Name: Penny Stankiewicz
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, by appointment only
Company: Sugar Couture
What is your aesthetic? While I can work with almost any design aesthetic to please my clients, when left to my own devices, I’ll always lean towards a modern/vintage feel with Moroccan inspiration and bold color combinations.
How does your studio style convey your professional aesthetic? Like my cakes, my studio embraces bold contrasting color and lots of texture.
Favorite part of your studio? I just love my large desk, to be able to spread everything out in front of me for inspiration. It has cubbyhole shelves on either side that hold reference cooking and baking books, cameras, and things creative, all at arms length. On top is my beautiful iMac, the hub of Sugar Couture.
Where do you go for inspiration? Color is inspirational to me So many kitchens are built for functionality, but I’ve been able to create a space that makes me want to work. I also look to Moroccan design, antique markets and interior design. I find the mix of color, pattern and texture a brilliant starting point for cake design.
What tool do you use in your business that you can’t live without? I could definitely not be without my 20-quart Hobart mixer. I purchased it on Ebay a couple of years ago. It’s so old, there is no record of the serial number, but it continues to work like a charm.
Is there anything you’d upgrade to? I will forever need more refrigeration space. I dream of a walk in refrigerator.
[images from Roberto Ricci]