Faux Berry Pancake Workshop

Hi there! I’m Mae — the founder, maker, and sprinkle-loving hands behind Faux Sweets and Faux Sweets Academy here in sunny Los Angeles. If you’re wondering how someone goes from banking to crafting food replica props that look delicious enough to nibble… well, you’re in exactly the right place.Believe it or not, my story started in a quiet banking office, not a craft studio. Before I ever touched clay or silicone, I spent my days crunching numbers and filling spreadsheets. But inside, there was this persistent little spark nudging me toward creativity. I’ve always been obsessed with the glossy, delightful world of display desserts — especially Japan’s amazing fake-food culture and the beautiful French pastry shops where every treat feels like art.Around 2015, I finally listened to that spark. I started experimenting with different materials, trying to recreate the charm of sweets. By 2017, Faux Sweets officially launched on Etsy, and I began creating guilt-free, forever-lasting treats. For me, each piece captures that magical moment right before the first bite — the “ooo look at this!” excitement, without any calories attached.Becoming a teacher happened naturally. Watching someone bring a fake waffle or pastel macaron to life for the first time — and seeing their face light up like, “OMG I made this!” — that feeling is pure joy. When I teach, I’m not just sharing techniques; I’m sharing a spark. Seeing students walk out with something they’re genuinely proud of? That’s what keeps me crafting day after day.My path from banker to full-time craft-preneur has been a funny combination of practical and whimsical. Finance taught me discipline and structure, but crafting taught me joy — and together, they let me build a business that still feels magical.One of my early milestones was in 2017, when I created a 128-piece collection for a London agency’s event at Shakespeare’s Globe in the UK. But honestly, the moment that started it all was way simpler: a strawberry shortcake I made for a hat contest at the Strawberry Festival back in 2015. I didn’t win… but it lit something inside me, and I’ve been creating ever since.Fun fact: most people think fake food is 3D-printed. Nope! Almost every piece is completely handmade — textured, glazed, and piped just like real pastries. That human touch is everything.Over the years, my work has been featured on BuzzFeed Tasty (yes, that fake Alphabet Cake for April Fool’s Day was so much fun). I’ve collaborated with brands like J.Crew, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and West Elm, and I received a “Rising Star” Award at the 2017 Harvest Festival, back when Faux Sweets was still a baby brand finding its way.I might not have a traditional art degree, but my experience comes from years of hands-on practice, teaching, experimenting, failing, succeeding, and building a community of makers who love the magic of fake food as much as I do.So when you join a workshop or purchase a piece from Faux Sweets, you’re not just getting something cute — you’re getting my heart, my experience, and everything I’ve learned along the way. My hope is that you’ll walk away with techniques, inspiration, confidence, and a big happy spark of creativity.I’d be so thrilled to welcome you into this sweet little community. Fake food is fun, surprising, and wonderfully whimsical… and I’d love to make something magical with you.Thank you so much for reading! I can’t wait to create together!