Hi, I’m Melissa McChesney, but you probably know me as Melvira! I’ve been decorating cakes in Lost Nation Iowa for about four years, and after spending a little time at the Wilton website trying to find some information, I saw a link to Cake Central and have never looked back. I was an addict from day one! My repertoire includes cakes, cookies, candy, breads, bars, and just about anything that can be baked, but I have recently become somewhat well known for what is affectionately called ‘The Melvira Method’. (Using a foam roller to create perfectly smooth icing on cakes.) I have been absolutely astounded and flattered by the amount of positive feedback I have received from all of my wonderful friends at CC, and this has urged me to seriously consider starting my own line of products to bring more of my ideas to fruition!

On a personal note, I have been married to a wonderfully supportive man for five years, and have one beautiful son. Originally, cake decorating was ‘just a hobby’, then I took a few paying jobs in my spare time (what’s that??). In ‘05 after an ultrasound showed that my son would be born with a cleft lip and palate, we decided I would quit my ‘real job’ to be a SAHM and caregiver, and the cake business became an excellent way to earn some extra money! After two surgeries, my son Alex is a peppy, happy, ‘normal’ little boy, and I am enjoying success as a baker/sugar artist. Feel free to visit my website at www.sweetcakesonline.net, and, as always, your feedback is appreciated!

I’d like to say thank you to all of you out in CC land for inspiring me, pushing me to work harder, and embrace new techniques that were previously out of my comfort zone. You have helped me grow and blossom into what I hope you will agree is a relatively solid decorator! Although I still have many things to master, I know with help from you, I can do almost anything!

-- Melvira