Dara Waitkus, The Piped Peony Academy – (Part 1)
On this episode of One Step Beyond, we are joined by Dara Waitkus, Founder, The Piped Peony Academy.
On this episode, Aram sits down with In this episode, Dara Waitkus, founder of The Piped Peony Academy. Dara shares how she turned her love for buttercream flower piping into a
thriving global community for bakers and artists. A self-taught expert, Dara began as a cottage baker and quickly became overwhelmed by orders, until she discovered her true passion: teaching. Through her signature Blooming Buttercream, Dara has empowered thousands of bakers to create realistic, detailed floral designs. Her Academy, launched in 2022, now offers a comprehensive learning platform filled with unlimited classes, exclusive recipes, and an engaged support
community.
Aram and Dara delve into her story, one of connection, resilience, and purpose. She emphasizes that meaningful learning happens through human connection, not isolation, and believes that community is the key to mastering any craft. By fostering an environment where “I” becomes “we,” she’s built a space where bakers help one another grow, blending
storytelling, empathy, and shared experience into every lesson. Her approach integrates systematic, step-by-step teaching with encouragement and a growth mindset, reminding students that failure is a natural part of mastery.
Throughout the conversation, Dara reflects on leadership lessons learned from others in her field: focus on your strengths, lead with passion instead of competition, and commit to the long game. She also opens up about her struggles with impostor syndrome, the challenges of scaling a growing platform, and balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood. Her journey reminds us that expertise isn’t defined by formal education, it’s built through passion, persistence, and community.
THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT
- Mastery comes from curiosity and adaptability, not just formal education. The best leaders learn every angle of
their craft and make it their own. - Expertise is both technical and human. Understanding people, context, and communication is what elevates skill to
mastery. - Listen to demand signals. Repeated requests can reveal unmet market needs and hidden growth opportunities.
- Overcoming imposter syndrome is an ongoing process of reframing effort as evidence of worth.
About Dara Waitkus:
As a mom, wife, foodie, and artist, Dara turned her passion for flower piping into something more. After watching endless unhelpful YouTube videos, she knew The Piped Peony Academy had the potential to help cottage bakers of all skill levels refine their techniques petal-by-petal. Additionally, members can connect with other decorators through their online community to share creations and learn from others.
Connect with Dara:
https://thepipedpeony.com
About Aram Arslanian:
Cadence was established in 2016 by Aram Arslanian, a coach, therapist, and executive with over 20 years of experience. His background in business, counselling, and performance has enabled him to build a firm uniquely positioned to support organizations in developing their talent. Aram’s approach to leadership and communication is informed by research, his therapeutic experience, and his lived experience as an executive leader.
Connect with Aram:
www.linkedin.com/in/aram-arslanian-cadencelc/
About the company:
Cadence Leadership + Communication is a professional development company dedicated to unlocking true leadership potential. We guide individuals to lead authentically and effectively with a unique blend of mindset and skill set development that is rooted in psychology. Our team is laser-focused on meaningful change and empowering clients to break free from limiting habits. Cadence has worked globally with leaders and their teams from the C-suite to the frontlines and has engaged with companies from a diverse range of industries. At Cadence, our passion is helping people become their greatest selves so they can create a lasting impact in the workplace and beyond.
Coaching | 360 Assessments | Team 360 Assessments | Courses | Keynote Speaking
Connect with Cadence Leadership & Communication:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cadence-leadership-communication/
www.cadenceleadership.ca/