Hello
My name is Lisa Bush and I am the owner and designer here at Imposter Baker. This is a journey I never expected. Faux desserts? What?! I could never have guessed I would become a faux food artist.
The dream of having my own business had been with me since I was a teenager. In fact, I took a small business class in high school and had to be bused for nearly 30 minutes in order to attend. I continued to plan and dream and think of various business ideas throughout my young adulthood. I never lost sight of my dream but made peace with the idea that it may never come to fruition.
What happened next was a surprise. I had a 20-year career as a social worker and decided it was time for a change in 2023. Something was both pushing and pulling me to take another path. I had gone through some health challenges (because cancer dropped by for a visit and decided to stay in my kidney!) and the universe just seemed to be working toward something else for me. I resisted at first. I've never been a quitter and continued on course. My heart was telling me that I was meant for something else and that my current path needed to end. I was at a crossroads and there was no sense that I could turn back. So, I assessed every part of my life relentlessly and decided changing course was what I needed to do. I believe surviving cancer gave me the courage to change my life course. Some considered my choice reckless, particularly since I did not have a plan of what was to come next. (Please know I did not take this decision lightly, nor did I put myself at risk of no longer being able to continue my livelihood and would not recommend anyone make a similar change that would do so. Everyone must assess their own situation and use common sense in decision making!).
For a few months, I decompressed by reading, writing, crafting and pondering my future. I came up with a few acceptable options and applied for a couple of part time positions. I'm a firm believer that if something is destined for you, it will manifest itself when it is meant to happen.
Now that I was home the majority of the time, I began to take notice of my environment significantly more. My bakery-themed kitchen remained cozy but had this one empty space, obviously needing just one more faux dessert! Having just left the workforce, it seemed a frivolous expense, so I wondered if perhaps I could make a fake cake? I did a deep dive into the internet and poured over hours of content, including videos and the history of faux food art. I was MEZMERIZED! I collected some art supplies and got to work.
I made my very first fake cake and LOVED IT!! I cannot express to you the JOY and HAPPINESS that was evoked in those moments. Every aspect of the process gave me this incredible feeling, including the texture of the materials, seeing my creation take form and the end result of that very first fake confection! I could not wait to learn and make more fake food. I spent hours practicing, researching and experimenting with various materials and creating all kinds of pieces. Needless to say, I was HOOKED!
By the Fall of 2023, Imposter Baker became an official business. It took months of practice and perseverance to develop the skills needed to get to where I am today. Learning is an ever-evolving process. While I am my own worst critic, I now know that I will continue to become more skillful as time passes. So, whatever you are doing, give yourself some grace and time to develop your skills. It takes a lot of determination, practice, and patience to reach your dreams. If what you are doing speaks to your soul, despite any obstacle...it is your passion. You are meant for it.
Getting to create beautiful things that someone may make a part of their everyday life, special event or holiday, warms my heart immensely. Each of my creations is handmade with special attention to detail. I hope that you find something that brings a smile to your face. Thank you for being a part of my journey.
