Cynthia Benavides - 

Owner of Cake Craft Shoppe, The powerhouse behind a retail haven for bakers and a nurturing academy for the next generation of culinary creators. Equal parts business-savvy and heart-forward, I have worked hard and turned spatulas and sprinkles into tools of transformation. 

I have been someone that loves to work with people of all ages to help them develop a craft, a trade, or a skill.   I have found myself throughout my life doing some type of training.    I spent several years with Savings of America training Tellers, New Account Representatives, and sales.   I was promoted to a position where I traveled all over the state of Texas, training Managers and Assistant Managers for new store openings.   I became a partner at the Cake Craft Shoppe about 2021.   In this short time, I have established the Cake Craft Shoppe Academy for students ages 10 to 16 years old.   I started a home school program that will allow students (and future bakers) to learn and love baking as much as I do and earn credit for it.     I have also begun a program working with FBISD to teach after school in the love and art of decorating.   

From fondant  to buttercream blogs, I work hard to keep brands fresh, classes full, and our mission clear: building confidence, community, and careers — one sweet bite at a time.

Neciey Shelton

Attended Le Cordon Bleu in Austin, Texas. Neciey Shelton is the passionate owner of Gimmie Shugar & More LLC, co-owner of Mo City Bakers LLC, and the founder of Honey B Travel. A retired hairstylist of 17 years, Neciey transitioned from the beauty industry in 2010 to pursue her love for pastry arts—following in the sweet footsteps of her mother.

 As a devoted mother of three (ages 29, 24, and 19), a proud grandmother to a vibrant 4-year-old, and a military wife of 28 years, Neciey has spent much of her life traveling the world alongside her husband during his military service. Her global experiences have deeply influenced her creativity and approach to both baking and event planning.

 She finds joy in baking, crafting, planning unforgettable events, cruising, and exploring new destinations—sharing her talents and love for community with every sweet treat and travel adventure she curates.

Mandy Benavides - Beatty

Mandy Benavides-Beaty brings a dynamic blend of precision, passion, and creativity to Cake Craft Shoppe. A full-time nurse for over a decade, Mandy is also a decorated, multi-medal-winning figure skater and youth skating coach in Sugar Land. Her dedication to discipline and artistry is evident both on the ice and in the kitchen.

Mandy’s baking journey began over 10 years ago alongside her mother, bonding over flour, frosting, and a shared love of creativity. That passion grew into a calling — and today, Mandy proudly stands beside her mother as a seasoned instructor at Cake Craft Shoppe, inspiring students of all ages to fall in love with the art of baking and cake decorating.

Mandy has played a key role in developing several of the shoppe’s signature classes and youth programs. Her nurturing approach, coupled with her attention to detail, makes her a favorite among students and a valued part of the Cake Craft Shoppe family.

Aliyah Grant

Aliyah is a dedicated baking instructor with a strong foundation in the culinary arts, having studied the field for four years. Her passion for baking and decorating sweet treats continues to grow both professionally and personally.

A valued member of the Cake Craft Shoppe team for over two years, Aliyah brings hands-on experience in a wide range of skills, including buttercream and fondant cake decorating, gumpaste flower design, and edible image production. Many of her techniques were developed through advanced classes at the Shoppe and countless hours experimenting at home.

Aliyah first discovered her love for baking through mastering the perfect peach pie. Today, she continues to refine her craft—currently in pursuit of the perfect cake recipe. She is especially known for her creativity in edible images and precision in cake artistry.

As a student of the Cake Craft Shoppe Youth Baking Academy and an integral part of our instructional team, Aliyah has also played a key role in the development and execution of the FBISD Success Zone Program, helping expand our reach to aspiring young bakers.

Her goal is to help others bring their sweet dreams to life in the baking industry by sharing knowledge, sparking creativity, and inspiring confidence in every student she teaches

Photo coming       

Farozan Jivrat

Farozan J launched Cupcake Novelties in 2011, driven by her passion for all things sweet and her keen eye for detail. A trained pastry arts graduate, Farozan is celebrated for creating desserts that are not only visually stunning but also uniquely tailored to each client and occasion. Her creativity, skill, and dedication have made her a sought-after dessert artist, and she loves sharing her knowledge and techniques with aspiring bakers and decorators.