“Dear Cate” is the beginning of a letter to a friend.

I have many reasons why creating cakes brings me joy, but it’s mainly this - cakes are a part of celebrations that you can look back on and know you were loved.

The goal of Dear Cate is to make delicious and artful cakes with love and care that are personal to you as the client for your event. I’m Cate, and I’m a one-woman show, back in my hometown of Buena Vista, CO. I am honored to be a part of something that makes you or your person feel loved and cherished. Weddings, birthdays, farewells, housewarmings, baby showers, anniversaries - let’s make something special!

I grew up here in Puny Bueny. After culinary school in upstate New York, I moved to Seattle and worked as a baker for nearly 12 years. During that time, I spent a summer in Ireland working on small farms (including an edible floral farm), then a month in Italy on a biodynamic vineyard for grape harvest. These started my love and interest in locally grown ingredients with minimal intervention and my plan to grow my own flowers that are safe, preferably edible, and without pesticides.

In 2023, back in Seattle, I decided to give the small business game a go and start making cakes that capture my love of nature and natural elements: fresh or handmade sugar floral, painted scenes, and local flavors. Then in 2025, I found myself moving back to my little hometown in the Rocky Mountains, where - shock to me - BV is now a popular wedding destination! So here we are.

When I’m not baking, find me out and about, exploring my nearest farmer’s market, out on the trails gathering inspiration, or cooking with friends and sharing a big Sunday supper together.