Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I were married in 2012, and have two beautiful daughters. Mia is starting the first grade, and her sister Rylee is in preschool. We are a very artistic family! Aaron, my husband, is a creative designer, and I taught musical theater before deciding to stay home with my children during their foundational years. Mia and Rylee are both little artists who love every medium, including cake decorating; they are also my biggest fans!

Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I taught at the high school level for a decade in the Northwest Local School District. I taught all levels of choir, and also directed the school musical which is where my true passion lies! A musical is a true culmination of art; the costumes, the sets, the choreography, the lighting, the blocking, the singing. When each aspect comes together, magic happens! I also performed on stage in productions including Godspell, Seussical, Brigadoon, and Hairspray. Currently, I am a stay at home mother, and a hobby baker! Baking has been my creative outlet as I navigate staying at home with my two littles. As rewarding as teaching was, being a mother is exponentially more. Teaching my children about God, character, life, and even music is something I would never trade. Having an outlet like baking has afforded me the ability to stay at home with my girls while still doing something I love.

What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My husband and I just recently visited Henke Winery on Harrison. What a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy wine, food and great conversation!

How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved to Westwood in July of 2020. Our last home was a very trying experience, and we decided to start fresh. We found a wonderful school in St. James of White Oak, and started our search for a beautiful older home. We found it in Westwood. We have been so happy here, and cannot imagine living anywhere else! The St. James community welcomed both my family and An Extra Apron!

Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Our next door neighbor is Congressman Steve Chabot. Whatever your political affiliation, he is a kind, and down to earth individual. They recently got a new puppy that my girls adore!

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have always wanted to visit Dublin, Ireland! It reminds me of something more simple; the beauty of its countryside. The bonus, or course, is all of its Irish pubs!

What is one of your favorite movies?
As far as movies go, I love The Greatest Showman! I mentioned I was in musical theater, right? We listen to the soundtrack on repeat whenever we are in the car.

What advice would you give to people?
I’m not sure I should offer advice to other adults who may have it more together than I, but I can share what advice I would offer my students before graduating! 1.) Do not date anyone during your fall semester of freshman year! Everyone is on their best behavior, so finding someone genuine may be difficult. After winter break, everyone comes back a little more relaxed, and their true selves emerge. 2.) Travel as much as you can before you settle into your career or start a family! You will have your entire life to work, so work to live; don’t live to work.

What is something on your bucket list?
Traveling!

What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
While I enjoy current music, my love is Broadway. I am often singing songs from Wicked, Rent, Seussical, Hairspray, and Les Mis.

What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
White Oak Coffee House was one of the first local businesses that welcomed me into the community. It is on Cheviot road on the way to St. James. White Oak Coffee House has hosted An Extra Apron on two occasions to connect with our community! They are true supporters of small business.

If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with my childhood friend, Jen. She is currently in Arkansas, after living a decade in New York! Talk about a culture shock. She is a friend that I can reconnect with after a year or two, and we fall right back into our friendship. She has been so supportive of my newfound talent! I would love to take her to Westside Brewery to try their seasonal goses.

What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that both the public library and town hall park is within walking distance of our home for my two girls!

Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5-10 years, I would love to still be baking, and directing musicals for one of our local schools! I hope to be very involved at my children’s school, whether in sports or music.

What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have played viola since I was very young. I performed with the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra, which graduates many of its members to the PSO. I earned a scholarship at Miami University to perform in their symphony for my undergraduate degree. I also play and coach volleyball!

What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Sedona, AZ. My brother lives in Phoenix, so I am able to visit Sedona with him!

Favorite month? Favorite holiday? Best single day on the calendar?
October, Halloween, October 22. This was the easiest question! (No idea why October 22, I have just always loved that date!)

What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The moment a client responds after seeing a picture of their finished product! I would also rate the follow-up thank you as a 10/10. Knowing that their event went well because of something I contributed is an amazing feeling!

Who inspires you to be better?
My daughters. I want to lead by example so that they have someone they can look up to and trust in this world.

What are your favorite smells?
Orange creamsicle buttercream, and… baby feet!! Don’t judge, they smell so sweet! 🙂

Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Aaron, Mia, Rylee.

You can reach out to Anna to experience some of her fantastic cakes, macarons, & themed treats on Facebook, Instagram, or email.