Words by Imala

In the midst of us, we are seeing a lot of individuals striving to achieve the maximum in life. Brimming with hope that their hard work pays off one way or the other. It gives them the will to carry on with their back breaking efforts when it is appreciated, admired and recognized.

For each individual their livelihood is different and yet the drive to success is the one and the same. This week’s feature is about a very successful and flourishing Cake Baker who is undoubtedly reigning the baking world in the Maldives. She is the sole owner of Sugar & Bloom page in both Facebook and Instagram. Going through her feed of cakes that looks both wonderful and appetizing, it showcases her skillfulness and dedication in whipping up a masterpiece just the way her clients desire.

Nothing less than a wonder woman who bakes these scrumptious goodies, she started with, “Hello, my name is Ameemath Khaleel but most people know me as Amy. My initial start to the baking world would be from the time I stayed home after the birth of my baby. When boredom strike, I started to test out different recipes whilst watching YouTube videos. Hence, it was without any prior course and knowledge my journey as a baker began. During this time, I slowly started getting orders which made me realize that it is a good income field and that I should start baking as a profession slowly. In order to pursue this as a career, I had completed baking courses from Bangkok and Singapore to be more certified as a baker.”

As she continued to speak, it was apparent that she does her baking and designing with a lot of dedication and fondness, without a hint of weariness. From elegant wedding cakes to kids’ birthday cakes, Amy goes all out in creating the best she can in order to ensure her clients are never disappointed. Amy stated that her favorite kind of cakes to bake is, “I really like to make cakes where I get to create figurines from fondants. Like making a kids favorite cartoon character cake and getting that feedback where a child is really happy is what motivates me to do what I do.”

“I would say the most unique cake I have done so far would be a Maldivian style Dhufun cake which included areca nut with betel leaves, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon. Initially I was a little hesitant, unsure whether I will be able to do it but It was a success and afterwards I started receiving a lot of orders for similar cakes and for traditional Maldivian food theme cakes as well.” Amy described as she worked on a cake order. As she continued working, it was very evident that designing a cake is no easy task. The first step from baking the cake from scratch to designing the cake as per customer order takes a lot of time and an attentiveness to bring out the precise colors to make a specific design. Her work is no less than the actual designs and it shows her thoroughness it completing her cakes. It is even reflected from the numerous cakes displayed on her cake pages.

Furthermore, Amy expressed that,” Mostly the cakes I make are fully based on the type of cake a client wants. So, I do it as per their needs, hence I am not able to do any twist or edits that I would like to try which could add a little bit of a different touch. At the moment unless it is my child’s or a close one, I am not able to do that. Mostly I feel that a client might not be satisfied or it could go way out of budget for some clients.” For the future Amy says, “I hope to create and design unique cakes that has my own signature feel to it.”

To see women like Amy working their magic is always a privilege. And breaking the norms that despite having a family of her own, she takes time to do something that she enjoys and loves. No matter what always striving for success.