- SKY GILBAR/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Cynthia Oakes is the owner of Cakes Galore, a Fredericksburg custom cake shop

Date published: 9/13/2006

C ynthia O akes, age 38

Cynthia Oakes is the owner of Cakes Galore, a Fredericksburg custom cake shop.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I have lived in Fredericksburg since I was in the third grade. I grew up in Spotswood Estates and graduated from Courtland High School.

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Professional Studies from Mary Washington College in 2002.

FAMILY: Husband, Toby; sons, Bobby, 17, and Jamie, 16; stepdaughter, Arlissa, 20.

CAREER HISTORY: Previously worked in the accounting field until she completed her degree. Last position was the director of human resources for the Pratt Medical Center. Began Cakes Galore in her home several years ago, until it outgrew her kitchen and she opened up the bakery on Plank Road in June 2005.

FIRST JOB: Arby's

WORST JOB: Working in a warehouse packing crates while pregnant. It was tedious work that required me to be on my swollen feet all day.

HOW DID YOU END UP STARTING YOUR BUSINESS? I always wanted to own and operate my own business, and after much research I was confident that a custom cake shop would be successful. I wrote a business plan and put it into action. I was fortunate enough to have a supportive husband who was able to solely provide for our family while I got the business up and running.

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR BUSINESS IS CHANGING THE MOST? Customers are no longer content with a "standard" sheet cake. They come to our store looking for a customized creation that people will "ooh" and "ahh" over.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Working really hard on a customized cake and seeing customers get really excited when they pick it up. It is very satisfying to know the customer is pleased, and makes all the hard work worthwhile. I also really enjoy working with my mom, who is our baker. We have a great time together. (Well, most of the time!)

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT THE BUSINESS CLIMATE HERE? It is very supportive of small businesses.

Date published: 9/13/2006