Founder | Owner | Head Instructor, Traveling Tarts
There’s something unforgettable about walking into a room that smells like freshly baked crust, sweet berries, and warm vanilla. For Kara Heller, that scent is more than nostalgia, it’s her calling.
Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Kara’s love for baking began as a teenager working in a tiny pastry shop in Studio City. “I was obsessed with custards and fresh fruit tarts,” she laughs. “I’d lose track of time just watching the glaze settle.”
But Kara wasn’t content with just baking behind the scenes. With a natural flair for entertaining, an eye for dĂ©cor, and a backyard full of homegrown ingredients (yes, she grows everything from berries to mint), she dreamed of creating something bigger – an experience to be shared!
Enter Traveling Tarts: a curated, upscale baking party brand where guests wear fun aprons, sip wine, whip custard, and roll crusts in beautiful kitchens (like her luxe Encino home) or even in their own backyards. Think DIY baking party, themed backdrop, red carpet vibes, garden tours, and yes – plenty of laughter.
“I created Traveling Tarts to combine all my favorite things—baking, decorating, cooking, laughter, and helping people connect,” Kara says. “It’s not just about the tart. It’s about the moment.”
From hosting corporate bonding events and birthday bakes to appearing on California Live and Good Day LA, a regular on the local news and influencer vlogs – Kara’s pies and tarts are now as famous as her smile.
So whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, Kara’s philosophy is simple:
“Let’s roll up our sleeves, have some fun, and make something delicious together.”
Follow Along:
Serving LA, OC & Beyond
Instagram: @traveling_tarts
Website: www.travelingtarts.com