We feel that the best desserts aren't just made with sugar and frosting, but also with love and talent! Angie Croft, the owner of Pop Goes the Party, not only creates custom wedding desserts, but she also has a huge heart for giving back.
“Philanthropy has always been a personal passion for me. I've had a professional career spanning nearly 13 years in non-profit, mostly working with at-risk youth and affordable housing for modest income families. So, when I started Pop Goes the Party, I knew that giving back would be a core value in my business,” Angie shared. “Because of that, a portion of every sale goes right back to local organizations doing great work in our community. In addition, we offer quarterly in-kind product and services to local non-profits as well. A full list of all our non-profit beneficiaries can be found on our website.”
Pop Goes the Party was one the first wedding cake pop dessert businesses on the scene in Tampa Bay and their ornate gourmet cake pops and chocolate dipped desserts add a personal touch to your wedding day.
“I've used chocolate flowers that mimic the bridal bouquet. I've incorporated things like edible lace accents and pearls, to grasp elements from the bride's gown. I've even incorporated a couple's love for super heroes and created cake pops with hero logos on them. The possibilities are truly endless and I love that,” Angie gushed.
Join the other 11,000+ followers on Pop Goes the Party's Instagram who have are in awe over their artistic creativity and unique designs.
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What inspired you to start your business?
I started baking when I was four, most often with my Mom and Grandma. I learned so much about food by being in the kitchen with them. My Grandma was 100% Italian and was one of the best bakers I knew. She had such a talent for making decadent cookies that were not only the best I've had, but also the most beautiful. I carried my passion for baking with me into my adulthood.
In 2011, I had my first cake pop and after that, I was hooked. Not only did I fall in love with how they tasted, but I craved the artistic outlet and design process too. My friends and family took note and slowly more and more people kept asking me to make them for their events. I started toying with the idea of starting a business, since at the time, there weren't many places that offered a custom designed cake pop. In April 2012, my business was born and the past six years have afforded me so many wonderful opportunities and memories. I am so grateful for my clients, friends and family for their continued support and encouragement.
What makes your business stand out from other wedding professionals?
What makes us most unique is the way in which we craft our cake pops. Traditional cake pops are typically more dense, similar to a truffle-like consistency. However, our cake pops are different, in that we take our original cake recipes and fully bake them into their shape, so the result is a lighter, fluffier and more airy consistency. From there, we use a variety of high quality chocolates for dipping and add handmade accents, like cut or molded chocolate flowers, edible lace and other decor. We pride ourselves on being one of the original cake pop bakeries in our market, with an impeccable reputation and exquisite attention to detail evident in each design.
In addition, from the very beginning, I have always maintained a customer centered approach. From initial inquiry to final product, I ensure that our clients have a positive experience all the way thru. Offering face to face complimentary design and tasting consultations is something that set's us apart. That, and the overall experience for our clients is key to ensuring we maintain our reputation and preferred vendor status among many different platforms.
Where do you draw your inspiration?
Over the past six years, I've learned that inspiration can come from pretty much anywhere. Our design and tasting consultations are important because those provide me the opportunity to sit down with each couple face-to-face. When we get to know our clients, I am able to get a better idea of their wedding details and their expectations. Cake pops are still considered novelty, so many of my couples allow me the design freedom to create how I choose. I rarely have a couple who arrives to a consultation with a photo in hand. I love this, because it provides so much space to be visionary. I've used chocolate flowers that mimic the bridal bouquet. I've incorporated things like edible lace accents and pearls, to grasp elements from the bride's gown. I've even incorporated a couple's love for super heroes and created cake pops with hero logos on them. The possibilities are truly endless and I love that.
What is one of your favorite things about being a wedding professional?
Love is sweet! To me, watching two people in love, ready to commit their lives to one another forever, is such a beautiful thing. Contributing a small part to someone's wedding day still humbles me. In addition, working alongside such a robust group of talented wedding professionals is also very rewarding.
The Bride Tampa Wedding Dress Event | Djamel Photography
In your opinion, what is a MUST HAVE at every wedding?
Good dessert! Haha!
I also think that couples should share a little bit of their personal story or personalities in the details of their wedding. I think this adds to the overall celebration of the day and the joining of two different people who choose to be committed together in partnership and love.
I Want to Learn about Desserts from Pop Goes the Party.
Romantic Modern Pink and White Wedding | Limelight Photography
What are you most excited about in the upcoming year?
I am most excited about continuing to work with our clients and partners. In addition, I love watching love in so many different shapes and forms. Meeting each couple and hearing their story truly brings me so much joy.
What is one thing most couples would be surprised to know about you?
I have a bachelor's degree in Criminology and Psychology and was very very close to being an FBI agent. But, as fate would have it, circumstances changes and I was led down a totally different path.
Vintage Glam Inspired Styled Shoot | Brandi Image Photography
What is one of your passions, non-wedding related?
Philanthropy has always been a personal passion for me. I've had a professional career spanning nearly 13 years in non-profit, mostly working with at-risk youth and affordable housing for modest income families. So, when I started Pop Goes the Party, I knew that giving back would be a core value in my business. Because of that, a portion of every sale goes right back to local organizations doing great work in our community. In addition, we offer quarterly in-kind product and services to local non-profits as well. A full list of all our non-profit beneficiaries can be found on our website.
I Want to Learn about Desserts from Pop Goes the Party.
Angie Croft is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, but considers herself a native Floridian, since she's been here since the age of 7. She is a hard Florida State fan, having earned her degrees from there. Angie has been married to her amazing husband for over 10 years and has three children, Colt (age 6), Emma Grace (age 3) and Wyatt (10 months). She's a busy mom but, in her spare time loves cooking, spending quality time with family, boating, being outdoors and college football.
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