In Waitress, we meet Jenna, a talented pie baker stuck in a difficult marriage, who discovers that a simple change – “Only Takes a Taste” – can set her on a new path to freedom and self-realization. As she bakes her way to a brighter future with the help of her fellow waitresses and a cast of unforgettable characters, Jenna learns that the recipe for happiness has always been within her.
This panel will explore the real-life experiences of women in the baking world, particularly those who run their own businesses in the world of sweets and confections. Our guests will discuss their personal journeys – from the challenges of starting and growing a business to the rewards of success, and the lessons learned along the way. In particular, we’ll dive into the unique intersection of baking and entrepreneurship, and how it reflects the themes of Waitress.
Speakers: Liz Ellinghaus Weidhorn & Cara Gabriel
Liz Ellinghaus Weidhorn Bio:
Liz Ellinghaus Weidhorn is a self-taught baker and freelance writer. She’s written articles for Shore Monthly and Mommikin. Her pie and cake business, Project Pastry Love Marketplace, was born out of her pastry blog Project Pastry Love. She loves making and eating pies almost as much as she loves her two sons, her husband, and her chocolate Labrador.
Cara Gabriel Bio:
Cara Gabriel is a writer, director, performer, and educator, who became a business owner and professional baker in 2020. Before founding her baking business, Cara's Cupcakes for Change, Gabriel was an assistant professor of theatre at American University for 16 years. She has also directed at venues such as 1st Stage, Rorschach Theatre, Urban Arias, Keegan Theatre, Adventure Theatre, The Phillips Collection, and MLK Library, and served as co-producer for the Women on Fire Festival at Keegan Theatre for four years.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd inspired her to begin her baking business. Gabriel saw a call online for Bakers Against Racism. Professionals and amateurs alike were called upon to stage a massive bake sale: Bake, and donate the proceeds to organizations that support Black Lives Matter. So she started baking, and donating, and she hasn't stopped. She LLC'ed in 2021, and built her own kitchen in the basement of her home where she bakes from today. Her confections are available at all locations of DC area restaurant chain Pizzeria Paradiso, and by custom order.
She continues to honor her theatrical and academic roots by privately coaching actors of all ages on technique, auditioning, and college prep, and non-actors on public speaking and presentation.
You can hear her performing her own writing in her serialized memoir podcast, I AM THE GENTRY anywhere you listen to podcasts. You can find her theatrical and academic work at www.caragabriel.com, and her baking business at www.carascupcakesforchange.com.
