In the same year as being named Cake Designer of the Year by the Ontario Wedding Awards and claiming a 2020 International Wedding Award, Justine Martin, owner of Sudbury’s Guilty Pleasures Bakeshop has been named a finalist for the Rising Star Canada Award at the 2020 American Cake Awards, alongside five other respected Canadian sugar artists.
This award recognizes up and coming cake artists from across Canada. There are two additional “Rising Star” categories for professionals hailing from America and Mexico. Winners for each region will be announced at an awards gala in Miami, Florida in April 2021.
Finalists were chosen based on nominations and were required to submit a personal statement and portfolio of work which will be considered by the American Cake Awards Team.
The esteemed judging panel includes industry elites such as regular Food Network judge, Nicholas Lodge, three-time Food Network champion and multi-series host, Karen Portaleo, and acclaimed Toronto cake artist, Susan Trianos. Overall, the American Cake Awards received 3095 nominations.
“Like most small businesses, we’ve been struggling over the last six months to keep our heads above water,” said Martin, in a press release.
“I’ve been forced to make some challenging decisions about the management and future of the bakeshop and business pleasures have been few and far between. This nomination would always have been appreciated, but the news was especially welcome during such a turbulent time, serving as a reminder of the enduring support of our community.
“To be recognized in such a capacity after less than three years in business is both incredibly humbling and encouraging. I want to sincerely thank the person or people who graciously nominated us for The American Cake Awards.”
