Meet Michelle Ware | Michelle Ware | The Bougie Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Ware and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Before opening my studio, I served as a narcotics investigator in the U.S. Air Force. It was important work, but it placed me in the shadows of some of life’s hardest moments. Over time, the weight of those experiences dimmed the bright parts of my personality. I knew I needed a path that allowed me to create and reconnect with who I was outside of uniform.

So I enrolled in culinary school and spent years working as a cake decorator, learning techniques, refining my eye for detail, and discovering how much I loved transforming simple ingredients into something meaningful. That’s why I refer to myself as a sugar artist rather than simply a baker – the art, the craftsmanship, and the storytelling is what I truly love.

Now I get to be part of life’s happiest moments, and that shift is incredibly rewarding and why I sought this artistic career years ago.

What should our readers know about your business?
The Bougie Baker is built on the belief that cookies can be more than desserts – they can be meaningful, luxurious pieces of art. What sets my business apart is the level of intention and artistry behind every order. I craft custom pieces that feel personal, elevated, and unforgettable.

My background plays a big role in that. I’m a trained cake decorator who fell in love with the precision and storytelling behind sugar art. Each cookie is designed with the same care and attention you’d expect from a fine artist: thoughtful color palettes, cohesive themes, luxury finishes, and designs that honor the moment being celebrated.

I’m also a one-woman studio, which means every detail – from the sketch to the final packaged set – is done by me. Clients aren’t just getting cookies; they’re getting a piece of my creativity and my heart.

What I want people to know about my brand is that it’s rooted in joy, in connection, and in a deep desire to make life’s moments feel extra special. After years spent in a career surrounded by hardship, creating something beautiful for people’s happiest occasions is incredibly purposeful. My story, my artistry, and the care behind every order are what make The Bougie Baker uniquely mine.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spot in Vail is Four Arrows Garden – it’s a little oasis for anyone who loves desert-native plants. Their selection is incredible, and the staff is full of knowledge and passion. They also host fun events throughout the year and I am always trying to take friends there. It is a great place to learn, explore, and connect with the community.

After browsing the nursery, I love stopping by The Vail Coffee Stop. Their staff is welcoming, the drinks are delicious, and they frequently host community vendor events where you can support local businesses. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee, relax, and soak in the small-town charm of Vail.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband is the biggest influence on my creative journey. We met in the Air Force and, even back then, he would watch baking and cake-decorating shows with me. I remember once saying, “I wish I could do something like that,” and without hesitation he replied, “Why can’t you?”

That simple question changed everything. His belief in me is what pushed me to start experimenting, purse culinary school, and eventually to start my own business. His support has been steady through every chapter, and I’m incredibly grateful for the role he played in helping me discover this path.

Instagram: @thebougiebakeraz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebougiebakeraz

Other: Email: thebougiebakeraz@gmail.com