The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1369261
"It's more than just a piece of cake. There's an artistic spin you can put on almost anything. You can't be creative without a few risks, a lot of beauty, romance, and love for what you do," said Deffense. The mastermind behind the enchanting cakes began her romantic story with a move to Portugal back in 1998 for a three-month paid graphic design internship. Hoping to follow up her time studying architecture abroad in Florence, Deffense turned to Europe for creative inspiration while working in editorial design. One month in, she soon chose a long-term life abroad after the American expat fell in love with both her husband Jacques Deffense and the historic setting of castles, monuments, and old-world charm. After running a commercial real estate magazine, working up to artistic director, and even launching her own interior design publication, Deffense knew her calling was in baking after a series of signs. Sandy Folsom of Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionary Art based outside Chicago set up a masterclass in Portugal for two years, and Deffense did not hesitate to jump at this creative calling. Location credit: Queluz National Palace, Queluz, Por tugal V U E N J .C O M 63