Growing up, I watched both my parents excel in the television industry and always knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. I graduated from college with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and jumped right into a career at a media consulting firm, where I moderated focus groups for various media companies—something I continue to do today on a freelance basis.

As much as I love working in television, it doesn’t quite satisfy my yearning for a creative outlet. I’ve always had a passion for baking, and making and decorating cakes has kind of come naturally to me.

A few years ago, I really started to take the time to teach myself the tricks of the trade and make the best tasting cakes around. Before I knew it, my hobby took off and a year ago I launched Cake by Courtney, a website and Instagram account where I share my favorite recipes, offer tips for making and decorating cakes, produce cake decorating videos, and showcase my creations.

Style

I moved around the country quite a bit in my youth and have had many opportunities to travel as an adult as well. I’d like to think all of those experiences have had a hand in developing who I am as a person, which in turn has helped me define and cultivate my personal style.

I’d say my style is more on the classic side, but I love to infuse bohemian and preppy elements. On a typical day, you’ll find me wearing skinny jeans, slip-on vans or ankle boots, and a soft button down shirt, like the Courier Shirt from Madewell. In full disclosure, I actually own five of those shirts in different colors and prints. It’s my go-to. It puts a modern twist on an old classic, and who doesn’t love a good button down? I also love that this shirt makes me feel put together, even on my most disheveled days.

Beauty

I’m fairly new to Utah, having moved here less than two years ago from California. Needless to say the dry climate has been a huge adjustment for my skin. I’ve had to completely up my hydration game, particularly for my face and neck. My favorite moisturizer is Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Cream. I use it morning and night and have seen a big improvement.

I also can’t live without Benefit’s “They’re Real” mascara for my naturally blonde eye lashes, Georgio Armani’s luminous and maestro foundations for creating an even skin tone, and Maybelline’s Baby Lips moisturizing lip balm in “Cherry Me” for a subtle hint of color.

Off-Duty

When I’m not on the road for work or in the kitchen baking, you can find me with my children: seven-year-old Westin and three-year-old Avery, and husband, Ryan, looking for a good time. We’re big sports fans and attend as many live events as we can (it was hard to leave our LA teams behind). We also love traveling and exploring new places together, especially if there’s fabulous food involved.

Living in Switzerland and eating our way through Europe for a summer will forever be one of my fondest memories. To balance all the sweets in my life, I love to stay active and am always looking for a new and challenging workout. My current loves are TRX, Barre, and High Fitness. Although, truth be told, dance parties with my two littles bring the best kind of sweat, the kind that comes with lots of giggles and hugs.

As told to Utah Bride & Groom. 

Follow Courtney on Instagram for a daily slice of sweetness.