Bio
Cotton established Cotton's Gourmet Gifts & Creations in June 2003. To maintain personalized care, attention to detail and accuracy, she remains a small business. She enjoys creating each cake herself from start to finish ensuring a fantabulous cake. Cotton’s assistant, Aeisha, has a wonderful and professional attitude and is a joy to work with. She has been working with Cotton since January 2008.
Personalized Care
Cotton’s Gourmet Gifts & Creations thrives on customer satisfaction. Cotton strongly believes in catering to her clients' special requests, personal needs and professional service. Her cakes are known for their unique flavors, soft texture and creative designs. She consistently delivers high quality service, dee-licious cakes and unique flavors!
Her Dedication
In honor and memory of Cotton’s adored & beloved father, James Henry Ward a.k.a. "Papa Jim", she established a custom cake business. Sadly, Cotton’s “Papa Jim” was called home April 30, 2002 -the day before his 65th birthday. Remembering he was a jack-of-all-trades –including building his own home in Madison, VA- and a lover-of-all sweets, she was inspired to step out on faith through the grace of the Lord and establish this business dedicating it to him since he desired to own a coffee shop. Unable to do so in his lifetime, Cotton has picked up where his dream left off.
Nicole “Cotton” Ward
“Cotton” was a nickname given by her father when she was born. Known as “Cotton” to only her fathers’ side of the family, she paid homage to him by naming her business after her namesake. Cotton is a self taught baker and cake decorator. Although she has not had 1 class of decorating, her mother, Barbara Carter Ward, taught her everything she knows as well as her grandmother, Ms. Beulah Mae Carter, to whom taught her mother all her baking skills. However, Cotton did attend Howard University for Electronic Studio Arts in 1994. 
Cotton is a proud single parent of 2 beautiful girls and a handsome son. Caring for her family as a full time mother, Cotton found it a bit difficult to operate and maintain her store-front boutique on a full time basis so she returned to her home office. 
Cotton’s boutique was open for 1 year, located in Mt. Rainier, MD, and what a fabulous 2010 year it was for her.
Clients
Cotton has the pleasure of working with clients including:
· NSF in Arlington, VA
· Chevy Chase Bank
· Verizon
· Mad Chef / Classic Cuisine
· Randi Payton of On Wheels Media
· Glynn Jackson of Golden Scissors Awards
· Atrium at the Treetops ... (view the Dec. '10 Wedding)
· Astounding Events & Expressions
· Café 96 with Tracina Gray on WHUR 96.3
· Prestigious Creations & Designs
· Colony South Hotel … just to name a few.
Cotton wishes to thank each and every one of her loyal clients, previous clients and welcomes new clients for of there continued support and patronage. We look forward to working with you on your next celebration and special event!
Words to Live By
We are all children of the Lord, so please remember not to forget these Words to Live By:
Remember to forgive others as you want to be forgiven.
To err is human, to forgive divine.
To whom much is given, much is expected.