Czech native, Iška Pallis, gained her talent for making and decorating cakes through years of training and experience, and now applies her knowledge to the delectable creations she makes for her customers.

"Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved spending time in the kitchen with my parents, watching and helping my mom bake, and my dad cook."

Iška completed 3 years of her chef training and 1 year of instructor training at the College of Pastry in the Czech Republic in 1993. She worked in a small bakery in her home town, Šumperk, where she managed the bakery department and mentored 2 students. She then lived in London for 3 years where she studied English at Cambridge University and came to the US in 1999.

Before founding her own company, Cake, Inc., Iška gathered 3 years of additional experience under the tutelage of Chef Steve Smrstik as his Pastry Chef at Flying Fish Restaurant, in Seattle.

"Steve has opened a whole new pastry world to me. He was the best guide and teacher I could have come across in my career."

Influenced by many cultures, Iška's attention to quality and detail still give testimony to her European training and experience. Iška's talents have always been encouraged by her husband, Demitri, from whom to this day she receives his never ending support.

"Demitri and both of my parents always believed in me, and they are my greatest support and inspiration."