Cake Interview With Tessa’s Cakes
Welcome to the Baker & Cake Decorator Interviews Series!
Hi everyone! For February’s cake decorator, I am delighted to be featuring Kemi Sanni with Tessa’s Cakes, who is located in Maryland, USA. Kemi has some unique fondant cake designs, showcasing her incredible skills and creativity, and she incorporates various textures to elevate her cakes to a whole new level of cake artistry! Kemi shares her story below and her challenges, making her story great for all aspiring cake decorators. Follow her relatable videos on Instagram and stay updated on her latest cake designs. Click here to find a ton of inspiration and personal stories from talented cake decorators.
Interview with Tessa’s Cakes
This interview has been edited for clarity and length, preserving original responses.
Tessa’s Cakes Interview
Can you share a bit about yourself?
My name is Kemi Sanni, and I was born and raised in Nigeria, West Africa. My background is in law, and I started my career practicing law as an Attorney in Nigeria. I did not enjoy representing clients in courts or working in a law firm. I was always more drawn to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes such as mediation, arbitration, and negotiation, and this interest led me to pursue a Masters of Law program in the United States. I’d describe myself as driven, passionate, and determined to pursue my dreams. I live in Maryland, USA, with my husband and two young sons, and I juggle running my cake business while working full-time as an ADR Attorney Advisor for the federal government.
How did you get started with making cakes?
I grew up watching and helping my mom bake cakes and little treats for friends and family. A common practice growing up in Nigeria during big holidays like Christmas was to share meals with family and friends. My mom was always the one parent who decided to bake cakes or have doughnuts instead of jollof rice and other traditional Nigerian meals. I enjoyed baking with her and soon took over all things baking in the household. I made my first fondant cake when I was 17 or 18 years old, and I made that fondant from scratch!
Do you have a memorable cake that challenged you?
Absolutely! I have had quite a few cakes that have challenged me and made me want to sit down on the ground and ugly cry out of frustration. One was a cake design that was to look like an ascot. For starters, I had to google what that even meant! When I found that it was a fancy necktie for men, I thought to myself easy peasy. Alas! I was determined to get the ascot to look as realistic as possible with a brocade-like texture and to be shaped like a real ascot tie would look, and that cake wasn’t turning out right! I started over at least 5 times and finally called a cake sister to brainstorm how to make it look right. The results were well worth the pain, and the client was highly pleased. It was also the last ascot cake order I ever took! Lol. (Check out the ascot cake below)
What are your challenges with running a small business while having a full-time job?
The biggest challenge is TIME! Working full-time (oftentimes having to go into the office physically) and then attending to after-school activities with my kids such as soccer, basketball, and even homework and then juggling that with responding to cake inquiries and baking and decorating cakes requires more than our allotted 24-hour days. Due to my busy weekday schedule, I had to stop taking cake orders for pickup or delivery during the week. I lost some clients who wanted cakes on weekdays due to this business decision. There was also the guilt of feeling that I was not fully present as a mom when I had no spare time during the week and spent almost all weekend ‘caking.’ I call it the struggle to juggle.
What are your must-have cake-decorating tools?
For me, it’s my trusted fondant roller! I’m a huge fondant cake lover, so of course, my must-have tool has got to be the one thing that helps the most in decorating fondant cakes. A close second would be my offset spatula-but a specific one, my absolute favorite. And even though I have at least five others, I end up using that very one all the time. Cake decorators know what I mean about having one unique tool that they’re attached to 🙂
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from all over, but mainly from textures. I absolutely LOVE to integrate texture into my cake designs. I also love to hear about people’s likes , dislikes, and personalities, which inspire the designs I create. For instance, someone who likes structure, might be an architect and loves simple or has a more minimalist style would encourage me to create a cake designed with straight imprinted lines or texture, colors that are more toned down, yet rich with minimal cake toppers or add-ons. I’ve drawn inspiration from random items like soap dispenser bottles, a phone case or pair of shoes.
Is there a technique you want to try next?
I would like to become more comfortable using chocolate ganache as a constant cake decorating medium and get creative in making acrylic cake toppers myself.
What is your favorite buttercream to work with?
My go-to buttercream is always Swiss Meringue buttercream. It’s creamy, not too sweet, easy to make, and great as a filling, crumb coat, and final coat. It’s an all-around winner in my books as far as buttercream is concerned. I’ve tried other types, but SMBC still tops the list for me, so I don’t even bother trying other types of buttercream anymore.
What are you doing in your spare time if you are not creating cakes?
I love watching period drama movies and shows, as well as reality TV shows! I also love to watch Nollywood or Nigerian movies and TV shows. I love to see the drama play out on tv – I just don’t want any of it in my real life!
What are your favorite foods?
Totally depends on my mood! I used to love all things potatoes and eggs. Now, I have a thing for flat bread.
I’ve drawn inspiration from the most random items, such as soap dispenser bottles, a phone case, or a pair of shoes.
Kemi Sanni
My Favorite Creations
Lady Face Silhouette Cake
I love the red-textured fondant that goes with the lady face silhouette!
Pretty in Pink Textured Cake
Lots of beautiful textures going on with this cake.
Ascot Tie Cake
This ascot cake was executed beautifully! Check out the textures on the gold part.
Mediterranean Cake
If you zoom closely, you can see the textures on the white fondant. Amazing!
Gorgeous Ballerina Cake
A gorgeous cake for a special little lady!
Boho Baby Shower Cake
It is a lovely boho cake with fondant ruffles in neutral colors.
Bow Tie Cake
Once again, textures are at play with the geodes!
Gabby Dollhouse Cake
It is such a cute and fun cake for a birthday girl who loves Gabby Dollhouse! Click here for some kids birthday cake ideas.
Glam Birthday Cake for Men
What a stunner!
Stunning White Baby Shower Cake
Simply elegant! Click here to check out boy baby shower cake ideas.
More about Tessa’s Cakes
A professional and self-taught cake decorator, Kemi creates fondant cakes crafted individually using the client’s specifications and personality.