Guest of Honor: Val from Depressed Cake Shop
Depression and cake might not seem like they go together…something so heavy with something so bright. But that is exactly the name of the non-profit that is starting conversations and raising awareness, and what we are chatting all about on the podcast today.
In fact, the name is the perfect lesson in mental health. You see, sometimes days are dark, gray, and extremely difficult, both for those suffering from mental illness and their loved ones. There is also the reminder that, just as it feels to bite into your favorite slice of cake on a hard day, there is still joy.
The genius of combining such an attention grabbing title and concept has spread around the globe. Local communities host Depressed Cake Shop Pop Ups and accept baked goods from restauranteurs and individuals alike. But this isn’t just any cake shop.
Each baked good symbolizes the dark and the light of mental health. Anxious cookies made of oreos with the sweetest eye balls wait next to cakes with a gray stormcloud of frosting. When opened up, the cakes reveal the most beautiful rainbow inside only waiting to be found. Individuals can come to the bakeshop and purchase these incredible baked goods, and conversation can be found in the process.
All proceeds from the events go to benefit mental health organizations in that area. And the connections made go far beyond the pop-ups. Individuals passionate about raising awareness and support within the mental health community have come together, and formed a Depressed Cake Shop family. From their incredible work ending the stigma around mental health, to advocating for services, to supporting one another as friends during times of need, I feel so grateful to have an inside look.
I hope you will join us today to learn about this incredible organization, the power of baking especially on our cloudy days, and what Val hopes for the future of mental health.
Listen to the episode below or via one of the links provided, and don’t miss following Val and Depressed Cake Shop on Instagram and their website!
If you’d like to follow along outside of the blog, it is also available on Apple Podcasts, Anchor, Spotify, and other sources.
Recipe:
Earl Gray Macarons + Tea
Val and I each baked Earl Gray Macarons with Lemon Buttercream filling using Indulge with Mimi’s recipe! (See what the process was like here.)
Val also brightened my day by sending tea for our conversation! You’ll hear us describe this special cup during the episode. As an avid coffee drinker, I can say I will gladly swap an afternoon cup for this incredible tea. (And that is saying quite a lot!). Click here to purchase from Good Earth!
Take Home Tip:
Val shares the important words not to be afraid to try something just because it is hard, or because there is a risk of “failure.” Be that baking, a hobby that might bring you joy, or having the hard conversations around mental health. Often, it takes continuing to try and work at something, sometimes for quite a while, before we find our groove. And when we do, that work and time is absolutely worth it. Feel empowered to take that first step, and stay on your journey.
We will be here cheering you on.