Today we’d like to introduce you to AMBER STOKSTAD.
Hi AMBER, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Where I Got the Name
The name comes from the initials of our family: Amber (me), Hans (my husband), Torby (our oldest, 7½), and Ayden (our youngest, 4½).
Both of my boys are my rainbow babies. While I’ve been making cakes sporadically for many years, their arrival truly changed everything. We thought my oldest might be our only child, so we celebrated everything — and we celebrated big. At six months, he had applesauce with a candle. For his first birthday, he had a banana rainbow cake, inside and out. I even celebrate half birthdays. I may go over the top, but nothing is boring around here, and my boys absolutely love it.
I love creating, and I don’t really know how to do “simple” — well, sort of. If you’re looking for something minimal, you really have to stress that, otherwise my passion to create tends to take over.
I love a challenge and haven’t yet come across a design I couldn’t figure out. I also enjoy developing new flavors. One of my most recent creations is Spicy Snowdrift: a chai red velvet cake (a traditional red velvet is buttermilk cake with a hint of chocolate and vinegar) with a pinch of cayenne, topped with marshmallow buttercream. I also prioritize sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible — apples from the farmers market for homemade apple cider, carrots for carrot cake, specialty jams, and locally picked flowers like honeysuckle, lilac, and dandelions.
This past August, I got my trailer, which allows me to serve out of it like a food truck (everything is still baked at home). It’s made traveling, setup, and keeping products cool much easier — and it’s incredibly fun. Best of all, my boys get to come with me when they want and when they can.
At the heart of everything I do is creating smiles. From gender reveals and graduations to weddings, holidays, Halloween, and birthdays, my treats aren’t just comfort food — they help people celebrate memories.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road, but in many ways it started off better than I ever could have dreamed — and it’s absolutely heading in the right direction.
Like any small, creative business, there have been plenty of challenges along the way. I’ve dealt with trailer hitch issues, last-minute ingredient hunts, and the general unpredictability that comes with custom orders and fluctuating income. There’s a lot of problem-solving behind the scenes that people don’t always see.
That said, every obstacle has pushed me to adapt, learn, and grow. The challenges have made me more resourceful and confident, and they’ve reinforced that this is exactly where I’m meant to be. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about AHTA Cakes?
My business is built around creative, custom desserts that are as memorable as the moments they celebrate. I specialize in bold, artistic cakes and treats with personality — nothing generic, nothing boring. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, gender reveal, holiday, or milestone of any kind, I create pieces that are meant to be talked about, photographed, and remembered.
What sets me apart is the combination of detailed design, unique flavor profiles, and heart. I love a challenge and thrive on bringing ideas to life, even the ones that seem a little “out there.” From over-the-top designs to unexpected flavor combinations, my work is driven by creativity and passion rather than templates.
Flavor is just as important to me as appearance. I’m known for experimenting and developing original flavors while still honoring classic techniques. I also make a point to source locally whenever possible — using farmers market apples for homemade cider, fresh carrots for carrot cake, specialty jams, and locally foraged or grown flowers when they’re safe and appropriate. That connection to local ingredients adds another layer of meaning to what I create.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that my business feels personal and joyful. It’s family-inspired, community-driven, and fueled by love. My trailer allows me to bring my work directly to events and customers, making the experience more accessible, fun, and memorable — and sometimes my boys even get to come along for the ride.
What I want readers to know most is that my desserts are more than just sweets. They’re part of celebrations, traditions, and memories. When someone orders from me, they’re not just getting a cake — they’re getting something made with intention, creativity, and a genuine desire to create smiles.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success isn’t just numbers or how busy I am — it’s balance, growth, and impact. It’s being able to support my family while doing work that genuinely fulfills me, while still being present for my kids.
Success looks like steady forward movement: learning from mistakes, overcoming challenges, and continually improving my craft. It’s hearing that a cake made someone’s celebration extra special — and being able to tell, in that moment, that I truly made someone’s day. Those reactions warm my heart and remind me why I do this.
Most of all, success means building something that feels true to who I am — a creative, family-centered brand rooted in joy, community, and connection. If I’m creating smiles, making memories, and moving in the right direction, I consider that success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ahtacakes.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahtacakes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AHTACAKES
- Other: https://bakesy.shop/b/ahta-cakes
