The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA

Icing Smiles: Turning Compassion Into Cake


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What if one cake could change everything?

In this heartfelt episode of The Perfect Rise Podcast, Chef Kimberly Houston sits down with Tracy Quisenberry, founder of Icing Smiles, a nonprofit that brings joy to critically ill children and their families through custom celebration cakes made by volunteer bakers.

Tracy’s journey didn’t begin in the kitchen—it started with service. After years as a tax professional and volunteer for Make-A-Wish, she found her true calling through a single homemade cake that sparked smiles, connection, and purpose. Today, Icing Smiles includes more than 14,000 volunteer bakers—called Sugar Angels—who create “dream cakes” across the country, each one a reminder that compassion and creativity can change lives.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll hear:
• How Icing Smiles began and what drives its mission
• The story behind the first “rubber duck” cake that started it all
• How one cake transformed a child’s final day into a celebration of life
• Why Tracy believes faith, service, and purpose are inseparable
• How bakers can get involved and become Sugar Angels themselves

If you’ve ever needed a reminder of why you fell in love with baking—or proof that your work can make an impact—this conversation will stay with you long after you listen.

📍 Learn more & get involved: https://www.icingsmiles.org

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The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBABy The Retail Bakers of America Association