Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Permenter.
Hi Alicia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Alicia Permenter, the owner and lead cake artist behind Sweet Elevations Cakes and More—where wedding and celebration dessert experiences are thoughtfully crafted to honor stories and mark life’s most meaningful moments.
My story didn’t begin in the kitchen as a business—it began in the classroom. I spent over 13 years in education, earning my Master’s degree and stepping into leadership roles that allowed me to guide and support others. That work was meaningful, and it will always be a part of who I am. At the same time, there was a growing desire to create in a different way—something more hands-on, more expressive, and more connected to celebration.
Baking had always been present in my life, but it gradually became something more than a hobby—it became a way for me to show up for people during some of their most meaningful moments. Birthdays, weddings, baby showers—each order carried a story, and I found myself deeply connected to that.
What makes that journey even more meaningful is that my skills and creativity are entirely self-taught. I never received formal training in baking or design—everything I’ve created has come from instinct, passion, and a commitment to refining my craft over time.
That connection eventually brought clarity. I realized I wanted to build something that would allow me to serve people in this way, fully.
Sweet Elevations was created from that place of purpose.
Today, I have the honor of working with clients who are celebrating life in all its forms—whether that’s an intimate gathering or a once-in-a-lifetime wedding day. Every cake and dessert design is approached with care, not just in how it looks, but in how it feels for the client. I want each person to feel seen, understood, and confident in the experience we’re creating together.
What matters most to me is how clients are guided throughout the process. I’ve been very intentional about creating an experience that feels supportive and seamless, especially during seasons that can feel overwhelming, like wedding planning. I don’t just want to deliver a cake—I want to bring a sense of ease and reassurance along the way.
And while the design is important, flavor is just as meaningful. There’s something special about seeing a cake not only admired, but truly enjoyed. Those moments—when guests go back for seconds or when clients share how much they loved the taste—those are the things that stay with me.
This journey has also become a family one. My mother works alongside me, and my son joins in when he can. Their presence is a reminder that what I’m building is rooted in something deeper—connection, legacy, and showing up for others in a meaningful way.
Looking back, stepping away from education wasn’t about starting over—it was about expanding how I serve. Today, I’m able to combine structure, creativity, and care into something that feels fully aligned. Being trusted with someone’s celebration is something I hold with a great deal of respect, and it continues to be the most rewarding part of what I do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road—and honestly, I don’t think it’s meant to be.
Transitioning from a structured career in education into entrepreneurship required a different level of trust in myself. In education, there are clear systems, timelines, and expectations. Building Sweet Elevations meant creating those systems from the ground up—while also refining my craft, managing the business side, and learning how to confidently communicate the value of my work.
One of the earlier challenges was understanding how to properly price my work. I knew the level of care, time, and detail that went into each design, but translating that into a sustainable and profitable business model took time. There’s a balance between remaining accessible and honoring the true investment required to deliver a premium experience, and that was something I had to grow into.
There have also been seasons of overextending—wanting to say yes to every opportunity, every client, every idea. Over time, I’ve learned that growth requires boundaries. Not every order aligns with the direction of the brand, and not every “yes” serves the long-term vision.
Another layer is the behind-the-scenes responsibility that many people don’t see. Creating the desserts is just one part. There’s planning, communication, logistics, delivery coordination, and ensuring that everything arrives and presents exactly as intended—especially for weddings and large-scale events where there’s no room for error.
At the same time, each challenge has refined how I operate. It’s strengthened my systems, clarified my brand, and deepened my understanding of the experience I want to provide.
So no, it hasn’t been without its challenges—but each one has played a role in shaping Sweet Elevations into what it is today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Sweet Elevations, I design custom cakes and curated dessert experiences for weddings and meaningful celebrations. My work is rooted in intention—every detail, from the overall design to the flavor pairings, is thoughtfully considered to reflect the tone of the event and the people it’s created for.
I specialize in custom wedding cakes, multi-tier celebration cakes, and refined dessert tables that feel cohesive, elevated, and personal. Many of the clients I work with are not just looking for dessert—they’re looking for something that enhances the overall experience of their event. That might look like a statement cake that anchors the room, or a fully styled dessert table that complements the design, color palette, and flow of the celebration.
What I’m known for is the balance between design and flavor, along with the experience I provide throughout the process. Clients often share that they feel guided and at ease, especially during seasons like wedding planning where there are so many moving parts. I take pride in creating a process that feels clear, supportive, and aligned from the very beginning.
I’m also known for being very intentional behind the scenes. There is a level of structure, planning, and care that goes into each order that most people don’t see—but it’s what allows everything to come together seamlessly on the day of the event.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Being invited into such meaningful moments is something I don’t take lightly. Many of my clients return for multiple celebrations over the years, and that continued connection means a great deal to me.
What sets Sweet Elevations apart is not just the final product—it’s how everything is experienced. From the first inquiry to delivery and setup, my goal is to ensure that each client feels supported, understood, and confident in what we’re creating together. It’s a level of care that goes beyond the cake itself, and that’s what makes the work so meaningful.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is the experience my clients have—from the moment they reach out to the moment their dessert is presented and enjoyed.
I approach each order with the mindset of, “Is this the level of care and attention I would want for myself?” And not just meeting that expectation—but exceeding it. My clients are trusting me with moments that cannot be redone, and that responsibility is something I take very seriously.
That means clear communication, thoughtful guidance, and a process that feels seamless rather than overwhelming. It also means paying attention to the details that may not always be seen, but are felt—timing, presentation, flavor, and how everything comes together on the day of the event.
At its core, it’s about care and intention. I want every client to feel confident in their decision, supported throughout the process, and genuinely excited about what we’re creating together.
When someone looks back on their celebration, I want their experience with Sweet Elevations to feel like it was handled with a level of thoughtfulness and professionalism that allowed them to fully enjoy the moment.
Pricing:
- Custom cake and dessert investments are tailored to each client’s vision, as design, guest count, and overall scope all play a role in the final proposal. For Sweet Elevations, custom celebration cakes typically begin at an investment of $400+, with most designs increasing based on detail and scale. Wedding cake and dessert experiences reflect a more comprehensive scope, with a higher investment. Each order is approached with intention—from design and structure to flavor and presentation—so the investment reflects not just the finished product, but the care and experience provided throughout the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sweetelevationscakesandmore.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweet_elevations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetelevationscakesandmore/
Image Credits
Terri Baskins
JAO Photography
Timeless Media
Love Life Images
JustshootPhotography
