HOPE'S CAKES
FOR WEDDINGS & PARTIES
Cleveland + Dayton
Frequently Asked Questions
"Do you deliver cakes?"
Yes, and sometimes without a price. For example, if one were to order a wedding cake from me and I had already been invited to attend the wedding, I would bring the cake to the venue without any cost to them, since I would already be there. However, some situations are stickier. This is why it is important to reserve dates ahead of time. Additionally, since Dayton and Cleveland are over three hours apart from each other and I have several day jobs, I need to be contacted in advance so that I can measure whether or not I will be able to travel to your location.
"How early can I order a cake?"
It's never too early, my friend. It can be too late, though. I'm a little more lenient because I have a small business, but always order as soon as possible. I'd hate to be booked already and have to reject a potential client. For weddings, it is smartest to book eight months in advance. Although, I can do as late as two weeks prior. For less formal events, about a week will suffice.
"Why do wedding cakes have a deposit?"
Most businesses charge at least a $100 deposit. Mine is half of that. Deposits exist because of scheduling, meetings, and the possibility of someone ordering a cake and never picking it up.
"What if I decide I like other decorators better after we've met?"
'Follow me, it will be alright. I'll be the one to tuck you in at night and if you wanna leave I can guarantee you won't find nobody else like me.' I'm kidding-- it's cool. Follow your heart.
"What forms of payment do you accept?"
Anything but debit/credit cards. I like cash, and checks are cool, too. Checks should be made payable to Hope Ezell.
"Do you use fondant? What is it?"
I am going to explain to you, in complete detail. From a baker's perspective, fondant can be either amazing or downright miserable to use. It is a dough-like substance that can be put on a cake over the icing to create a clean look, like a canvas. Decorations can also be made out of this. In fact, my ocean cake in the gallery has a sun made of fondant. While fondant may look pretty, not everyone likes fondant. Many people find it too sweet. In my opinion, I prefer the taste of icing. However, some fondants do taste good.
"Can I trust you?"
You've got a friend in me. You've got a friend in me. You got troubles, and I got 'em, too. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you. We stick together, we can see it through, 'cause you got a friend in me. You've got a friend in me. Some other folks may be a little bit smarter than I am, bigger and stronger, too. But none of them will ever love you the way I do, it's me and you, boy. And as the years go by, our friendship will never die. You're gonna see it's our destiny. You've got a friend in me. You've got a friend in me. You've got a friend in me!
But really! Anyone who knows me can tell you that I care A LOT about events-- especially showers and weddings! I will help in any way possible. I truly want your events to be perfect. It's the least I can do!
"Aren't bakeries more reliable? Why should I hire you?"
Generally, bakeries are more reliable. However, not all businesses run from home are the same. Many bakers who work from home do not have a backup plan if they are to get sick or injured, which could mean one might not get their cake when they want. However, I do have a backup plan. I have multiple forms of transportation in case of an emergency, and I have friends and family who can help me if something were to go wrong. If I were to get sick on the day of delivery, someone else would deliver the product. There is no reason you shouldn't receive your cake.
"Can you make cakes like the Cake Boss?"
For your sake and mine, probably not. I would need a lot more notice to master an art like that in time for your event. It would take a lot of experimenting, which adds a lot more to your price tag. What would have been cheaper than going to a bakery would rise above $1,000. Also, those cakes are more likely to fall, crack, and basically leaves more room for disaster. If you want a cake that big, you should probably go to a bigger company.
"What do you do outside of baking?"
I am finishing a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy at Cleveland State University some time in the next year. I love all things music; I regularly sing and play guitar on CSU Cru's worship team, I was a member of CSU Chorale, and I occasionally sing at gigs.
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When I am not hunched over a guitar or piano or organizing my sheet music, I like to write on my blog, study the Bible, read books, and watch Disney and DreamWorks movies (and reality television, which I know is fake, but I don't care).