Meet April Brockman | Cake Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with April Brockman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi April, what is the most important factor behind your success?
For me, the most important factor behind the success of Guelph Cakes has been building a brand rooted in connection. Yes, the piping techniques and aesthetic matter – but it’s the heart behind the work that people respond to.

I’ve always treated cakes as more than just dessert – they’re a way to tell a story, mark a moment, and bring people together. Whether it’s a wedding, a baby shower, or someone fighting cancer who just wants to celebrate life with a beautiful cake- I try to make every one feel personal and full of intention.

I think people feel that – and that’s what builds community. Honestly, that’s what’s made this little cake business as successful as it’s become.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I like to think of what I do as storytelling through buttercream. I pay close attention to what my customers are envisioning for their celebration, and I do my best to infuse that feeling into the design.

I didn’t train professionally or come from a culinary background – I started by making cakes for my children and fell in love with vintage piping styles. Somewhere in the mix of motherhood, creativity, and trusting my instincts, Guelph Cakes was born.

What sets my work apart are the design details and the heart that goes into each cake. I’m not focused on elaborate flavors or trendy pairings – my cakes are about aesthetic and emotion. They’re meant to be part of the decor, part of the moment, part of the memory. I’ve always had an eye for design, and I pour that natural instinct into every swirl and ruffle.

More than anything, I want my work to make people feel something – joy, nostalgia, celebration, connection. That’s the energy I try to infuse into every cake, and that’s what’s made this journey so meaningful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Honestly… if my best friend was visiting, we might just end up booking a spontaneous flight to Tulum. I’m that girl — always up for a quick escape and a change of scenery. I love a beach, I love a vibe, and some of the best memories come from not overthinking it. Picture vibrant streets, fresh ceviche, and a dancefloor under the stars — I’m all in.

But if we’re staying local, I’d plan the kind of slow, feel-good day that fills your cup. We’d start with a morning coffee from Sunday Blooms, then pop into Rug & Weave, Sweet Violets, or Grit & Grace for a little inspiration and beauty. Lunch would be at Crazy Carrot or Panini Pressed — depending on whether we’re in a juice-and-wrap or cheesy-panini kind of mood.

In the afternoon, we’d wander through the farmers market or sit by the river at The Boathouse with iced teas and scones. And to end the day? Cocktails and dinner at La Reina, lots of laughs, and of course… cake.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I first stumbled into cake making — especially vintage cake styles — I had no formal background, no plan, and honestly didn’t even watch many videos. It just sort of found me. But early on, I came across an artist whose work really stood out. I reached out a couple times, asked for advice here and there, and she was always so kind and generous with her tips.

@cake.coutureco, thank you for that early encouragement. You probably didn’t even realize how much those small moments mattered, but they did. And I’ll always be grateful. 💗

Instagram: @guelphcakes

Image Credits
Mary.gracephotos