DQ ‘cake lady’ sees pandemic business boom
WESTFIELD, Ind. (WISH) — A cake decorator in Westfield known for attention to detail is seeing a boom in business for another reason: the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I used to make about 40 cake orders a month and now I make at least 40 cake orders a week,” said Diana Schwartz, a part time employee at the Dairy Queen of U.S. 32.
Admittedly, snowy February isn’t the best time to celebrate with an ice cream cake but Schwartz says she finds people are eager to celebrate anything.
“You got straight A’s on your report card? You deserve to celebrate,” she said. “You’ve got to find something to make the happy happen again.”
She’s made cakes for birthdays, anniversaries and retirements, but also hysterectomies, heart transplants, a new driver’s license and ending mandatory quarantine.
You’ll find more than just superheroes and dolphins on her cakes. Recently, she’s featured David Bowie, Bob Ross, Donald Trump, Jimmy Buffett, The Mandalorian and Moana. They’re also set in scenes like Central Perk from the TV show Friends and outer space.
She’s amassed a major following online through the Westfield Moms Facebook group. They’ve said she showed up in a big way to bring smiles during lockdown. One mom said she’s their go-to since she’ll draw something specific, like a black gymnast on her daughter’s birthday cake.
“I never thought it would affect so many people so dominantly this past year,” said Schwartz. “I usually don’t get to see the response and now that I get to see it on Facebook, I’m just awed.”
Some say they don’t even like ice cream cake but love her designs and passion.
“It’s very humbling. It’s my honor,” she said.
Schwartz says she never charges extra to customize a cake and is still taking orders. She’s also looking for an apprentice. DQ is hiring another cake decorator to manage the workload. To learn more, visit store’s website.
To view more of her cake designs, visit her photo album on Facebook.