Everyone has dreams that they want to accomplish in their lifetime. Some people don’t even try to follow their dreams, while others make sure their dreams come true. Liz Kraatz is a real life example where someone followed their dreams.

In the spring of 2015, Kraatz took a chance. She decided to give up her job as a Family and Consumer Science teacher at Windsor High School.

She decided to go for her dream.

Kraatz has always loved to cook. Ultimately, her dream job is to create and host her own cake decorating show. She first realized this was her dream when she began her family.

Roughly six years ago, another Windsor teacher asked Kraatz for a favor.

“Ms. (Sherri) Johanns asked me to make her daughter’s 16th birthday cake. I had never done anything like this before, but she had so much confidence in me.  When I was finished, I was so proud of myself and really loved cake decorating,” Kraatz said.

She loved what she had made, so she eventually decided to give up her teaching career at Windsor to focus 100 percent on her culinary career. So far, Kraatz’s post-teaching career has been very successful. Kraatz was recently on the show “Cake Wars: Christmas” on the Food Network.

“I had always wanted to be on Cake Wars, so I finally got up the nerve to send in an application and they called me.  I had a lot of phone conversations with producers and executives and signed a lot of paperwork,” Kraatz said.

Friends and family members enjoyed watching Kraatz on the show. Several Windsor faculty members made sure they watched the show as well.

“It was so much fun to watch her in action on TV.  She is extremely talented and has accomplished so much,” teacher Mary Ann Laupp said.

One of Kraatz’ favorite memories from starting her new career has been all of the people that she met on “Cake Wars: Christmas.”  Kraatz’ team made it through three episodes, but was eventually voted off.

As well as being on “Cake Wars: Christmas,”  she recently went to the World Food Championships in Orange Beach, Alabama.

“I entered an Instagram contest for chili.  All I did was submit a picture and brief description of my chili dish and I received a ‘golden ticket’ to compete at the World Food Championships.  I did not expect to place in this competition. I went to do more networking than anything,” Kraatz said.

When Kraatz went to the World Food Championships in Alabama, she came away with more than just connections.  

Not only did Kraatz receive a first place award, but she also brought home a $10,000 check.

“I was completely surprised when I placed first in the chili category and third best recipe in the world,” Kraatz said.

Meanwhile, her friends and family are not surprised to see Kraatz’ success. 

Laupp said,  “I’m very proud of her for following her dream!  Stay tuned…I have a feeling that we will be seeing much more of Liz and her creations.”