Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Triebe.
Nicole, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2004, I graduated at the top class at the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago and obtained a degree in Pâtisserie Arts. Though well-versed in all areas of cuisine, I realized that my true passion was in the creation of beautiful cakes. In 2010, I started my company, Windy City Dinner Fairy. The dinner fairy served as a catering company prior to establishing herself as a cake artist in 2014.
Today, in addition to creating custom cakes, I have done food styling and food photography for multiple restaurants and catering companies in Chicago, and brands nationwide.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been easy! I have definitely struggled with what my focus would be in food. I ultimately decided that I didn’t want to open up a store front to sell my cakes. It was too risky for me, and I had so many other interests in the food industry that I didn’t want to limit myself to just that. When people ask what my ultimate goal is now, I tell them that I want to help make food beautiful and in turn, bring joy to people’s lives. I love delivering a cake and watching a child’s face light up. I also love creating recipes for brands and setting that perfect culinary scene and picture for them to market. I am not the best cook in the world, or best cake maker, but I can make food look beautiful, and in turn, bring joy to people’s lives.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Windy City Dinner Fariy – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a chef, food photographer and stylist. With my pastry background and photography knowledge, brands like to work with me because I can provide the full package of services they’re looking for to market their brand. I believe that sets me apart from a lot of the competition.
Although it feels like I have my hands in a lot of different facets of the food industry, I enjoy the holistic perspective I get of the industry and that I can balance multiple streams of income. It keeps life interesting!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity! I’ve lived in colorful Lakeview, I’ve worked bustling downtown, and I now live in Portage Park, which has a very suburb feel. I love that I can drive 20 minutes and be in a completely different and unique part of the city.
I love the restaurants, I think that goes without saying, but I love discovering the hidden gems as much as I like going to places like Alinea or Grace.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.windycitydinnerfairy.com
- Email: chef@windycitydinnerfairy.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/windycitydinnerfairy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windycitydinnerfairy/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/windy-city-dinner-fairy-chicago-3
Image Credit:
Jennifer Kathryn Personal Brand Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
