It’s been said that cakes are special. Every birthday, every celebration ends with something sweet, a cake, and people remember. It’s all about the memories.

And for those needing that special cake, Tanis Dorvee has dedicated her life to making those special occasions a little more extraordinary with her artwork.

For the last eight years, Dorvee has been making cases and giving them personality.

“I started making cakes as a profession in 2007,” she said. “I worked at Dean’s Cakehouse as her decorator until 2012.”

In 2012, Dorvee branched out on her own.

“I bought this place and remodeled the very large garage into my bakery,” she said. “And I started making cakes on my own.”

Dorvee doesn’t have any employees, but she does occasionally recruit help from her daughters and her mom.

“I started with just a couple of cakes a week, but have grown to where I stay booked a month in advance,” she said.

Creating unique works of art is what Dorvee enjoys most.

“I do repeat some cakes, but I try not to,” she said. “I want each person to have their own unique cake. I ask for ideas and pictures from each customer of what they like and then usually throw my own spin on it.”

Dorvee recently got two good pieces of news that has the potential to take her business to the next level.

“About a month or so ago, chef Jon Gibson got in touch with me to make a cake for a Food Network Premiere party,” she said. “Food Network did a show called ‘Beach Eats’ and ‘Bill’s on the Beach,’ where Jon is chef at was featured.”

Dorvee made the cake and took it to Gulf Shores for the party.

“I was really honored to be able to do that,” she said.

Recently, she has also been approached by a business in Destin to make their wedding cakes.

“The bakery that had originally done them has closed and they chose me to fill their shoes,” she said. “I am extremely honored by this.”

Dorvee will start next month.

Dorvee relies on social media and word of mouth for most of her business.

“I have a Facebook page called Cakelady Cakes and also my personal page,” she said. “This is how I receive most of my orders. I am always thrilled for every order, but especially the unique cakes. I have several customers that I have had since I started making cakes. I have started with their wedding cake, then baby shower cake and now their children’s third and fourth birthdays.”