Her American dream is new Grafton bakery

A new bakery is scheduled to open in Grafton this month and will offer an assortment of artfully decorated cakes, ice cream, pastries and classic Armenian treats.

Turkmenistan native Viktoriya Ovsepyan plans to open Cake Creations, at 1239 Washington St., the former location of Pourvino, by the end of October.

Ovsepyan, who is Armenian, said she and her family came to the United States in 2003 to find better work opportunities and secure a prosperous future for their children.

“We came for our kid’s future,” she said.

Ovsepyan said following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the atmosphere of Turkmenistan changed and many people moved out of the country.

 While many moved to Russia, Ovespyan’s family decided to join her husband’s family members in the United States regardless of the language barrier they would have to overcome.

After moving, Ovsepyan planned to continue practicing medicine, as she had done in her homeland, but could no longer attend school after having a daughter.

In 2004, she started decorating cakes at Dairy Queen — a position that allowed her passion to flourish.

Ovsepyan has spent the last 17 years decorating cakes for supermarkets throughout Ozaukee County, rising to the position of main designer for all Pick’n Save, Metro Market and Meijer stores in Ozaukee and Milwaukee counties.

“My whole career after being a mother and emigrating has been making these cakes,” she said.

After years of designing cakes for supermarkets and honing her craft, Ovsepyan said, it was her children who recognized her talent and encouraged her to open her own shop.

“They believe in me,” she said.

Her oldest son, who just graduated from Marquette University and is pursuing is master’s degree in data analysis, will help Ovsepyan operate the new business.

In addition to offering designed cakes for any occasion, generic cupcakes and pastries, Ovsepyan said, she will also be offering Armenian desserts like baklava and other sweets locals may not be familiar with.

“I want to introduce people to new products,” she said.

Ovsepyan said while she hopes to open the store by the end of this month, shipping delays have made acquiring new coolers, stoves and other materials difficult.

Once open, the shop is approved to operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.

A 13-year Grafton resident, Ovsepyan said she looks forward to providing a new service in her community.

“Maybe I’ll offer some decorating lessons too,” she said.