Tyler Cupcake Artist Finds Inspiration in Family While Creating Stylish, Tasty Treats

Original Story by Jessica T. Payne From ETXview.com
Photography by Les Hassell and Courtesy of Lily Cakes | Jul 27, 2023

Lily Cakes specializes in floral cupcakes for weddings, parties and special celebrations.

Courtesy/Lily Cakes

Marcela Dent, owner of Tyler-based floral cupcake business Lily Cakes, takes her role as mother and wife very seriously. So much so she named the business after her daughter Lily Savannah. As a single mother of a 5-year-old son, Dent dreamt of being a full-time mom, wife, and entrepreneur. After meeting Robert at their mutual place of employment, those dreams began to come true.

“Being a mom was my biggest motivation to become an entrepreneur. I dreamed of finding a job that would allow me to be a full-time mom and wife and at the same time develop as a woman,” Dent said. “And I discovered my passion for turning edible treats into art in my home kitchen.”

After two years of marriage, the couple found out they were blessed with a little girl on the way. They named their daughter Lily – a nod to Dent’s favorite flower.

“As we got closer to starting the business and deciding on a name, our son Santiago asked if we could name it Lily Cakes after his little sister,” she said. “We all looked at each other and agreed.”

“While some may see just a cupcake, the person placing the order sees a favorite flower, or a memory they shared with someone, or the celebration of life – and that is what makes me love doing what I do…”Marcela Dent.

Courtesy/Lily Cakes

Finding Strength
Through Family

Dent said since starting the business in February 2022, which offers bespoke floral cupcakes with buttercream with vanilla or chocolate cake, it has been filled with many adventures and daily challenges. But in those challenges, she has found strength with the help of her family.

“Finding a balance is necessary to exercise each role at home. But I can assure you that the support of the family is essential for success and to ensure everything goes in the best direction,” she said. “In my case, my husband is a wonderful partner on this journey. He and I signed a great team to move Lily Cakes forward. My family has an incredible way of helping me see who I am and at many times it is the most amazing psychological strength I’ve found.”

Dent said creating Lily Cakes cupcakes takes a lot of patience and precision – from baking fresh, delicious cupcakes to coloring her special buttercream recipe to create the beautiful edible petals. All the petals and succulents are hand-piped.

Bringing Joy with Handmade Floral Treats

Dent takes pride in making each order personalized, designed and made with love, care and attention to detail.

Courtesy/Lily Cakes

Dent expressed gratitude for being able to bring joy to not only her own family through Lily Cakes, but also the joy brought to her customers and their families through her work.

“... I had a customer order the number trays for a mother's 70th birthday; this mother who had the birthday had her house filled with butterflies as her mother loved them and it just reminded her of her mother. One of the details that we just happened to add to this order was a butterfly on one of the blooms. We were told when they opened the box there was not a dry eye in the room as everyone knew the significance,” she said.

“I can't tell you how many times I have opened the door to my home to give an order and received a big hug or a smile from ear to ear,” Dent added. “While some may see just a cupcake, the person placing the order sees a favorite flower, or a memory they shared with someone, or the celebration of life – and that is what makes me love doing what I do.

“It really boils down to the special times and memories shared together as a family.”

Dent takes pride in making each order personalized, designed and made with love, care and attention to detail.

“Most of my clients tell me that it is difficult for them to take the first bite of such a beautiful flower, but after trying them they fall in love with the flavor,” she said. “We believe taste is as important as style, which is why only the finest and freshest ingredients are used. A selection of enchanting, handcrafted floral cupcakes will make a perfect gift or a stunning centerpiece at any event.”