Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Kleisner.
Hi Kelly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have called Charleston home for the past sixteen years. Both sides of my family have been involved in the hospitality business. I am very lucky to be surrounded by a family of great cooks and folks that love good food. I started as a cashier at a BBQ restaurant in Virginia Beach at sixteen and then went on to learn as a prep cook. I then entered Kendall College in Evanston, IL. I graduated with an Associate’s degree in culinary arts but did all my electives and my internships in the pastry field.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A career in culinary is never a smooth road. I work for some amazing chefs and some very difficult ones along the way. While working for a small bakery back in 2008, they abruptly closed right before Christmas, At the time I was working a second job at FIG restaurant as a host, and was lucky to get a position as a server. While doing that I honed my skills in building wedding cakes and specialty cakes. This pushed me to create my own business. I find whenever I have come up against obstacles, the community in Charleston seems to open more opportunities and lift me up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I feel I have had the good fortune to work in so many areas of hospitality. From host to server, an instructor at The Art Institute, and business owner. Creating my business, Mirabelle Bakery, allowed me the freedom to take on the type of work I love. My main focus is wedding cakes, but I get a lot of creative cake orders for birthdays and other celebrations. I love when a client challenges me! Cakes made to look like Chinese take-out boxes, animals, sports logos, and even pizza! I am most proud of leaving my corporate job last May, where I was working as a pastry chef. Taking the leap to fully focus on Mirabelle Bakery and work a freelance chef was nerve-racking but I decided I have never regretted it. I enjoy working closely with my clients to create connections that suit their events. It’s amazing to make a wedding cake for someone and then baby shower cakes and birthday cakes for their children and extended family.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I have decided to go back to school to achieve receiving my bachelor’s degree. I love food but also eat well for my body, nutrition, and exercise. I will be building on my current knowledge and experience by getting a degree in Health, Wellness and Nutrition. I am currently testing dessert recipes that do not use refined sugar, dairy, or even gluten. It’s an exciting but challenging time. Running a business and taking classes is tough but rewarding.
Pricing:
- wedding cakes start at $6.50 per serving
- custom cakes vary
Contact Info:
- Email: kelly@mirabelle-bakery.com
- Website: mirabelle-bakery.com
- Instagram: kellymirabellebakery
- Facebook: mirabelle bakery
