Recognized as one of the best bakeries in the nation, Alotta Brownies Bakery is locally owned and operated by baker Michelle Kaiser, who has been in business for over 25 years and also recently launched her own line of signature gourmet mixes featured on Shark Tank.  Offering flavorful and fancy desserts of all kinds; if you can dream it, Alotta Brownies can make it a reality!  Sally Muhs is Michelle’s right hand woman—cake decorator, baker, and all-around project doer at Alotta Brownies Bakery.

How did you get started in the business? – Pure chance. I needed a change and a position just happened to be open at the right time!

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Each time one of my designs has been published in a magazine. Every cake that is seen on a glossy page reaches the eyes of thousands of brides. If a couple of those ladies call and make an appointment to come in I have achieved my ultimate goal–booking weddings.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Things such as this! I am much more comfortable being in the background. I tend to be a very quiet person and don’t care for attention.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? –  There was a point nearly five years ago when my entire world was turned upside down; I had to completely start over. It was one of the best things that ever happened to me, even if at the time it seemed like the worst. My new path led me to my husband and I was finally able to learn how to be happy.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Sculpt and paint.  I work with clay and with wool, but not at the same time! Of late, I have found that sculpting with wool is easier on my worn out hands—and I can’t break the wool like I seem to always do with the clay. Painting is a true passion; I love to work with color.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I absolutely love working on classic cars. My husband and I restore old cars as a hobby. During the summer we are showing some car or another at shows all over the area. My most prized possession is a 1958 Thunderbird, she’s beautiful.

What are you the most proud of? – My son. Gabe graduated from Grand View University this past May and has become a man that any mother would be proud of. He lives just outside of Des Moines, IA with his wife and stepdaughter.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – It is a two-fold thing: Don’t think so much and just breathe.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Loyal.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Shapeshifter, because as different animals you could do it all!

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Research!  I was a librarian for 15 years prior to becoming a cake decorator. I love research.

Which talent would you most like to have? – I would love to draw comic books.

What is your favorite movie? – What Dreams May Come, with my all-time favorite actor Robin Williams.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – I can be reached at the bakery, (402) 721-9400 or alottabrownies.com.