Conversations with Lena Hermann

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena Hermann

Hi Lena, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a little girl, I fondly remember my 6th birthday party where my mom baked me a honey cake. Honey cake is a traditional Eastern European layered cake that kind of resembles a gourmet graham cracker , lathered with a variation of vanilla chantilly creme. When my family immigrated from Russia to the United States, we definitely brought many of our eastern European traditions with us. My favorite was baking delicious homemade pastries and enjoying them with afternoon tea.
As I grew older, these fond memories compelled me to create similar traditions with my own children. As I began experimenting with different flavor and texture combinations, a thought crossed my mind that I can actually turn this into a business and bring these classic European flavors into my community.
Through many wonderful friends, word spread, and I was able to share my passion of these delectable treats and bring them into various ethnic communities ! I truly love what I do and it has been such a blessing to serve my community with my cakes and desserts.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Overall, I would say yes. I have had an outpouring of support from my family and dear friends. My business grew mainly on referrals and it has been such a blessing to see so many happy clients who continue to share about Torte & Tea.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in creating custom cakes that not only have a modern design, but also taste delicious. A customer once told me, “I had come to terms that cakes either look good, or taste good, but never both, until I saw and tasted yours. ” That was very encouraging to hear and I believe that is what sets me apart. I would say that I am known to have delicious flavor combinations in my cakes. My instagram highlights has my menu and the different options I offer.
The thing that I am most proud of is how ethnically diverse my community of clients is. Its so neat so see how my clients from the middle east love the classic Napoleon. Apparently, it reminds them of their own similar variation of this classic and they love it! My Indian clients love the Honey cake as well as the Mango Raspberry cake. My Asian clients love that my desserts are not as sweet. Earl Grey Black Currant has been a favorite among them. I love that I can serve so many different groups of people with these signature flavors.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love to watch a good movie. And if its really really good, I need to watch all the behind the scenes as to how the movie was made. I love to see how an actor really impersonates a character, and transfers that onto the viewer. The art of creating a movie is probably my most favorite thing, and my dream is to be on set one day and actually watch how a movie is done 🙂

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torteandtea/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/torteandtea/