When I first dialed into my conversation with Nima Etemadi, co-founder of Philadelphia's Cake Life Bake Shop, I confess I was already craving cookies. What could be sweeter than chatting with a pastry chef who not only whips up confections but who is also reshapingwhat a bakery can mean to a community?
Cake Life Bake Shop isn't just another charming storefront. It's an oasis of unpretentious delights nestled in Philly's vibrant Fishtown neighborhood. It's here that Etemadi creates what he calls his "trashy delicious," mixing concoctions to make baked goods that range from tamed Rice Krispies treats to wild jalapeno popper croissants. Nima's journey began with an unexpected plot twist on a show.
Ever heard of Food Network's Cupcake Wars?
"The first time Lily [Nima's business partner] and I were on Cupcake Wars was only the third time we'd ever baked together," Nima laughs, recalling the surreal pressure cooker of television baking. "We had known each other a long time, but we hadn't baked together often." Yet it was precisely this televised chaos — Nima insists "the clock does not lie" — that solidified their partnership and transformed a friendship into a formidable baking duo.
From dishes to wedding cakes, emails to deliveries, the pair wore every imaginable hat until growing pains nudged them into new roles. Nima humbly admits he does "the boring things that nobody wants to do," but added warmly, "I also get the pleasure of being the person inside Cake Life looking out, interacting with exciting communities and folks."
Of course, reality TV wasn't the only spotlight moment for Cake Life. Queen Bey herself entered their story with the casual elegance onlyBeyoncé could manage. "From the beginning, whenever someone asked what our dream was, Lily would always say, 'To bake for Beyoncé,'" Nima recounted. Manifestation or magic, the day came in 2017 when an enigmatic call arrived, requesting a geode cake but not disclosing who it was for. These cakes typically take more than a week. Tapping back into their Cupcake Wars hustle, they were able to get the cake ready in three days, delivering it ahead of her birthday while they attended the Made in America festival.
"We didn't really want to believe it until we saw it," Nima admitted. They crafted a gorgeous black-and-gold geode cake inspired by Beyoncé's 2017 Peter Dundas dress, worn at the Grammys. They received a follow-up call, paying compliments on behalf of theCowboy Carter singer and relaying that she enjoyed the cake. In 2019, her team casually bought cakes and other sweets straight from their case, and "honestly, that's the year I'm most proud of," Nima beamed.
Later on, the award-winning multihyphenate would post on social media enjoying her birthday, holding a Cake Life funfetti cake, which was liked by millions and available to order.
But behind the glamorous moments are the realities of identity, business, and visibility. As a trans man in the baking world, Nima has navigated nuanced challenges. "The barriers I've encountered are similar to those in life," he reflected thoughtfully, admitting that sometimes it's not what people say but the opportunities that aren't offered.
Yet even amid these frustrations, Cake Life thrives. Most of their team members identify with marginalized communities, a deliberate choice that reflects the bakery's profound commitment to inclusion and safety. "Every one of us relates when someone faces a challenge," Nima emphasized, underscoring the bakery's spirit of solidarity.
When I asked Nima about the signature treats he would never retire, his answer came swiftly: the petal pistachio. I ordered a box right after the interview, and yes, I understand why. And the campfire cocoa cupcake —a "chocolate cake with hot chocolate whipped cream and toasted housemade marshmallows." And though they tried retiring their giant chocolate chip walnut cookie due to soaring walnut prices, customer demand swiftly reversed that decision.
Never underestimatethe power of a good cookie.
But it's not just the treats Nima dreams about. Ultimately, though, his vision is expansive, imagining the bakery evolving into a central commissary initiative, where a central hub of creativity supports multiple welcoming spots offering the same joyful experience that's made their original location a beloved community space. For any aspiring trans or queer bakers out there, Nima has one piece of heartfelt advice: start by working in the industry first because it's not as easy as it always seems. "Something can be really fun when you do it like once or twice a week at home," he says, "but what if you did it eight hours a day for five days? You know, sometimes things are less fun all of a sudden." He suggests trying it out before investing heavily in resources and training.
Whether it's baking cakes for world-renowned celebrities or crafting treats that evoke pure joy from families in the neighborhood, Nima reminds us that the sweetest life is one lived authentically and intentionally. I, for one, was left savoring not just the thought of a cookie but the robust taste of living with purpose.
After all, the most precious commodity we have in our lives is time. And that's an ingredient that should never be wasted.
Find Cake Life Bake Shop at 1306 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, or online at cakelifebakeshop.com.
