If you love cake decorating, imagine getting paid to do what you love! You can when you start your own cake decorating business.

Jennifer James, author of the FabJob Guide to Become a Cake Decorator, says there are many benefits when you become a professional cake decorator and start a cake decorating business (also known as a cake design business).

"There's never been a better time to start up a cake decorating business," says Jennifer. "With the low-carb craze over with, there has been a return to the idea of eating for pleasure, ushered in largely by the popular book French Women Don’t Get Fat. Single servings and the personal touch are in — cupcakes are very popular right now, as are gourmet mini-cakes."

Cake decorators tap into the fact that people love to feel special, and are always looking for something new and unique. Clients who are tired of the supermarket's tired-old sheet cake with a cartoon character are looking for handmade, out-of-the ordinary cakes that truly reflect the theme of the celebration… and when they do, they’ll come to you.

Cakes are getting more creative all the time, and the only limitation is your imagination. Three-dimensional designs are in vogue right now, resulting in cakes that look like pillows, animals, handbags, or whatever you can dream up. Contemporary cake towers rising up many feet in the air and can lean every which way, stabilized by mysterious forces known only to the cake decorator (that is, you!)

And it doesn’t stop there. How about a cake + cupcake combo, with each cupcake sporting a unique design, or personalized for each guest? Floral toppers or edible pearls just might complete an elegant look perfectly. The finishing materials (glazes and dusting powders) available on today's market let you give your cake and decorations a look that is so real, your clients will hardly believe they are made of sugar.

Not only are people looking for custom, creative cakes, they are willing to pay for them too. The average amount spent on a wedding has nearly doubled in the last 20 years, and the average cost of wedding cake is $543, according to the Bridal Association of America. Prices of artisan cakes for special occasions range from $3 to $10 or even more per slice, depending on the complexity of the design.

If you're wondering if cake decorating is the right business for you, here are some more benefits of this career according to Jennifer:

Be Creative

If you want to work with your hands and experience with all five senses, this is the career for you, from smelling the yummy baking, to tasting new flavors of icing or filling, to piping delicate beads or roses on your cakes. No wonder many cake decorators call themselves sugar artists!

"I was involved in early childhood education, but I wanted to switch careers to something that would challenge my creative outlets. I learned that I had this talent and discovered a passion for the art of designing cakes. Creative talent and passion are so important,” says acclaimed cake decorator Yvonne Zensner.

Be Your Own Boss

No more taking orders from anyone else — other than your many customers, of course! When you run your own business, you make the decisions. You can choose to specialize in anything from wedding cakes, to children's birthday cakes, to cupcakes, to cakes shaped like fantasy castles… whatever you most enjoy. As your own boss, you decide your policies, your prices, and when you’re going to take those well-deserved days off.

Let Them Eat Cake

By "them" we mean you, your friends, and your family. You’ll be able to practice your new ideas by making cakes for your own family celebrations, or liven up a mid-week meal with some cake "leftovers” you cut off while shaping and creating. You can even save some cash when you give your cakes for wedding and birthday presents. It’s great practice, and you’ll land additional clients whenever your cakes are seen and admired.

You Can Start Right Now

A cake business can be started simply or part-time if you wish, in many cases right from your own home. If you already bake as a hobby, you may very well have much of the equipment on hand that you will need to get started. You don’t need a certificate to call yourself a professional cake decorator, either — you’re in business as soon as you are paid for your very first cake.

If you’re ready to tap into this lucrative and burgeoning market, don’t wait any longer. It's time to turn your pipe dreams into piping bags, trade in your overtime for oven mitts, and create your own sweet success story when you become a cake decorator and start a cake decorating business.

For more information about how to become a cake decorator and start a cake decorating business (also known as a cake design business, cupcake business, or cake business), download the FabJob Guide to Become a Cake Decorator at http://www.FabJob.com/cakedecorator.asp.

Sisters Tag and Catherine Goulet are the Dream Career Experts. In 1999 they founded FabJob.com, the leading publisher of guides on how to break into a dream career, which has been visited by 50 million people. They have been featured in media from ABC to Oprah.com and Woman's Day to the Wall Street Journal online, and their career advice appears on the career pages at AOL, CNN, and MSN. They are authors of Dream Careers and other career books. Visit www.FabJob.com to discover how to break into your dream career.