Michelle Ware, sugar artist and Air Force Veteran (Michelle Ware)
As a bakery owner and sugar artist specializing in pâtisserie, or French pastries, Michelle Ware creates customized sugar work that is both delicious and aesthetic. What makes her bakery stand out is the artistic aspect she brings to her craft. Michelle is not only a talented artist and seasoned baker, she is also an Air Force Veteran who served in Europe, stationed at Morón Air Base, Spain in 2010. All the beauty of the European countryside and culture helped her art journey, while the military helped mold her as a person.
Ware serving in the Air Force (Michelle Ware)
Michelle says, “I have always had a love for the arts, but never thought I had the talent to pursue it. Serving in the military taught me an abundance of things about myself, and most importantly, it reminded me that I have limitless potential. Being a veteran gave me the confidence to step outside of my box and explore a completely different world.”
In the military, Michelle excelled in a male-dominant field under Security Forces as a Criminal Investigator and did public speaking regularly. The confidence she built kept her from limiting herself in any aspect of life and acted as a catalyst to pursuing her artistic and business goals as a civilian.
Ware serving in the Air Force (Michelle Ware)
Michelle used her GI Bill to obtain a master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice while serving. Once discharged, she used her remaining benefits to attend culinary school with a focus in pâtisserie. Though vastly different educations, both benefited her greatly. Before the military, these dreams were only aspirational. Afterward, they became real and doable.
Serving in Europe planted its own seeds in Michelle’s life. She says, “So much of their history is preserved in their everyday buildings and streets. When I left base, there was a huge sunflower field I passed to drive into town. Along the way were many statues, cathedrals, castles, bullrings; it was a privilege to experience it all. Unbeknownst to me, my time in Spain planted a seed for my future.”
Ware in Granada, Spain (Michelle Ware)
Today, Michelle resides in Arizona with her husband and two children. She owns Devils Food Cakery where she creates custom sugar products such as cookies, cakes and more for holidays, celebrations and sugar-lovers alike. She utilizes skills developed in the military daily. One example of this is public speaking: she delivers sugar decorating classes to the community, which has become a cornerstone of her business. She is very active in her community as a business owner, mother, and veteran. The future is bright for Ms. Ware as she blazes her own trail and sets a good example for those who have served and are looking to serve and all the opportunities it can bring.
Visit Michelle on Instagram @devilsfoodcakery
Ware’s custom sugar work (Michelle Ware)
Ware’s custom sugar work (Michelle Ware)
Hand carved custom elephant cake (Michelle Ware)
