Sweet Style with Tessa Huff

Tessa Huff was the owner of a specialty cake shop in Sacramento, California. She worked for four years creating recipes and designing cakes that would set her apart. Huff then began a food blog, which gained an international audience and would later write a cookbook. We interviewed Huff in 2017 and talked to her about how she went from running a bakery to starting her blog and how her faith influences her work.

Huff shares how blogging has broadened her fan base and stretched her to become more creative including doing photography and food styling.

“I started blogging after closing the bakery. I was losing my local clients, so I joined the online community of food bloggers. The big difference was that even though I was still making cakes and pastries, nobody was there to eat them! So, while I was providing the recipes and methods online, I quickly learned that I needed the stunning photos and styling to get people excited about making my recipes themselves. In between closing my bakery and starting my blog I had the wonderful opportunity to assist as a food styling on a friend’s cookbook. Being in the photography studio every day for a week styling and decorating cakes was a total game changer for me. I didn’t know much about the publishing world, but I knew that this is where I wanted to be. I wanted to create my own cookbook. Also, my brother is a very talented photographer. He generously set me up with his old camera and helped me get started. I took a few photography workshops, but most of it was trial and error and lots of practice.”

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
    and he delivers them.

 Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Fear the Lord, you his holy people,
    for those who fear him lack nothing.” Psalm 34:7-9

Huff reflects on what faith looks like in her life and how it influences her work.

“Admittedly, I can be a bit high-strung and crave plans and structure, but faith has taught me to be patient. I can’t control everything. But as the saying goes, everything has happened for a reason (so far). I was forced to quit dancing, but then was able to throw all of my energy into my craft and start my business. I had to say good-bye to the bakery in order to create a better life for my family and fell into an amazing new career for myself. Now, I try to take it day-by-day. I believe in hard work and perseverance, but I also try not to worry about every little detail and live in the moment as much as possible. Things aren’t perfect, but I do find that I am the most creative when I let go of some of the control.”

Risen Reflections

Taste and see. Take time this week to have a date with God. Go to your favorite coffee shop or restaurant. Bring your Bible and journal. Read and reflect as you enjoy one of your favorite treats. The Psalms are a great place to start. Write down a prayer to God of what you are thankful for that week. While it is easy to want to meet up with a friend, try to protect the time for just a time between you and God.

Change your perspective. Sometimes we hit a bump in the road or things don’t go as we planned. Turn to God and ask Him for His perspective on the situation. He might want you to do something entirely different. From a career change to a simple decision, when we ask God for his perspective and plan, we have to be willing to be obedient to where He guides and directs us. Share your difficult season with a friend or someone in your small group so that you can pray for one another.

Use your gifts. Whether it is writing, photography, dance or another gift, God has given each of us unique gifts and abilities. If you are having trouble identifying what your gift might be, ask a friend, mentor or small group leader. Often, it can be easier for someone else to point out things we are good at. Ask God how you can use your gifts and talents to glorify Him. It might be using it to serve at church or in a ministry or teaching or mentoring someone in that skill set. The possibilities are endless!

To read our entire interview with Tessa Huff, click here.