Daily Inspiration: Meet Armana Christianson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Armana Christianson.

Hi Armana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am originally from Omaha, Nebraska and moved in 2011 to pursue a career in professional golf. For the last six years, I have been splitting my time between California and Arizona as I competed on mini-tours, trying to work my way up the golf ladder. In the fall of 2019, my husband and I officially purchased a home in Phoenix with the intention of me continuing my golf career. COVID happened that Spring and my travel schedule was officially halted. I spent a lot of that off time still practicing and prepping to come but along with COVID, I had a few injuries that kept pushing off my restart. So where does baking come in? I had been making a few things here and there for a neighborhood book club. Nothing crazy, just for fun. I’ve baked with my mom over the years for holidays. But finally, I just decided to try my hand at a decorating a cake. My first one didn’t turn out too bad! From there, the obsession grew. By the time December 2020 hit, I had started creating my first cookie and cakesicle boxes for customers. In January, I launched my website and have been taking custom orders since! I haven’t had a week go by without a custom order and it’s been just a whirlwind. But yeah, I didn’t start really really baking and dessert decorating until the end of 2020!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve really been overwhelmed with the response from my new city. The amount of support I’ve had for my small business has been insane. It’s a completely new industry for me, so I’m still trying to get my footing in a lot of things. And I’d say the hardest thing right now is time management with all of the orders! I want to help everyone and baking is such a personal thing for me. I take a lot of pride in it and put a lot of myself into my orders.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’d say that my absolute favorite thing to create is cakes. They are a little the same each time but also can be designed so incredibly different and unique. That’s what makes this so fun! I also don’t use a lot of fondants so all of my cakes are fully iced in buttercream. Super delicious! I am most proud of how quickly I feel that I’ve picked up on a lot of techniques and skills. I am completely self-taught which has its challenges but I think I’m a quick learner. And also a perfectionist, so you know that I’ll be giving you my best!

How do you define success?
I define success as being able to make a living at something that you enjoy doing. I’m not quite there yet with my brand new business but it’s moving that direction and I’m forever thankful!

Contact Info:

• Email: hello@acakesbakery.com
• Website: acakesbakery.com
• Instagram: @a.cakesbakery.az
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/a.cakesbakery.az

Image Credits:
Armana Christianson