I was born in Chesterfield, Va and moved to Charlotte in ’06 to pursue multiple degrees at Johnson and Wales University. I started my culinary education and career in high school at the Chesterfield Technical Center where I studied for two years and worked weekends at a bakery.
I then started persuing my education at Johnson and Wales. For the next five years I worked a variety of positions from culinary to pastry arts in Chesterfield, Charlotte and in between. Some of these included the prestigious Jefferson Hotel, Earth Fare, Kilwins and most recently Carmel Country Club. I love what I do and have excelled at everything I have pursued.
Outside of work, I enjoy a wide array of activities that range from spending the day kayaking to volunteering for community events. I have a rescued pitbull “Cocoa” and volunteer at fundraisers held by the American Pitbull Foundation. When I get the chance to escape for a weekend, I enjoy camping and spending the day at the US National Whitewater Center.
I currently live in Charlotte, NC and love everything about my community. The restaurants, the night life and the people make Charlotte one of the best places to live. If there is anything I can do to assist you in finding a great restaurant, designing a beautiful cake for your special event or finding an amazing chef to make your dinner a night to remember, don’t hesitate to send me an email and I would be more than happy to assist you!
Certifications
ServSafe Sanitation Certified
ServSafe Alcohol Certified
FDRP Dining Room Professional
FDRP Wine Steward Professional
Education
Johnson and Wales University
- Associates Degree in Applied Science, Culinary Arts
- Graduated Magna Cum Laude and maintained a position on the Dean’s List for five years.
Cakes by Graham
- Internship, Cake Design
- Unpaid internship used to further improve my cake making and design skills. While there I was responsible for baking, stacking, icing and decorating. I was also a part of client consultations and wedding cake deliveries.
Johnson and Wales University
- Bachelors Degree, Food Service Management
- Graduated Magna Cum Laude and maintained a position on the Dean’s List for five years.
Johnson and Wales University
- Associates Degree in Applied Science, Baking and Pastry
- Graduated Magna Cum Laude and maintained a position on the Dean’s List for five years.
Recommendations
“Ella was a hard working intern with Cakes by Graham in Richmond Virginia from June until late August 2010. She was able to complete all her assinged tasks with a smile and in an efficient manner. She was eager to learn, reliable and keen to please. Her approach was professional and I know she could fit into any enviroment easily. I look forward to see how her promising career developes.” May 26, 2011
Graham Haddock, Owner, Cakes by Graham Inc.
managed Ella Hailey, at Cakes by Graham in 2010
“Ella Hailey created a stunningly original wedding cake for my daughter’s wedding. The theme was Classic Hollywood, and Ms. Hailey devised a cake that looked like a stack of film cans with film spilling out of the top can down side of the cake. She even had still images on the “movie film.”
It was one of the most original and creative cakes I’ve ever seen.
Beyond that, Ms. Hailey was a pleasure to work with. She did everything she promised, on time and on budget. I would absolutely use her again, and give my highest recommendation, both to her as a service provider and to the quality and originality of her work.” June 7, 2011
Willis Turner,
Hired Ella Hailey, as a Cake Designer in 2008
