Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Pendergast
Hi Melanie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi! My name is Melanie Pendergast and I am the founder and cake artist of Sweet Pea Cakery LA. I’m excited to share my story with you all.
Baking started as a hobby, I jumped at the chance when there was an opportunity to make a dessert for a dinner party, bake sale or just because, but I quickly became captivated when you combine simple yet quality ingredients to make something so delicious and versatile. I was also inspired by the creativity of competitive cake shows and Cupcake Wars. While I’m mostly self-taught, I learned the basics and honed my skills through a few in-person classes and countless online tutorials. Once I gained confidence, I began experimenting with various edible mediums, blending flavors and designs in ways that let my creativity soar. Little did I know, I would one day start a business as a cake artist and baker.
Life took an unexpected turn when I met my husband in Phoenix, AZ, and about a year and a half later, we moved abroad to Hong Kong for his job. With his demanding work hours, I found myself with extra time on my hands, which allowed me to explore new interests. I quickly fell in love with the local pastries and the incredible variety of desserts from around the world. The cakes and sweets I encountered were often more focused on flavor than on being overly sweet. At that time, I knew very little about cake decorating—my knowledge was limited to the rustic sheer trend at the time.
Wanting to make the most of my time, I decided to sign up for a basic cake decorating class with a friend. We approached it casually, seeing it as a fun way to spend an evening and learn something new. But what started as a light interest soon blossomed into a passion.
That class introduced me to the world of cake artistry. I became eager to learn everything I could, including tweaking recipes to create unique flavors and textures. I spent hours watching tutorials, attending advanced workshops, and practicing whenever I could. Before long, I was designing cakes that surpassed anything I had ever imagined. It was no longer just about baking a good cake; it became a way to tell a story through every detail, resulting in creations that were not only beautiful but also delicious.
Sweet Pea Cakery LA officially launched when we relocated back to the United States, this time settling in La Canada Flintridge, CA. My husband and I are proud parents of two girls and a boy, and our furry and feathered pets. Balancing motherhood and running a small business was no easy task, but with the unwavering support of my family, I turned my passion for baking and cake art into a thriving venture.
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?
The joy of creating beautiful cakes often comes with the hard reality of sacrifice and challenges. But each challenge has taught me valuable lessons in perseverance, time management, and setting boundaries.
Time management has been one of the toughest hurdles. With my husband’s demanding work and travel schedule, and our kids busy with soccer and dance, finding balance is a daily challenge. When I met with Austin Cross on LAist *AirTalk* for a Wedding Cake Tasting segment earlier in January, he asked, “Where do you find the time?” I couldn’t help but laugh and reply, “What is time?”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Sweet Pea Cakery, we create more than just cakes; we craft memorable experiences. I specialize in bespoke cakes that blend timeless elegance with a modern, minimalist aesthetic, perfect for weddings and special occasions. Each creation is made with the finest, freshest ingredients—like premium vanilla—ensuring that every bite is as delightful as the design.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to personalizing each cake, reflecting the unique stories and memories of our clients. From sophisticated wedding cakes to playful yet refined children’s cakes, my designs strike the perfect balance of artistry and flavor, elevating any celebration. This dedication to authenticity and joy makes Sweet Pea Cakery a cherished choice for life’s special moments.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is from my fourth birthday. I wore a ruffled, tiered lavender dress adorned with tiny florets, and my mom surprised me with an incredible two-tier Care Bear cake on pillars. It was beautifully decorated with piped stars and swirls of carnation pink and sky blue buttercream, complete with trick relighting candles for added fun. That magical moment left a lasting impression. That cake, crafted with love, wasn’t just a delicious treat; it sparked my lifelong passion for baking and cake artistry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sweetpeacakeryla.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeacakeryla
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetpeacakeryla
Image Credits
Teri B Photography
Madison Ellis
