The Interview: Newnan cake artist Bonne Bedingfield

From Staff Reports

This month, The Paper publishes its Q&A with Bonne Bedingfield, a contestant on The Food Network’s Season 11 Halloween Wars last fall and owner of Beautifully Baked by Bonne.

Briefly describe yourself and what you do/did.

My name is Bonne Bedingfield and I am an artist whose medium is cake. 

Best piece of advice you’ve received. 

My parents told me from very early on to find something that I loved to do and aspire to become the very best at it. That has served me quite well. 

If I had it to do over … 

I wouldn’t change a thing. No one leads a perfect life. We all have hardships that hopefully balance well with the good times and make us better people. I try to start my day with gratitude, to not regret mistakes I have made but learn from them, and to keep moving forward. 

You are going on an extended solo trip. What three albums and three books would you take?

I would take the Pretty in Pink Soundtrack, Abbey Road, and an album I’ve never heard of to keep things fresh. 

As for books: Life with the Afterlife by Ami Bruni, The Great Gatsby, and anything by Liane Moriarty. 

Tell us one thing about yourself that few people know.

I am double jointed in my elbows and have bruises in my eyes that have been there since birth. Gross. And this is why few people know! 

You are hosting a dinner party for six. What five people, living or dead, would you invite and why?

Countess Elizabeth Bathory

John Adams 

Joseph Merrick (The Elephant Man)

Alfred Hitchcock 

Rasputin

I have an affinity for the strange and somewhat dark. John Adams doesn’t quite fit those categories but he will do. 

Name an as yet unfulfilled dream.

I’m strangely not a dreamer. I have always kept myself wide open for God  to lead me down my intended path. This seems to work well for me. 

If you weren’t doing what you are, you would be …

If someone told me I had to pull myself away from anything creative I would study political science. It fascinates me. And not just American politics. 

Your go-to food?

Either almonds (how boring am I?!) or chips and salsa.

Favorite movies(s)?

I’m not a huge movie fan. I lack the attention span it takes to sit through movies (which seem to be getting longer and longer). I’m down for a good series. John Adams was one of my all time favorites. For laughs, Schitts Creek and Arrested Development. If I HAD to choose a movie, “Goodbye, Mr. Chips”. 

Dogs or cats? 

Dogs. All day long.

Your favorite quote and why.

I couldn’t pick just one. The first is beautifully said and so very true. The latter is a reminder that has guided me well. 

“To be kind is more important than to be right. Many times, what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin

Name something that you are extremely glad you did or accomplished.

I’m glad I followed my parent’s advice. I was never discouraged from using my innate talents to create a fulfilling career for myself. Starting my own business as a cake artist may have been the most frightening and  rewarding thing I’ve ever accomplished. It has led on an incredible journey. 

What advice would you give your younger self just starting out on their own?

It’s okay to feel lost and to not know what the heck you’re doing. Trust yourself. You’re as capable as anyone else. And also, you’re not as bad at math as you say you are.