Exploring the Revolutionary Journey of See the World Travel Company and Lee Michaels Sculpture Cakes
On this episode of “Out and About with Antionette!” I had the privilege of interviewing the creative and revolutionary journey of Catherine Short, fondly known as Kathy, the owner and founder of See the World Travel Company and Lee Michaels Sculpture Cakes. Take a listen as we explore how Kathy’s passion for travel, art, history, and unique pairings of cakes and wine has led to an innovative and inspiring venture.
Reinventing the Business During the Pandemic:
When the pandemic hit, many businesses faced unprecedented challenges, and the world of travel was no exception. However, instead of succumbing to the obstacles, Kathy and her husband, Lee Michaels, embraced the opportunity for reinvention. They transformed their travel company, See the World Travel, into a distinctive experience by introducing wine tours in Delaware and the Finger Lakes. Their refreshing approach of pairing cakes with wine not only brought novelty but also added an artistic and historical dimension to their offerings.
The Fusion of Cake, Wine, Art, and History:
The fusion of cake, wine, art, and history is at the heart of Lee Michaels Sculpture Cakes. Kathy and Lee are not only entrepreneurs; they are storytellers and curators of experiences. By integrating cake and wine pairings with art and historical narratives, they turn every excursion into an enchanting journey. Their collaboration with art museums and historical locations creates a multifaceted line-up of events, sharing the tales of revolutionary artists such as the pre-Raphaelites, triggering thought-provoking conversations, and offering an immersive experience that stays etched in memory.
Unearthing the Ash Cake:
One of the intriguing aspects of their venture is the incorporation of historical culinary gems, such as the Ash Cake. Kathy sheds light on this unique creation from her deep dive into history, closely linked with the narrative of Frederick Douglass. The Ash Cake, made of cornmeal and water, cooked in oak leaves in the ashes of the fire, holds a significant place in the historical journey of our ancestors. It symbolizes resilience, survival, and the endurance of the human spirit. This revelation not only adds a layer of depth to their pairings but also acts as a bridge between history and contemporary experiences.
Daring to Act upon Unseen Hope:
Kathy’s journey reflects the essence of resilience and adaptability. Their ability to pivot and create something extraordinary out of adversity is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit. As Kathy aptly puts it, “In order to move from one place to another, you have to be daring to act upon hope that’s unseen.” This unwavering courage, coupled with embedded values and the support of loved ones, paved the way for a transformation that stands as an invaluable inspiration.
Embracing the Legacy:
The legacy that Kathy and Lee are building is unique, individual, and revolutionary, resonating with the essence of who they are. By curating experiences and pairings that intertwine art, history, and flavor, they are leaving an indelible mark. Each expedition becomes an opportunity to connect with the narratives of the past, savor the present, and weave an enchanting tapestry of experiences for generations to come.
Kathy Short’s journey is a beacon of innovation, creativity, and resilience. It showcases the power of reimagining and reinventing, even in the face of challenges. Through See the World Travel Company and Lee Michaels Sculpture Cakes, she has not only created a business but a realm of immersive experiences that resonate with the soul. As we look ahead to the new year, her story serves as a reminder that embracing the unseen, weaving history with the present, and savoring every flavor of life can lead to transformative and revolutionary experiences.
The journey of Kathy and Lee is a testament to the fact that even amidst chaos, one can craft a symphony of creativity, history, and flavor, resonating with the essence of humanity’s unwavering spirit. Their story is a celebration of resilience, nuggets of history, and the art of pairing flavors and experiences that linger in hearts, inviting us to savor life’s diverse offerings.
Join us in the realm of See the World Travel and Lee Michaels Sculpture Cakes, and immerse yourself in the art, history, and flavors that whisper tales of bygone eras and inspire journeys of the present.
