This week's vendor highlight is Simon Lee.
Visit them at www.simonleebakery.com

How long have you been in business?

My partner Jad and I formed Simon Lee Bakery in 1996.   We met each other a few
years earlier while working at another popular bakery in Austin.  Although each of us
emigrated from different parts of the world, we both have tremendous passion for
creating an art out of baking cakes.  I inherited much of my baking talents and
“DNA” from my mother.   Jad has been in the baking business for almost all his life. 
With a combined 30  years of experience and inspiration, Jad and I make an
exceptional team in helping the brides and grooms to design and create their own
unique wedding cakes

What drew you to your profession?

For all my life I have always enjoyed planning special events such as family
gatherings and birthdays. When I began planning for my wedding many years ago,
I realized that it was something I loved to be a part of.  I graduated from UT with
a business degree and spent a number of years working at banks; but I knew that
my true passion lay in doing things “hands-on”.  I later found work at a local Austin
bakery where I met my partner Jad and seriously began a “baking” career.  We later
decided to open our own bakery to expand upon our own creativity independently.

What is the best part about your job?

We love our jobs.  We got the best jobs in the world.  We are so fortunate to have
a chance to create something sweet and memorable for the brides and grooms every
weekend.  We get to be artists and at the same time help others to celebrate their
wonderous moments.  I’m still so thrilled when a bride calls or e-mails me telling me
how happy she is with her cake. I’m thankful for being a small part of such a great
occasion in people’s lives and this has meant more to me than I could possibly put
into words. Here is an e-mail I received from a bride that makes all the long hours
worth it:

"Hi Judy!!!!!!!! I cannot even begin to tell you how AMAZING and
breathtaking and FABULOUS and WONDERFUL those cakes were
Saturday night.  Mine was the first thing I saw when I came up those stairs
and I was just STUNNED.  I literally could not stop staring at it.  And it
wasn't just me - ALL my guests were just in awe of both cakes.  It was by
far one of my most favorite things of the entire day.  Just EXACTLY what
I wanted.  I wish I could just give you the biggest hug to show how
appreciative we are of your amazing talent.  Ah I just can't go on enough!!!
You and Simon are just AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank
you from the bottom of our hearts.”

With all your experience, what bit of advice would you like to share?

Follow your passion, do what you love and things will work out in the end. 

What is your favorite wedding experience?

I have worked with so many fabulous couples, but there are a few that I remember
the most because of their love for each other.   When an elderly couple came in with
their granddaughter, I thought they were helping her to plan for her wedding cake.
It turned out that they were actually planning their own wedding! They were high
school sweethearts but were separated when the groom entered the Army to fight
in World War II. The bride married another man and they went their own ways.
After their spouses passed away, they met again for the first time since their
childhood at their local church. They fell in love again and the rest is history.  The
way this couple loving and caring for each other deeply touched my heart and
truly lift up my spirit every time I think about them.  I love happy endings!

It's great getting to know my vendors even better,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com