About Us

Deb Messner has been in the Health & Wellness industry over 25 years. During that time, she self-published 2 cookbooks, Cooking Ahead of Thyme, & Thyme for Fresh. Her culinary experience has provided guidance and options for personal training clients in her gym she has owned for more than 7 years...Avenue X Fitness. Deb's Mom started her at a very young age in the kitchen, and baking was something she has always loved to do.

In 2005, Deb created a special cake for one of her clients. After everyone raved about it, The Original Buckeye Cake was born. Since that time, more than 1000 have been sold to corporations for client gifts, the Columbus Blue Jackets for a special season opener, and many other people in Columbus, Ohio. Now in 2025, Deb is relaunching this one-of-a kind confection that is entirely made from scratch. 

Giving Back

For more than 20 years, Deb worked closely with Dimitrious Stanley, beloved Ohio State Wide Receiver, personal training in local gyms and running corporate wellness programs together. Deb witnessed how much Dimitrious gave back to his city and the people most important to him. After he lost his battle with prostate cancer in 2023, Deb knew she wanted to give back to honor his legacy and support his Foundation, Brave Men, Inc. That's why $5 from each sale of The Original Buckeye Cake will go to Brave Men, Inc to fight prostate cancer and provide a Brave Box to men living with the disease. It is something small to give back to a man with the most generous heart and infectious love for people. Dimitrious found a way to balance everything he did in the city with his number one priority...his home with wife, Jessica, & their daughters. Learn more about Brave Men, Inc. here.

Balance in life is everything. What may seem like an unlikely blend of two passions actually supports a basic philosophy Deb has always had. When you work hard and play hard, it is possible to... 

Have Your Cake & Be Fit Too!