Hi, I make cakes all the time, I have no formal training or courses. People seem to love the cakes. Self-taught. I am a stay at home mom now and am wondering if anyone has been successful in a business themselves with no formal training.(cake decorating training)
Thanks
Welcome to cake central. You can have a successful business with little training. However, you need to find out if it is legal to sell cakes from your home.
Many decorators sell without a license, however, it is a risk that someone will report you. Also, some venues will not allow unlicensed baked goods, and you cannot get liability insurance.
But if people like your work, that is a good start. word of mouth is the best form of advertising.
I am self taught from a Wilton book over 25 years ago. I expanded my business to include catering (hot buffet foods). The closest thing I have to food education is my high school Home Ec class. After a sabbatical, I resurrected my business in Sept 2004. In 2005, I had 16 weddings. In 2006, I had 43 weddings, with lots of 2-on-one-day bookings. Between May and October, I didn't have a single free weekend. I already have 22 events/weddings for 2007 and that includes 3 on July 7th and 3 on June 2, with total dollar value bookings that are already more than 50% of what I did in all of 2006.
So yes, it is VERY possible to turn the hobby you love into a "real" business. I think the secret ingredient is the love and passion you have for the work.
You go for it! 
I am self taught, most everything I know has been done the hard way... a/k/a the never forget way.
If I could start over I would save a lot of wasted energy and pay for some training.
Been doin' this for 30 yrs, in business this time for 11 yrs. The first time in business didn't last long.
mpc
I also learn the hard way. Wilton is nowhere. Supplies are not readily available. I still have to wait for months before products reached your door.I read and read and read,then practice, practice,practice. The key word -DETERMINATION ! Now i make my own fondant molds, cutters,veiners and so on. Just be prepared for the cost.
I am totally self-taught. I decorated cakes for family, friends and such for the past 18 years without charging. I started my "business" of selling cakes last January. It hasn't been easy building clients, but through marketing myself and taking free sample cakes to every business in town, my business has been BOOMING over the past three weeks. It's as if someone flipped on a switch! I have booked 3 weddings and have 11 upcoming tastings with brides in the next 6 weeks. Word of mouth is your BEST form of advertisement. Once you're legal, if not already, I'd save money on advertising in papers, etc. YOU are your best advertising medium. Good luck!
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