Cake making is an art and it is an art that is filled with challenges. Cherished by many, a baker must navigate several hurdles with precision and skill.
Cake makers are aware that even the slightest deviation can significantly alter the texture and flavor profile of the cake, underscoring the importance of meticulousness in the kitchen.
While cake making may pose its challenges, it is through dedication, practice, and attention to detail that every baker can rise to the occasion and create confections that delight the senses and nourish the soul. Every baker, once they mastered cake baking, become, in their own rights, artists.
Maryam al Hadrami, an artist with a flair for culinary creativity, has elevated cake-making to an art form with her edible masterpieces. Her journey from mere baking to crafting bespoke creations has garnered attention and admiration alike. "Cakes are my canvas, and each creation is an expression of my passion for culinary artistry," she shares on her Instagram handle, damicakee.
For Maryam, a celebration without cake is incomplete. Be it birthdays, graduations, or weddings, her cakes are more than just desserts; they are personalized works of art that evoke emotional connections with her clients.
"Understanding the essence of the occasion is crucial," Maryam explains. "I delve into every detail, from the theme to the guest count, ensuring that each cake resonates with the event."
"Before executing any order, I like to understand the customer’s perception toward the order, and I ask about all the details of the occasion, such as the number of attendees, the theme of the event, and the artistic features of the party such as decoration, costumes, etc. Then she try to quote from these details the ideal idea of making the required cake that is completely related to the occasion." she clarified.
Her portfolio boasts unique designs tailored to individual preferences. From a "brick" cake symbolizing a new home to a "Wooden Tree Trunk" cake celebrating a woodworker's birthday, Maryam's creations are as diverse as her clientele.
Speaking about one of her most challenging but rewarding creation, Maryam said that creating the "brick cake" was fulfilling as "I was able to control the shape of the bricks and cement from the first time."
These days, it is not easy to find creative, handmade products with prices accessible to everyone, but these are Maryam’s conditions and standards that distinguish her and make her cakes an ideal choice for purchase.
"I strive for everyone to be able to order and taste my cakes that are attractive, have a delicious taste, and are at a reasonable price. The most important feature is that each cake is a single piece or version that cannot be repeated. Each cake is special for the customer, designed perfectly for him, and has an aesthetic connection to his occasion," she highlighted.
Unlike many artists, Maryam does not have special rituals while making cakes, but she certainly loves to be alone and have fun when making cakes, as she pointed out, "Most of the time I spend long hours on each one of them without feeling the time, due to my complete immersion and focus on completing the cake in the best possible way."
Many aspiring artists struggle to turn their passion into a source of income. As Maryam explained, the artist must try many artistic fields then choose the field in which he can make products repeatedly with love and without boredom or affectation. The products in the market may be repeated, but the artist can certainly be distinguished by the professionalism of manufacturing, the materials used, and the artistic direction of each product.
Maryam started this business in 2021 in light of the excess free time and artistic stagnation during the Corona pandemic period and her desire to use her artistic energy away from papers and paintings.
Reflecting on her journey, Maryam expressed, "One question consumed my thoughts: 'How can I create edible masterpieces?' Today, the admiration from satisfied customers fuels my drive." This acclaim has opened doors to collaborations with various institutions, companies, and cafes, enabling her to craft bespoke cakes for diverse occasions. Continuously refining her skills and defining her unique cake-making identity, Maryam eagerly anticipates sharing her creations with a wider audience and realizing her dream of owning a bakery.
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