Boulder Baker Gains TikTok Fame for Cake Designs
A local King Soopers cake decorator has built a massive online following for her intricate custom creations.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Baking
Since beginning her role in 2023, Boulder cake decorator Arya Empson has earned widespread recognition for her artistic designs. Her work at the King Soopers on 1650 30th Street recently gained 1.1 million views on a single TikTok video.
Why it matters
Empson’s rapid rise from a novice decorator to a social media personality highlights how digital platforms can turn niche professional skills into substantial online influence.
Empson has worked as a professional cake decorator for three years after teaching herself techniques through online tutorials. She now commands an audience of over 10,000 followers on TikTok.
The players
Arya Empson
A cake decorator based in Boulder who has garnered over 1.4 million likes on her social media content.
King Soopers
A prominent supermarket chain where Empson creates custom cake designs for local customers.
The details
After a post on a local subreddit sparked interest in her work, Empson transitioned her hobby into a viral showcase on TikTok. She developed her current skills entirely through self-directed learning on YouTube without any prior experience in the field.
Timeline
Empson began her professional career as a cake decorator in 2023.
Culture Shift
Empson's success reflects a broader cultural shift where social media algorithms allow essential service workers to bypass traditional corporate marketing. This movement highlights how personal branding has become an accessible tool for professionals across all sectors of the economy.
Residents may notice increased interest in the custom cake offerings at the 30th Street store due to the decorator's online popularity. Those looking to support local talent may find inspiration in Empson’s plans to eventually transition into her own independent business.
The takeaway
Empson’s path demonstrates that professional growth and visibility can originate from self-directed online learning and community engagement. Aspiring bakers can replicate this success by utilizing digital platforms to document their creative process and build a loyal audience.
Further reading
Discover more about local trends and techniques in our Baking section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Boulder Daily Camera.
