Star City Six – Mary Urtel

For nine years, Butterfly Bakery (www.butterflybakeryne.com) has been serving the community with everything from fresh breakfast pastries and decadently decorated sugar cookies, to original cakes for special occasions. Mary Urtel is the marketing manager for Butterfly Bakery.

Tell us a little about your business.

At Butterfly Bakery, we take pride in baking from scratch with high quality ingredients to provide fresh, delicious, and beautifully decorated desserts. Our innovative designs and attention to detail truly make every item a piece of edible artwork!

How did you get started in the business?

I was formerly a cake decorator and restaurant manager, through which I had the opportunity to work with our award winning decorator and store manager, Katie. When Butterfly Bakery decided to add a marketing manager to the team, she contacted me. I came in with ideas to expand the Butterfly Bakery brand.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband Zack and I have been together for seven years. Together we have three children: Shelby (15), Christian (14), and Jaxon (6). The wonderful thing about my husband and children is we all understand that being a family means being a team.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

Moving to Lincoln. I was born and raised in Omaha and moving was the scariest, most wonderful decision I made for myself. At the time, I was a single mother. Leaving Omaha meant I was leaving behind everything that I knew—my extended family and support system was in Omaha, but I knew my potential and I was ready to grow.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

I lived on an acreage just outside of Council Bluffs for seven years of my childhood and I believe that is where I acquired my sense of work ethic.

Who inspires you?

My husband and my mother. They are my greatest supporters.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got!” It is a constant reminder to never stop growing.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

“Dreams” by Van Halen. This song holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of my childhood with my brother. Back then I never really listened to the words, but as an adult, I appreciate the meaning behind it.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Calligraphy. I love the fluidity of calligraphy and all of the different styles.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

I would love to be a professional back-up singer or sing on Broadway. I sang in choir and swing choir all throughout high school. I had always dreamed of being a singer, but I have terrible stage fright.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

A Time To Heal—Nebraska Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Partnerships. I recently lost my best friend (32 years old) to cervical cancer, and in 2009 I lost my grandmother to breast cancer.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?

My favorite book is Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?

Justin Timberlake. Everyone who knows me knows my love for JT. Call it a school crush that never went away.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone: (402) 499-0620; Email: nebutterflybakery@gmail.com; Website: www.butterflybakeryne.com.