Get To Know: Ella Stone

Ella Stone is the owner of Charlotte-based businesses Celestial Cakery and SWIRL. She and her husband Curtis Stone have two children, Theo, age 5, and Olly, age 1.

- Michele Huggins

Where in Charlotte do you live and where did you grow up? I grew up just outside of Richmond, Virginia and moved to Charlotte to attend Johnson & Wales University. After graduating with degrees in baking, food service, and culinary arts I bought a house with my husband in the Oakhurst neighborhood and started baking from home as Ella’s Celestial Cakes.

Tell us about your job. What do you like most about it? What are the challenges?

Celestial Cakery is an award-winning wedding and custom cake bakery. Most recently, I opened SWIRL, which has a focus on made-to-order cupcakes, ice cream and assorted desserts. My favorite part is the look on someone’s face when they see their custom cake for the first time or bite into a made-to-order cupcake. Being the boss also allows me the flexibility to take a day off or leave early without anyone’s approval. I truly love what I’ve built and I’m thankful every day for the opportunity to continue baking.