Every now and then you come across an extraordinary human. Someone who, at a young age, has figured out how to live a well-balanced, purposeful, and enjoyable life. Anne Transier is just such a person. While competing as an NCAA Division I golfer, Anne earned a double major in marketing and finance. Post-college, Anne embarked on a rewarding career as a project manager at a very successful small business. Anne works hard, and it shows.

I had to learn how a Gen Z’er cracked life’s code so I asked my daughter Ensley how I should approach the situation. Ensley advised me to be brave and order cake pops from Cakes by Anne for her and her siblings to share. Certainly after that, Ensley theorized, we would get to the bottom of this. The cake pops arrived, and I can only describe them as the epitome of decadent deliciousness. The chocolate, rich and moist. The vanilla, sweet and savory. A divine sensory experience indeed. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Anne, and she shared with me how she discovered that baking, golfing, and family were the keys to happiness.

When it comes to the design of her cakes, cake pops, and cupcakes, Anne follows a process. The process can be traced back to her childhood, when she and her family enjoyed watching baking shows together. I can relate, as the show always on at our house is called "Is It Cake?" Look it up if you dare. Anne went on to explain that these days, just operating in a modern kitchen requires a certain amount of knowledge and technical prowess.

"I love that there is so much science and technique required to bake a cake properly, but I also love having a vision for a cake's look and executing it. There are a lot of tired days and long nights, but I’m doing something I’m passionate about, so I don’t have any regrets.”

Anne takes a unique tack, concentrating primarily on the process once she has settled on a design. She has trust in her process. That comes as no surprise given that Anne has been baking since middle school. The saying "do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life" came to mind as I learned more about Anne and her process.

Creating culinary delights is in her blood; Anne’s mother was at one time a cake decorator. As you can imagine, this has come in handy more than once. Anne is part of a tight-knit family, and she jumps at any chance to work with them.

"My mom’s cakes are adorable, and she has a great time decorating them! I really enjoy the times when we both contribute to the cakes."

For Anne, the most memorable cake orders were never about the cakes themselves but rather the time spent with family. It quickly became obvious that this is a theme that runs through Anne’s life. In this day and age, it is refreshing to see someone with such strong family values.

Baked goodies are an integral part of the Christmas holiday season. For Christmas orders, Anne put together a solid line-up of items in addition to the specialty cake orders. One of the things Anne loves about baking over the holiday season is the opportunity to get creative and try out new recipes or techniques. All of Anne’s cake designs are impressive; however, the Christmas selection sets the bar even higher.

"For me, the holidays are a chance to have fun and get creative. I frequently sketch ideas and do my best to bring them to life. I enjoy putting in the extra time and effort to ensure that my clients receive a truly one-of-a-kind cake. I like minimal designs, so when a complex design is requested, I will typically present alternatives that match my style and the aesthetic that they’re looking for.”

In both design and life, simplicity is often considered to be better than complexity. In the cake design game, using fewer colors or elements can create a more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing result. When looking at Anne’s cakes, the idea of "less is more" comes to mind. You can see the thought, consideration, and importance of each element and color used. Out of her process, a natural elegance emerges that is both pleasing to the eye, the soul, and the taste buds!

It is no small feat to play golf at an NCAA Division I school while earning a double major. The ancient Greeks believed in the concept of "soma se sôma," which translates to "a healthy body leads to a healthy mind." The modern student-athlete is a couple thousand years' refinement of that idea, and Anne Transier is Exhibit A. Intelligent. Measured. Strong. Anne finds enjoyment in the physical and mental challenges of golf but values the sense of connection it provides with her family. Golf allows Anne to spend quality time with loved ones despite her busy schedule.

"Working and baking take up most of my time. When I do have free time, however, I am playing golf with my Dad!"

As I settled into a pleasant cake pop-induced food coma, I was struck by an epiphany. Art truly does imitate life. Anne’s delicious delicacies are a reflection of both her life and personality. So, if you have an important event that requires meticulous attention to detail, consider supporting a local small business and give Cakes by Anne a try. She delivers a wow factor that leaves an indelible impression!