Something Sweet is Coming
Kelsey Lucius, owner and head baker of Bottom Line Bakery, has made a well-known name for herself in Augusta, GA, with her stunning, detail-oriented cakes and baked goods. Now, she’s growing and bringing her many talents to Aiken, SC by transitioning her former restaurant, Salty Tomatoes Restaurant and Bar, into a second location for her bakery. For Lucius, this re-branding is about more than expansion—it’s about fulfilling a need she saw in Aiken to offer a truly unique experience for wedding cakes, groom cakes and other custom baked goods.
“I’m so excited for this transition,” Lucius shares. “Aiken has such a vibrant community, and I wanted to bring something really special and unique here. Wedding trends are constantly evolving, and I want to help couples celebrate in a way that feels truly personal and distinctive to them.”
Kelsey is renowned for her gorgeous cakes which feature intricate designs and unparalleled attention to detail. Specializing in buttercream, she creates both bridal and groom cakes that reflect her clients’ personalities, hobbies and visions. From elegant and traditional to whimsical and adventurous, her creations push the boundaries of what a custom cake can be. For Lucius, no idea is too big.
One of her most popular offerings is a tasting box initially designed for brides but now beloved by everyone. The tasting box contains 13 slices of Bottom Line Bakery’s most popular cake flavors, giving clients a chance to sample a variety of delicious options. What started as a wedding planning essential has become a hit for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and anniversaries. “The tasting boxes are always available, and people just love them,” Kelsey says. “They’ve become a way to celebrate any occasion.”
These tasting boxes can be ordered by phone or online, making it easy for customers to enjoy a curated selection of flavors that showcase Lucius’s creativity and skill.
Weddings are at the heart of Bottom Line Bakery’s mission, and Kelsey loves seeing how couples are making their celebrations more fun and personalized. “Dessert tables have become a big trend,” she notes. “Brides are pairing their cakes with cookies, cupcakes and other treats to create a dessert experience for their guests.” She described how she recently had a bride that wanted a large table showcasing a variety of traditional Italian desserts.
Groom cakes, in particular, have taken on a life of their own with bold and imaginative designs that often reflect hobbies, interests or inside jokes. “Groom cakes are becoming so popular and fun to design,” Lucius shares. “It’s a great way for the couple to add a personal touch to their big day and have some creative license to highlight their fun side.”
Lucius encourages couples to book their wedding orders three to five months in advance to ensure plenty of time for planning and execution. “Every cake I make is a labor of love,” she says. “I put so much time into planning, designing and making sure everything is perfect from the first sketch to the final setup.” Cakes are delivered at optimal times to ensure they look and taste perfect for the big moment. Lucius takes placement, weather conditions and execution of her cakes very seriously.
One of the joys of owning a custom bakery is the freedom to innovate. For Lucius, the sky truly is the limit when it comes to her creations. She recounts a recent wedding where the bride opted for cupcake favors that were individually packaged and sent home with guests. “I love when clients think outside the box,” she says. “It’s so rewarding to help bring their visions to life.”
This creativity extends beyond weddings. Kelsey’s skills are sought-after for all kinds of celebrations, from birthdays to corporate events. Her attention to detail and commitment to quality set Bottom Line Bakery apart as a destination for anyone looking to make their special moments unforgettable.
As Kelsey prepares to open her Aiken location, she’s excited about the opportunity to connect with a new community. “I want Bottom Line Bakery to be a place where people can come for something truly special,” she says. “Whether it’s a wedding cake, a tasting box or a batch of cookies, I want every customer to feel like they’re getting something unique and made just for them.”
With her passion for baking and dedication to her craft, Lucius is poised to make Bottom Line Bakery a beloved institution in Aiken, just as it is in Augusta. From her intricate buttercream designs to her creative dessert tables, Kelsey continues to redefine what a custom bakery can offer, one delicious creation at a time.