From day one, Cake Life founders Nima Etemadi and Lily Fischer dreamed of a bakery rooted in exceptional, authentic baking. Nearly 10 years later, Cake Life is a cherished Fishtown destination for Philly’s best cakes and pastries-even Beyonce’s birthday favorite-served with heart in a welcoming, sustainable space.
About Cake Life
In Philadelphia’s lively Fishtown, Cake Life Bake Shop stands as a sweet testament to friendship and ambition. Co-owned by Lily Fischer and Nima Etemadi, best friends from Sarah Lawrence College, Cake Life emerged after their appearances (and win!) on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.” In 2013, they opened their first location in the historic Globe Dye Works, eventually relocating to their cozy spot on Frankford Avenue.
Their baking philosophy blends American and European techniques, with touches of Nima’s Persian heritage and Lily’s Philadelphia roots. Every cake and pastry from Cake Life is crafted with care, drawing inspiration from global baking trends, whether it’s a geode cake fit for Beyoncé or a buttery, flakey Kouign-amann. “It’s our job to still be the dreamers,” Lily shares, as the two continually push creative boundaries.
Since its retail debut in 2016, Cake Life has become a staple in Philly’s culinary scene, attracting locals and celebrities alike. Lily and Nima balance each other perfectly—Nima’s knack for pastries and Lily’s business savvy help them grow the dream together, now with a team of 20.
Located on a charming Fishtown street, their 1,500-square-foot shop is a labor of love, equipped with custom tools and a commitment to fresh ingredients. “People want to know where they can get a great cake,” Nima says. And at Cake Life, that’s the promise—crafted with heart, never frozen, and always memorable.