LEARNING EXPRESS

The two came up with Facing West Photography’s name together, citing the sun setting in the west and her love of nature photography. “I do more (family photography) … but when I travel, I definitely focus more on landscapes and nature,” says Cheyenne, a sophomore at Central High School in Burlington. Gillis and her two young boys sat for family photos with Cheyenne recently. “She’s so patient with little kids,” Gillis says of her niece, noting Cheyenne’s confidence and the way she encourages her clients to “just be you.” In addition to being self-taught when it comes to her camera and editing software, Cheyenne says she and her sister Avery have also done photo shoots to determine what poses work best. Videos with tips on posing, along with funny insights about being a photographer, are available on her Instagram and TikTok, both @facingwestphotography. She’s found a community of other photographers on social media: “Everyone is so helpful and friendly.” While still a few years away, in college the young entrepreneur hopes to study photography and graphic design. She says she’d love to be a photographer in Colorado, perhaps even specializing in weddings and engagements. “I just love seeing the true love that people have … I think it makes beautiful photos.” “She just took off with it,” says Phil Anderson of his daughter’s passion for photography, beginning with her first camera. “I’m pretty proud of her.” For more information about Facing West Photography, visit www.fwphotography0.wixsite.com/facingwestphoto or www.facebook.com/facingwestphoto

Enjoy The Great Outdoors!

PS21

% OFF

Any one item in stock!

Or 20% off your entire purchase. Stock up on

May not be combined with any other offer, discount or fundraiser. Cannot be used to purchase Gift Cards and excludes prior purchases. Valid in store only at Geneva location. Expires 7/31/21 10/31/21

fidgets! Great for travel!

1420 Commons Drive • Geneva • (630) 232-8697

FROM SCRATCH, Perfected WITH Made Love

By Kelley White

Wonderful things come in small packages and local dessert business Blissful Bites by Cynthia delivers! Born from a small twist of fate and grown into a business that perfects the art of customer service, Blissful Bites creates editable art in adorable proportions. “Prior to starting this journey, I’d never baked a cake,” states Cynthia, owner, and operator of Blissful Bites. After asking a friend to make cake pops for her oldest child’s birthday party, Cynthia tried her hand at making the popular dessert herself and they were an instant hit with the partygoers. Despite her homemade cake pop success, Cynthia “assumed that was the first and last time [she] would make them.” Fast forward a few months later and Cynthia’s husband requested she make another batch of her delicious cake pops to take into work for his birthday. His coworkers loved them so much they sought her out to place orders, and thus, Blissful Bites by Cynthia began. From the beginning, Cynthia has kept customer service at the forefront of her small business, valuing hard work and determination to getting it right with her clients. She is a dedicated family woman and still finds the time to devote effort to her burgeoning business. In fact, Cynthia states, “It is not uncommon for me to see the sunrise, especially during the really busy seasons.” That kind of hard work can only produce the good stuff. What makes Blissful Bites by Cynthia continue to grow and achieve? All that hard work and just as importantly, Cynthia’s artistic ability. Her visions come to life in confectionary sweetness. They take an incredibly diverse array of forms: There’s nostalgic Care Bears, tuxedo wedding pops and even golden snitches from the beloved Harry Potter series. As Cynthia addresses, “I have always been artistic and cake pops provided an unexpected opportunity to use that skill.” Not only does Cynthia produce the world’s cutest cake pops, but she now includes chocolate covered oreos, seasonal hot chocolate bombs, treat cups and chocolate dipped strawberries and pretzels to her scrumptious collection of available sweetness!

Blissful Bites by Cynthia prides itself as a business that truly cares about their customers, “Listening and treating them as a friend are two of the things I make sure I do, whether someone places an order or not.” It is a humble admission to understand the importance of connecting directly with her customers with flexibility and grace. Cynthia’s kindness, positivity, and ability to connect with her customers sets her apart in the world of customized confection. Her efforts and accomplishments speak for themselves. For her customers, it’s love at first sight…and bite.

Follow Blissful Bites by Cynthia on Facebook: www.fb.com/BlissfulBitesbyCynthia