Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alicia Permenter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Alicia, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

For over 13 years, I built a meaningful career in education. I earned my Master’s degree, completed my administrator certification, and poured my heart into shaping learning experiences that mattered. I was proud of the work. It served its purpose. It made an impact.

But after more than a decade, I felt it: not a restlessness, but a quiet clarity. I had reached the end of that chapter. And I was ready to turn the page.

Leaving behind a stable career—the one I had studied for, invested in, and committed so much time to—was a risk. But I wasn’t running away from something. I was stepping into something new. Something that allowed me to create, to lead, to celebrate life in a different way.

And that’s how Sweet Elevations began.

What started as a passion became a calling—to design meaningful dessert experiences that help others honor the moments that matter most.

Sometimes, the most important thing you can do is give yourself permission to turn the page—and trust that what’s next is worth stepping into.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Alicia Permenter, owner and lead cake artist of Sweet Elevations—a dessert studio dedicated to honoring life’s most meaningful moments through custom cakes and beautifully crafted desserts.

Before launching Sweet Elevations, I spent over 13 years in education. I had earned my Master’s degree, completed the first part of my administrator certification, and poured everything into that chapter of my life. And then, I knew—it was time to turn the page. Not because I was searching for something else, but because I was ready to create something new. What began as a passion for creativity and an appreciation for celebration has since grown into a business that blends artistry, flavor, and intention in every detail.

Sweet Elevations specializes in custom wedding cakes, celebration cakes, and petite desserts — each one designed to reflect the spirit of the event and the people behind it. Whether you’re planning a wedding, baby shower, milestone birthday, or intimate gathering, your desserts should feel personal and elevated—never cookie cutter. From flavor pairings to design elements, every detail is thoughtfully considered.

What sets us apart isn’t just the finished product—it’s the entire experience. I’ve spent years refining a process that feels collaborative, guided, and deeply personal from the moment a client reaches out. My goal is to create an atmosphere where clients feel supported, understood, and inspired.

And while the design always matters, I wouldn’t be telling the full story if I didn’t talk about the flavor. As much as our clients fall in love with how our cakes look, it’s the taste that brings them back. Our clients often tell us they wish they had saved more for themselves, and that’s the kind of feedback that means everything.

What I’m most proud of? The trust I’ve earned. The relationships I’ve built. The quiet honor of being invited into life’s most special celebrations. This work is about more than dessert—it’s about legacy, joy, and the memories that live on long after the last bite.

And what makes Sweet Elevations even more special to me is that it’s also a family effort. My mother works closely alongside me, and my son joins in from time to time, too. Whether it’s packaging, prepping, or just being present in the kitchen, their support is woven into everything I do. It’s a reminder that what we’re building is about more than desserts—it’s about togetherness, legacy, and showing up for one another.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think what’s helped me build my reputation is consistency—in how I show up, how I communicate, and how I take care of my clients. From the very beginning, I’ve been intentional about making people feel seen, whether they’re ordering a wedding cake or cupcakes for a small family gathering.

I treat every order with the same care and attention, no matter the size. And I truly believe people can feel that. It’s not just about how the cake looks—it’s the full experience: how I respond to their questions, how the desserts are packaged, how I remember the little things they shared with me.

Word of mouth has been everything. Most of my clients come from referrals, repeat orders, or someone who tasted a slice at a friend’s celebration and remembered how it made them feel. I’m proud of that. It means people trust me—not just to deliver a great product, but to honor something important in their lives.

At the end of the day, I think that’s what really builds a reputation: being reliable, being kind, and caring about the people behind the order just as much as the dessert itself.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson I had to unlearn was feeling like I had to do things the way everyone else was doing them—especially on social media.

In the early days of Sweet Elevations, I found myself constantly looking at what other bakers were posting, what was trending, what people were saying we should be doing. And without even realizing it, I started second-guessing my own creativity. I was watering down my ideas just to “fit in” with what I thought people expected to see.

But over time, I realized that trying to follow someone else’s formula was holding me back. The work that really connects with people—the cakes and posts and experiences that clients remember—those always come from a place that feels true to me. My creativity, my process, my voice.

So I had to let go of the pressure to perform or to mirror what was popular. Instead, I started leaning into what felt authentic—what I truly enjoyed creating and sharing. That shift made all the difference. It gave me the freedom to grow, to trust my vision, and to build a business that actually looks and feels like me.

There’s space for everyone—but the only true way to stand out is by embracing who you genuinely are, rather than trying to blend in. Authenticity is your greatest advantage.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sweetelevationscakesandmore.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweet_elevations/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetelevationscakesandmore/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-permenter-78bb96244/

Image Credits

Myron Fields

Leandra Brown

Jessica Sevin

J. Sasu