September Cake Decorator Spotlight
Hi friends! Today, I am featuring Ayo from @tabi.cakes, based in United Kingdom for September. She creates the most gorgeous and pleasingly aesthetic special occasion cakes with lots of flowers, stencils, and beautiful deep colors. Read on to find out what inspired her to start making cakes and check out her favorite cakes!
How did you get started with making cakes? What made you decide that this is your career?
I started baking as a hobby when I couldn’t find anyone local to me who made cakes that I liked for my kids. At the time I also thought cakes were too expensive. I decided to start making their birthday cakes myself. I was definitely the customer who thought “but it’s just eggs, sugar, and flour” but never had the nerve to say it out loud. I know better now haha! I still work as a Business Analyst in IT as a 9-5, but I call that my side hustle not caking, haha!
What is the biggest accomplishment to the date of your baking career?
I am very proud that I have been able to start teaching classes to people like me who struggled in the beginning. I definitely learn tons from teaching.
Do you have a memorable cake that challenged you?
Too many to count, especially when I am trying to learn something new. The cakes I have struggled with the most are vegan cakes though.
What do you love the most about your job?
I love that I get to be a part of celebrations. I get to be a part of some of the happiest days of peoples’ lives.
What are your favorite tools when designing a cake?
I think my metal scraper is my favourite tool! I’m still in awe each time I take the scraper off and the cake is smooth.
Which cake trends are you currently loving?
I love them all. Stenciling and deep jewel colours are definitely my thing!
Where do you find your inspiration from?
Everywhere. I really do love how flowers make everything look better. I love architecture as well and wish I could create more structurally beautiful cakes.
Do you have any business advice about running a cake business for bakers who want to start up their business? Just start with what you have! A year from now you will need to spring clean because you have bought so much stuff you don’t need!
What is your favorite dessert? Nutella cheesecake! Yummy.
My recent cake creations
Autumn Inspired Cake
I loved this doing this drip cake with autumn colours and so did the customer! (For more drip cake inspiration, click here)
Art Deco Cake
This doesn’t need a caption. 😍 This cake was used with a cake stencil.
Henna Inspired Cake
I redid flowers on this cake four times. Took bloody ages. I finally decided this would have to do. Thankfully, the customer liked it. I was so uncertain.
Gorgeous Brushstroke Cake
Happiness when colours work together. This cake was made for an amazing young lady’s pamper party. Her mum sent me the best voice note thanking me and I remembered just how much I love being part of people’s parties. The cake traveled over an hour away and everyone was so happy!
Glam Mermaid Cake
Because mermaids are not only for children. My customer turned “thirty-fine”!! It was a second cake for her after I made her surprise baby shower cake. I made it a really (really) dark purple and it almost looks like black. (Click here for more mermaid cake inspiration)
Pretty Olive Cake
This cake was with vanilla and pistachio buttercream. Words cannot adequately describe how delicious this cake flavour is.
Stunning Geometric Cake
Stunning Pair of Birthday Cakes
I haven’t decided if these two are sisters or beat friends but I love them both dearly and equally!
Teracotta Square Cake
I’m in love! I absolutely loveeeee this one. I didn’t expect the colours to work but they did and I am thrilled! It was a Salted caramel sponge and filling cake.
10th Birthday Cake
The cake I made for a beautiful girl’s 10th birthday! Kids these days are so lucky! Who remembers their 10th birthday cake?
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing work!
Make sure to follow Ayo for more gorgeous cakes on her Instagram!
