Batter Chatter: Interview with Laura Liscano of Confection Concoctions
Saturday, April 17, 2010 
Everything tastes better on a stick. And nobody knows this better than Laura Liscano, owner of Spanaway, WA-based Confection Concoctions, a special-order sweets company specializing in cake pops and truffles (which have, by the way, officially been declared a "faddy food"). So why not learn more about the art of making cake on a stick--and how she got from a Bakerella-inspired moment of baking to a business venture:
CakeSpy: Why is it that everything tastes better on a stick?
Laura Liscano: I think it brings us "grown ups" back to a happy place in our childhood where things like lollipops, corn dogs and popsicles would usually be associated with fun times.
CS: Tell me more. How did you get your start as an arbiter of sweet treats, mostly on sticks?
LL: I discovered Bakerella's super cute Cupcake Pop through Martha Stewart one day and decided I would make a bouquet for my neighbor/friend. They took me FOREVER but I was hooked! She asked me to make some for her to give to someone else which is when I started to get creative and put my own spin on them. I've always had a creative side and this allows me to tap into that.
CS: Currently you offer cake pops, cake truffles, and decorated cookies. Any plans for other products in the future?
LL: I made some yummy cupcakes for my daughter's classroom yesterday and am making some for a bridal shower this weekend. Other than that, I think I would rather be great at a few things than "ok" at a bunch of things. I would love to start playing around with sugar; mostly for my own personal growth though.
CS: What's your personal favorite sweet on a stick that you've made?
LL: I really love the original designs that I have come up with. Like the Cake Slice and the intricate 2-tier Square pops with the Zebra Stripes and the Cherry Blossoms. It makes me feel like I'm somewhat unique and not just copying others' ideas.
CS: You say that Cake Balls and pops are the new cupcake. Could you kindly back this up with cold hard proof?
LL: LOL. It's hard to maintain that after attending Cupcake Camp but what I mean is cupcakes are all the rage right now and Cupcake Boutiques are popping up everywhere. And while cupcakes will always be a classic, I think they will run their course and Cake Pops will be next in line to be the "in" thing.
CS: You currently work by special order only. Do you plan on ever opening a retail shop?
LL: I can picture my Cake Pop Shop in my head right now! A lot of stars would have to align for that to happen though. With the economy the way it is; I think it would be a risky move, especially when there are still so many people that dont even know what a cake pop is yet. I hope to continue to move forward and eventually get to that point.
CS: What's your most popular flavor?
LL: Red Velvet with Cream Cheese icing for sure! Its funny because I grew up in the South and have always known about Red Velvet but up here in the NW, it seems like its a new trend and folks out here are loving it!
CS: For fun: what is your favorite dessert to eat (vs. to make)?
LL: I love a good old-fashioned cobbler with vanilla ice cream. It doesnt have to be pretty and is super easy to make. For the stuff I create, I must admit I thoroughly enjoy the decorating part vs the actual baking when it comes to cakepops, cookies and cupcakes. Although I make sure that they taste great, I am a perfectionist with the appearance. I thrive off of the positive reaction of my customers when I deliver a bouquet to them. Thats what keeps me going!
CS: What's next?
LL: Right now I am taking it day by day and letting the business growth determine my path. I am starting to do wedding favors and corporate events in addition to the bouquets so that is exciting. I'm greatful to have discovered this new passion and I hope that I can continue to grow what started as a thank-you gift into something that can help support my family for many years.
Want more fun that you can shake a stick at? Keep updated with Confection Concoctions via their website and Facebook!
batter chatter
Reader Comments (5)
Great interview!! :)
Such a good interview! I grew up in the South too and have always loved red velvet cake! Now I live in WA as well and I am going to have to come try these!
Welcome to my blog and today I can tell you one good promotion project links of london held in our company. Here I have to say that have you ever scan . Some of Those products links of london sale are definitely chosen for our luckiest customers. Here I can tell you detailed procedure as follows. Last week, in order to express our great thanks to our links of london jewellery customers, our company had held one good promotion project.
We have divided this project into two parts. One part is for all the members in our company links of london Our manger had decided to send the mysterious presents to our family. And then we can get another gift links of london jewellery from our company. Actually to say, it is very funny and meaningful links of london friendship bracelet customers. On that say, we had accidently chosen ten customers. And then we have sent the links of london bracelet jewels to their address for too times. Just for our customers, we wish that they can have a good appreciation about our links jewels.
<h1>coach bags, coach bags</h1>
<h1>vibram shoes, vibram shoes</h1>
<h1>chanel bags, chanel bags</h1>
<h1>MBT Shoes, MBT shoes</h1>