Spotlight on Local Business: Monica from The Cake Sisters

At a recent Xemplar Club luncheon, members were treated not just to warm camaraderie and delicious cookies, but to an inspiring and entertaining talk from Monica, co-owner of Kitchen Creations in downtown Farmington and Sorella’s Cake Studio in Livonia—together known as The Cake Sisters.

Monica, a Farmington native and proud mom of four boys, shared the heartfelt journey that led her and her sister to become small business owners. What began with her sons working part-time for Missy and Joe LaRussa at Kitchen Creations turned into a dream realized when Missy offered to sell the business. Monica and her sister jumped at the chance to own a storefront in their hometown—a place that, as she put it, “feels like walking through downtown like a queen.”

Two Businesses, One Passion

The Cake Sisters encompass two complementary ventures:

• Sorella’s Cake Studio specializes in intricate, multi-tiered wedding cakes and extravagant custom confections.

• Kitchen Creations caters to at-home bakers with everything from cake pops to edible images and even name tag engraving with their high-powered Thunder Laser cutter.

Each location reflects Monica’s passion for inclusivity, artistry, and customer-centered service. “We want people to feel welcome and seen,” Monica said. “If you don’t have passion, you don’t belong in business.”

Standing by Values

Monica emphasized that both businesses operate on a values-driven model. Their mission? To provide high-quality, custom cakes and client experiences that are unforgettable. Their vision focuses on community-building, creativity, and integrity. Their core values—kindness, inclusivity, authenticity, accountability, and artistry—guide every decision they make.

She also humorously addressed the reality of balancing customer expectations and budget constraints, especially in the wedding industry. “People say they want a cake like they saw on Ace of Cakes, and then they’re shocked when I tell them it costs $1,800,” she laughed. “I can make it, but are you willing to pay for it?”

A Business Rooted in Community

The Cake Sisters are proudly embedded in the local and regional wedding scene. As a preferred vendor with major venues like the Henry Ford Museum and multiple golf clubs, Monica’s team is known for reliability and excellence. Their reputation is built not just on skill, but on consistently great reviews on platforms like The Knot and WeddingWire.

Despite modern marketing trends, Monica still cherishes in-person interaction. “This new generation wants to do everything online,” she said. “But sometimes I just want to say—can we have a three-minute phone call? It would be so much easier!”

The Weirdest Cake Ever?

Monica didn’t shy away from sharing a few wild business stories—including one cake that featured a questionable photo from a client’s aunt and ended with signed legal waivers and a very awkward birthday party. “We do what we need to pay the rent,” she said, “but we have boundaries too!”

What’s Next?

Monica and her sister aim to eventually relocate the cake studio to downtown Farmington, bringing both halves of The Cake Sisters under one local roof. In the meantime, they continue to serve customers with humor, heart, and a whole lot of buttercream.

You can find Monica most often at the cake studio in Livonia, but both locations are open to the public. “Come in, buy all the cakes,” she joked. “And I’ll even put weird stuff on them—if you really want!”