When Aarti Mahtani Raman won Cupcake Smash 2012 in Philly, “I was completely shocked—there were 14 other professional bakers.” That’s not a bad finish for someone whose AMR Catering hadn’t become a full-time production until February. The UD alum worked in the corporate world until she could no longer ignore the call of culinary school. She started in 2007, then worked in restaurants and bakeries until she started freelance catering. Her business has since taken off. Raman was nominated for the prestigious Varli Culinary Awards 2012 for best dessert and pastry.