All the many hours of labor that go into creating the Capitol Gingerbread model and its social media presence are being generously donated by an incredible and talented team of volunteers. In addition to our team lead, Executive Chef Fred Johnson, we would like to introduce you to the elves volunteering in Santa’s shop to create the magic!

Deborah Taylor, Owner of Charles Street Bakery

Deborah Taylor, is the owner, creative mind, and heart and soul of Charles Street Bakery.  This Washington D.C. native has had a love of the Baking and Pastry Arts since she was a child.  Deborah, a self-taught baker, has been under the tutelage of many Master Chefs and Confectionary Artists.  Her free-spirited nature and business acumen began in California where she opened and partnered Our Daily Bread Bakery and Café in Santa Barbara, California for five years.  From there, she earned a Business and Accounting degree, all the while cultivating her talents and skills with the likes of Julia Child and Jacques Pepin as inspiration.  Deborah eventually came back to the Washington Metropolitan area and worked as the Pastry Chef for Susan Gage Catering for 5 years and interned a summer under Ewald Notter at the School of Confectionary Arts in Gaithersburg, Md.   After catering for Washington DC’s elite, and armed with the experiences and knowledge gained over the years, Deborah opened Charles Street Bakery in beautiful downtown La Plata, Md.  Over the past 17 years, Charles Street Bakery has been a part of many celebrations all over the District, Maryland and Virginia area.  Most notably for the birthday celebrations of all Branches of the US Military as well as prominent families with roots that run deep in the Nation, Charles Street Bakery was there providing custom cake and confections.  It’s longevity over the years, is a testament to the love and skills that Deborah brings to the industry.

Kimberly Ecle, Lead Cake Designer and Decorator at Charles Street Bakery

Kimberly Ecle is the lead cake decorator at Charles Street Bakery.  Before bringing her artistic talents to Charles Street, this Neapolitan born daughter of a USN Retired Seabee has opened two restaurants and has had a pastry career spanning over a decade.  She credits the support of her family as her inspiration and driving force to stay current with trends, innovations and artistry to the pastry field.  Kimberly is a graduate of University of Maryland BC and of the Stratford School of Baking and Pastry Arts.