Annie’s Signature Sweets Story
Hi Everyone!
I am Annie and I am a Pastry Chef, CEO and Teacher in Cleveland, Ohio. I started baking to satisfy my sweet tooth as a teenager, but had no experience with anything besides cookies, banana bread and muffins. I went to Kent State University to become a Teacher, but unfortunately, that did not work out. I had undiagnosed ADD and was struggling in school. I graduated from Kent State and took a job as a Social Worker for Cuyahoga County Department of Children & Family Services. I grew up in a large family and had to make sure sweets were everywhere I went. I was too intimidated to bake beyond my comfort zone and never made a pie, worked with yeast or made any of the sweets I know make and Teach my students how to make.
At the age of 29, I decided to leave my Social Work career behind to see if I could make Pastry a career. I enrolled at Johnson & Wales University and earned an Associate degree in Baking & Pastry Arts. My mind was blown at how many pastries and bread there were and LOVED being able to create all of these desserts. Baking helps me focus, feed my sweet teeth cravings and helps me be creative and feel accomplished.
I spent a decade working in resorts and restaurants all over the United States mastering my baking skills and my passion for sweets continued to grow!
I learned how to bake in large quantities, how to bake everything from breads to plated desserts, ice creams, sorbets, sauces, etc. and I loved every minute of it, until I burned out after a decade of working in Restaurants and resorts. I needed a change, but did not want to leave Pastry behind.
At 40, I took the biggest risk I have ever done and started a business by myself with no business background or financial support. 6 months into my business I began Teaching baking and I never looked back. I am the only baking school in Cleveland or any surrounding areas. I have now taught over 900 baking classes locally and virtually all over the world.
Baking is a stress release and a fun way to be creative. I LOVE getting to help utilize my 18 years experience as a Pastry Chef to teach my students how to make baking fun, and easy! I create recipes that will make your life a lot easier and you will enjoy for years to come.
My classes are unique because I have topics you cannot find anywhere else, I have my students work independently and I get to help them become confident and successful bakers who find the JOY in baking! Baking should be fun, not stressful! No group work here! You always create your own signature sweets!
Annie’s Signature Sweets creates classic desserts with a twist and focuses on fresh, fun and unforgettable sweets.
I was named the 5th best Pastry Chef in Cleveland by Cleveland Scene Magazine. I won 5th place in Cleveland.com’s most sinful sweet contest with my Pretzel Salted Caramel Cheesecake. My lemon lavender shortbread was in Cleveland Magazine as part of the “Cleveland S’more”, I have been on Channel 3 news and New Day Cleveland several times, I have been on Taste Buds with Jen Piccano, and FB live with Stefani Schaefer. I was featured in my high school alumni magazine, I have been featured in the West Shore Sun 3x since 2017 and made the front page in December 2018. I had my first ever published dessert in Cleveland Magazine in December 2018, a flourless Christmas ale torte. I was recently featured on Cleveland.com and in the Cleveland Plain Dealer for my virtual baking classes. I was featured in Country Living Magazine in April 2020 showcasing my live virtual baking classes. My virtual baking classes have connected me with students all over the United States and I recently taught students in Canada India, Hawaii and the Philippines. I was featured on Parade.com on August 7th, 2020 as part of “25 Virtual Cooking Classes to Up your Kitchen Game During Coronavirus”. I was featured on Yelp in August 2020.
Want to host a private class??
I have hosted Team Building events, Girl Scout troops, Bachelorette parties, Family parties, Friends gatherings, Birthdays, Anniversaries and more! Dates fill up fast so if you have a special occasion coming up, reach out ASAP to check on availability. Class sizes are for up to 10 people per class and require a minimum of 5 people to book a private class.
How can you find me?
I am the only baking school in Cleveland and surrounding areas. I am located in a shared building located at 1433 West Bagley Road, Ste, 250 Berea, Ohio 44017. My baking school focuses on smaller hands on baking classes that dive deeper into the baking processes.
Class topics will change seasonally so make sure you are receiving my weekly newsletter and following me on social media for any updates! Everyone works individually in all of my classes and takes home their bakes.
I have been doing library demonstrations locally that anyone can attend. Visit my website for the current list of dates, locations and topics and contact the library to register. YOU MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THESE FREE EVENTS.
Who can take my classes?
My classes are for anyone ages 10 and older and I also host kids Summer baking classes for kids ages 7 and older in the Summer. Summer camp classes sell out earlier each year so don’t wait to sign your kids up!
Please make sure to follow me on FB and IG and on Eventbrite @anniessignaturesweets to see all of my upcoming events, news and places to find me.
Be ready for some fun, laughs and delicious signature sweets! I am excited to bake with you!
Gift cards, recipes and baking gifts are available for purchase on my website.
xoxo
Annie
