable information on pricing, decorating, and answer so many questions I had in the beginning.

And of course, my sister for always offering to help me with my boys when I’m overwhelmed, purchase equipment, and generally just being supportive.