Haute Sugar Collective

Why Losing My Job Was the Best Thing That Happened

Emerlie shares her inspiring journey from losing her job to attending a renowned cake school in Canada, highlighting resilience, determination, and the power of pursuing passions against all odds.

What Nobody Tells You About Creative Success & Burnout w/ Aaron McInnis

In this episode, Aaron McInnis shares his journey from healthcare to baking education, opening up about burnout, creativity, imposter syndrome, career pivots, and redefining success in the baking industry. Aaron and Emerlie discuss competitions, teaching, community, personal growth, and the realities of balancing ambition with life outside of work.

Building an Cookie Business Online & The Happy Flavor w/ Mitzi Torgersen

In this engaging interview, Mitzi Torgersen shares her journey from cookie influencer to online baking entrepreneur. Discover her innovative flavor creations, community-building strategies, and insights into thriving in the digital baking space.

Winning IBIE, Scaling Online, and Launching a Cake Show w/ Sandra Major

In this engaging conversation, Emerlie and Sandra Major discuss the journey of Sandra as a cake artist and online personality. They explore her transition from traditional cake making to creating online classes and content, the importance of networking within the cake community, and the challenges faced during competitions like IBIE. Sandra shares insights on her business structure, the impact of COVID on her operations, and her creative ventures into acrylic products. The discussion highlights the significance of community, creativity, and resilience in the cake industry. In this engaging conversation, Emerlie and Sandra Major explore the world of cake design, competitions, and the creative process behind their award-winning cakes. They share their experiences from a recent competition in Las Vegas, discussing the unexpected wins, the feedback from judges, and the emotional rollercoaster of competing. Sandra reveals her plans for a cake show in Montreal, emphasizing the cultural influences on cake design and the importance of balancing flavors. The discussion also touches on the challenges of marketing and building a brand in the cake industry, as well as the unique experiences of participating in TV baking shows.

From Elimination to a Second Chance on Food Network w/ Kimberley Rivers

In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Emerlie and Kimberley discuss their experiences in the competitive baking world, particularly focusing on their time on shows like Holiday Wars and Halloween Wars. They share insights into the challenges faced during competitions, the dynamics of teamwork, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being on reality TV. Kimberley recounts her journey from starting a cake business to winning multiple episodes on Holiday Wars, while Emerlie reflects on the pressures of competition and the importance of support from teammates. The conversation highlights the unique challenges of baking and sugar work, the adrenaline rush of competition, and the lessons learned along the way. In this engaging conversation, Kimberley and Emerlie delve into their experiences with reality TV cake competitions, the challenges of balancing family life with a growing cake business, and the creative process behind hyper-realistic cake art. They share personal anecdotes about their journeys, the importance of teamwork, and the joy of creating beautiful edible art. The discussion also highlights the significance of business branding and the evolving landscape of cake design, particularly in the realm of social media and collaborative projects.