By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
Two women came together to combine their passions in the middle of a pandemic. A love of cakes and crafts blossomed into a unique bakery. In August 2020, the Craft Cakery joined the community of businesses making up Linwood’s Central Square.
Christina Ring and Lisa Smith were two moms with kids in the same class. They agreed to grab a cup of coffee together, and talked for so long they were “forced to leave because Starbucks was closing.” Christina, an editor with a deep passion for cake-making, and Lisa, a stay-at-home mom who loved getting creative with her kids, both dreamed of a place in Atlantic County where you could bake something sweet and make something magical.
When they decided to turn their dream into a reality, Lisa and Christina got to work developing business plans, researching best practices, and securing their ideal location in the heart of Central Square. Their opening was soft, and everyone celebrating was socially distanced. Under their masks, however, they were grinning ear to ear. “We get to work with our best friends and be creative,” said Lisa. “That’s the greatest gift.”
“We didn’t settle,” said Christina. “We knew what we wanted and where we wanted to be, and it all came together. We are living our dream.”
Of course, their opening was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the owners were unable to host some of the events they originally had in mind. Lisa had to limit crafts to groups who had been quarantining together, and Christina had fewer events to create cakes for. Nevertheless, the Crafty Cakery grew to become a go-to spot for delicious fun. The business got to work creating treats for mini weddings, birthday celebrations, and engagement get-togethers.
“It brings me so much joy for kids, who think they couldn’t decorate a cake, to look onto their creation and feel proud of themselves,” said Christina.
Today, when you walk into the Crafty Cakery, you’re hit immediately with the aroma of cinnamon and cake batter. It makes you want to sink in a soft chair and cozy up with a blanket. You take notice of the long tables in the front of the store, where families and friends ice cakes or apply glitter together. The wreaths on the wall are seasonal and homemade. As you move deeper into the shop, you spot colorful cupcakes with flavors like Nutter Butter, Caramel Apple, and Vanilla Cookie. You are greeted by a woman covered in flour and with a whisk in hand, welcoming you to the store.
The nontraditional bakery has plenty of events for families and friends, such as cupcake decorating, wreath making, wooden pumpkin building, and many more. “Despite COVID, we live up to our slogan, which is to create together,” said Lisa. “We love to learn and share what we learn with kids and adults.”
For more information or to sign up for an event, visit www.thecraftycakery.com.
