Designs by Dorian

Designs by Dorian creates unique cake tops for any occasion. These unusual cake toppers are crafted by hand to last  -Dorian makes each one herself with the attention to balanced detail of an expert floral designer. None can be found anywhere else. All are romantic, some elegant, some simple, some whimsical.

     About Me:

Designs by Dorian was launched February 15, 2003 as a home-based Wedding Cake Top Design studio. All tops are custom designed and handcrafted to last. Many hours are required to craft each one.

I specialize in creating vintage-inspired romantic fantasy custom wedding cake tops. I will design and create any size and style cake top possible from your chosen color scheme, following your concept or using one of my many originals.

I also repair and restore vintage cake tops.

©      Family: I make my home in Albuquerque with my husband and son, two cats, two dogs, seven doves, and a fish.

©      Education: I have studied dance (ballet, jazz, tap, modern, character, musical comedy, ballroom, Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Classic Egyptian) for the past 27 years; was a professional ballet dancer at 16; graduate of Plantation Floral Design School in Albuquerque, and graduate of John Robert Powers School of Acting & Modeling. I also learned the old way of cake decorating in my early teens.

©      Hometown/Childhood: I was born in Santa Monica, CA and moved to Albuquerque at age 15. I miss the ocean.

©      First job: I worked at the Jack in the Box (fry cook . . . yuck!).

©      Previous job: I was a dance instructor and performer of Classic Egyptian and Flamenco Moro in Santa Fe. I now work for Save The Children part time during the week. Time permitting, I still perform Flamenco-Moro (a blend of Middle-Eastern and Spanish Flamenco) at local events.

©      Reason for starting business: I was unable to find a cake top I liked for my own wedding, so I made one. My guests’ comments led me to realize there must be a need for new designs, something a step beyond what you normally find. After all, so much time and effort is invested in the Wedding Gown, Flowers, Wedding Cake, and so on, I feel that as much attention should be devoted to the Cake Top. It is, after all, the crowning touch for the Wedding Cake, and a keepsake.

©      Greatest business challenge: Balancing my personal life and dancing life with the needs of a growing business (sorry to be passé, but it’s true).

©      Best way to keep a competitive edge: I compete only with myself in constantly refining my designs: as in dance, only I am there when I am creating, but the creation is for others to delight in as well. My husband helps with technical details such as designing our website and brochure.

©      Like best about job: That it’s not a “job” (it’s “plork,” as in “play & work”) and I find great satisfaction in exceeding a bride’s expectations. Also, the people I have encountered in this venture have been “way tight” (my son is 16).

©      Like least about job: Hot glue burns.

©      Toughest business decision: Deciding which new design to tackle next: Should I make a fairies garden for a Celtic cake top, or a bats-around-the-castle for a gothic theme? I suppose it will be a hand-blown glass horses & velvet miniature Stetson for my Western top.

©      Best business decision: To hire my husband.

©      Business philosophy: I believe in creating novel art based on fantasy and vintage design reminiscent of times past, bringing back the magic, so to speak. My work is intended to benefit all who see it, from the brides who use it and their guests, to the shop owners who carry it, to me, my family, and to any whom I may employ in the future. Each of my designs must be as perfect as I can craft it, and sturdy and beautiful enough to become an heirloom. In other words, what I make, how I expend my energy, must be worthwhile.

all designs © 2003-2007 Designs by Dorian

©      Growth goals: To grow to a point where I can hire support staff under good working conditions and high enough wages that they can afford to lead good lives.

©      Word that best describes you: Resolute.

©      Mentor: My husband and my son are my inspirations.

©      Current read: “Black Elk: The Sacred Ways of a Lakota,” a memoir by Wallace Black Elk and William S. Lyon, PhD.

©      Top three passions: My family, my animals, and creativity in dancing and designing.

©      Stress reducer: Dance. I find that dancing clears my mind and enhances my creativity and focus to dream and create new designs.