Who We Are

Liz Marek

Liz Marek is a world-renowned cake decorator and the visionary founder of Sugar Geek University and Sugar Geek Show, two leading platforms for sugar artists and bakers around the globe. Widely celebrated for her innovative designs and expert techniques, Liz has revolutionized the art of cake decorating, empowering countless bakers to achieve their creative dreams. Starting as a self-taught baker in 2007, she combined her fine arts background with a passion for edible design, transforming her hobby into an internationally recognized career.

She is known for pushing the boundaries of edible art and recipe development. Her creations have been showcased by Food Network, American Cake Decorating, Cake Masters Magazine, and The Knot, as well as countless blogs, TV segments, and cake competitions such as Halloween Wars, Super Mega Cakes, Is It Cake 2, Duff till Dawn, and many more.

Liz discovered her passion for travel when she was invited to teach cake decorating classes around the world. She has visited many countries, like Australia, France, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, India, Ireland, and the Philippines. Inspired by the desserts she encounters on her journeys, she recreates and shares them with her vibrant online community through her baking blog, YouTube channel, and social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, with a combined following of over 4 million.

Cynthia White

Cynthia White is a passionate world traveler, food enthusiast, celebrated cake artist, and instructor whose creativity is inspired by the beauty and diversity of cultures around the globe. Having traveled to over 50 countries, she finds inspiration in the flavors, traditions, artistry, and stories that make each destination unique. Raised in a multicultural household, Cynthia developed an appreciation for global cuisine at an early age and loves cooking dishes from around the world, bringing international flavors and culinary traditions into her own kitchen.

Her love of travel and food influences every aspect of her creative journey, from discovering local culinary traditions to exploring the artistry of edible design and incorporating edible materials discovered on her travels into her work. While her work as a cake artist has earned her international recognition, her passion extends far beyond the world of cake, embracing the connections between food, culture, creativity, and travel.

Cynthia’s cake artistry has been featured on Food Network, Cooking Channel, and Hulu, with her work appearing in renowned publications including Cake Masters, DIY Weddings, and American Cake Decorating. She has also been spotlighted by Disney Babble, PopSugar, Thrillist, InStyle Magazine, Kara’s Party Ideas, and more. Her impact on the industry was further recognized when Cake Masters Magazine named her one of the Top 10 cake artists in the United States.

Whether exploring a new destination, recreating a memorable dish, or creating edible art, she celebrates the way food brings people together and how experiences around the world can spark creativity, connection, and inspiration.

Toni Okamoto

Toni Okamoto is a leading voice in making healthier eating accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for millions. As the founder of Plant-Based on a Budget, she has built a trusted platform for those looking to eat well without overspending or sacrificing flavor. For a decade and a half, Toni has been dedicated to helping people create delicious, budget-friendly meals that support their health and well-being.

Her work has been profiled by NBC News, NPR, and The Washington Post, and she has been featured in The New York Times, CBS News, Nerd Wallet, and The Hallmark Channel. She was also featured as an expert in meal planning and budget-friendly eating in the Netflix hit documentary What the Health.

Toni is the author of multiple acclaimed cookbooks, including the Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller Plant-Based on a Budget Quick & Easy. Her first book, Plant-Based on a Budget Cookbook, won VegNews Cookbook of the Year and was a Goodreads Choice Awards Top 10 Finalist, further cementing her influence in plant-based cooking. She also co-hosts The Plant-Powered People Podcast, where she shares practical tips, personal stories, and expert advice.

Beyond food, Toni has a deep love for travel. Though newer to international adventures, she is making up for lost time by immersing herself in new cultures, cuisines, and experiences. Whether exploring bustling markets, tasting local dishes, or embracing the rhythm of life in a new country, she finds inspiration in every journey.

Through her books, online resources, and global experiences, Toni continues to empower individuals to take charge of their health, one budget-friendly, plant-filled meal at a time.