Sweet Harmony Cakes

Like many of my baking colleagues, my story of how I became a cake decorator is no where near ordinary. Born in Lethbridge, Canada, I began my violin studies at age two with my parents. Intensely focused on my violin studies, I graduated from the Walnut Hill School for the Performing Arts in Boston, and the New England Conservatory Preparatory School. I completed my Bachelor degree with Honorary Distinction at McGill University, and received my Masters in Music at the Shepherd School of Music, Rice University.

I made my solo debut at the age of 16 with the Lowell Symphony Orchestra playing the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. I took bronze in the 2010 Canadian Music Competition in Edmonton, Alberta, and was the finalist in the New England Conservatory Concerto Competition. In 2011, I was a finalist of the McGill String Concerto Competition, performing the Glazunov Violin Concerto. In the summer of 2011, I performed a solo recital in Rio, Brazil as part of the Concertos Finep series. I also soloed with the Orford Academy Orchestra, performing Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5. During the summer of 2013, I studied with Pinchas Zukerman at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Canada. With NEC, I performed in tours in Italy and China. I performed in Carnegie Hall and in 2008, was a featured performer on the National live radio show “From the Top”.

August 2013, during my second year of studies at Rice University, I was diagnosed with a disorder called Focal Dystonia, ending my life dream of becoming a professional violinist. Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that affects a group of muscles in a specific part of the body, causing involuntary muscular contractions and abnormal postures. In the summer of 2015, I cycled 300 miles in 4 days from London to Paris to raise funds and awareness for the Dystonia Society.

Unable to pursue a performance career, and wanting to remain a sense of comfort in the musical world, I became the Receptionist & Administrative Assistant at the Shepherd School of Music and later took the position of Director of Music External Affairs. Always having an interest in baking and cake decorating, I began to bake cakes for family, close friends and coworkers on the weekends. What once was only thought of as a way to satisfy my creativeness and desire to always perfect a craft, my hobby eventually grew into a side business and I am delighted to launch Sweet Harmony Cakes.

I live in Houston, Texas with my husband and personal photographer Ernest Flores, and our German Pointer named Pongo. I was a winner in The 2020 Most Merry Gingerbread Decorating contest with Central Market, Houston.

Check out my recent feature on ShoutoutHTX!