Hi, I'm Olivia Williford.

Nice to meet you!

I was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, where my passion for food blossomed at an early age. The diverse range of cultures in South Africa offers a vibrant tapestry of flavors and colors that deeply influenced my palate. My journey took a new turn when my Portuguese mother relocated us to Portugal during my teenage years, immersing me in an entirely different culinary landscape. The stunning variety of foods and ingredients captivated me from the start. I began learning cooking techniques from my mother and was introduced to a treasure trove of both savory and sweet recipes. As my appreciation for these diverse tastes grew, I also discovered the richness of Greek cuisine. I spent several years working in a traditional Greek restaurant, which broadened my culinary experiences even further.

I met my American husband while living in Portugal, and we celebrated our marriage in the stunning Garden Route, ensuring that all my family could be there for our special day. He quickly fell in love with South Africa, and we promised ourselves that we would one day return to live here. In the meantime, we moved to the United States for my husband’s work, where we began building our life together in Colorado. It was there that I honed my skills by completing multiple pastry and cake courses, which ignited my passion for baking. Despite the adventure, I often found myself yearning for the flavors and traditions of my childhood.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have returned to South Africa with my husband and children, and I’m thrilled to have established The Painted Cakes. I look forward to launching this new venture and providing a delightful and memorable experience for all our current and future clients!