When Linda Hudson was young, she spent hours watching her mother decorate cakes—and not just because she wanted to sneak fingerfuls of frosting. She loved the craft, too, so much so that she headed to culinary school, where she worked under a master pastry chef at The Elegant Bakery.

Her lifelong commitment to beautiful baked goods shows at her shop, Butterfly Bakery. For example, the eatery's cupcakes are filled with delicacies such as chocolate mousse and strawberry marmalade and often topped with fresh fruit. Other treats range from classic cookies to custom wedding cakes, accented with edible extras, such as flowers and bows.