Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Hodson.
Hi Leah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am the owner of The Little Things Bakery. I graduated from the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute in 2012. From there, I moved to Santa Barbara where I worked at Your Cake Baker and trained under Wayne Kjar, son of local legend, Henning Kjar.
Henning’s Wedding Cake Boutique was owned by the Kjar family from 1970 through early 2005. If you got married during that time period in Santa Barbara there is a high chance you had a Henning’s cake. His son, Wayne, sold Henning’s Wedding Cake Boutique and then ended up opening his own bakery called Your Cake Baker, here on the Mesa.
The Little Things Bakery opened their doors in 2019 in the same location where Wayne had run Your Cake Baker for many years. All the classic recipes that Henning and Wayne used for their cakes and buttercreams have now been passed down to The Little Things Bakery where we continue their legacy and continue to make their delicious cakes.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning a business comes with challenges, and obstacles are an inevitable part of the journey. What matters most is how those challenges are approached and overcome. I strive to handle every situation with professionalism, a positive attitude, and my best effort, always remaining committed to providing the highest level of service and artistry as possible.
For me, cake decorating is more than just a profession. It is a creative outlet and a true passion. It allows me to express creativity while bringing my clients’ visions to life. Even through the challenges that come with running a business, I remain dedicated to creating meaningful and memorable work for every customer.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in custom cake recreations, where clients provide a design inspiration photo and I bring that vision to life through cake artistry. One of the aspects I enjoy most about my work is the challenge of transforming an image into an edible creation while maintaining both beauty and structural integrity.
As artificial intelligence has become more integrated into everyday life, I have noticed an increasing number of customers sending AI-generated cake designs for inspiration. This has introduced a new challenge within the industry: helping customers understand the difference between what can be digitally illustrated and what can realistically be achieved with cake and edible materials. While AI can create stunning and imaginative concepts, food does not always behave the way it is portrayed in generated images. Part of my role is educating clients on what is possible while finding creative ways to capture the essence of the design and deliver a beautiful final product.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Word of mouth is one of the most meaningful ways that friends, family, and community members can support a small business. Sharing where you purchased your cake when it is served at an event helps introduce us to new customers and allows us to be a part of their special occasions as well.
We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received from our community throughout the years. The relationships we have built with our customers have been instrumental to our growth, and we feel truly honored and welcomed to call the Mesa our home. Your continued support allows us to do what we love and serve the community that has embraced us so warmly.
Pricing:
- 6″ round starts at $65
- 8″ round starts at $95
- 1/4 Sheet starts at $100
- Cupcakes start at $4 each
- Tiered Cakes start at $10 per serving
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelittlethingsbakerysb.com/
- Instagram: thelittlethingsbakerysb
- Facebook: thelittlethingsbakerysb
- Yelp: The Little Things Bakery
