A Charleston, West Virginia native, Petra Vasale Newkirk earned her Culinary and Baking & Pastry degrees from Sullivan University in Louisville, KY.

After graduating from Sullivan University, Petra was employed in food preparation by various upscale hotels, country clubs and private businesses in the Lexington, KY area. At the country club, where she worked for 3 years as Pastry Chef, she fell in love with cake design.

Petra’s dream was to move back to Charleston and own her own custom cake bakery. In October, 2012, construction began on that dream at 1030 Quarrier Street. She named her shop Cakes by Appointment and opened her doors for business in February, 2013.

Using only the highest quality ingredients, Petra ensures that all of her unique creations are exactly what her customers have ordered for their special occasions. As a result of her skills and attention to every detail, Cakes by Appointment is fast becoming Charleston’s most talked-about custom cake business.