Firstly, Merry Christmas everyone! This month we have Yevnig, founder and talented cake maker from Unique Cakes by Yevnig answering my quick fire questions; and just wait until you see her cakes! A feast for the eyes, mouth and imagination! Such insanely beautiful works of art… and as an insider and planner in the industry, I can confirm they taste as good as they look! I couldn’t wait to get her on the blog!
Here she is to tell you a bit more about herself….
Please Introduce Yourself:
I’m Yevnig, a cake designer specialising in creating bespoke show-stopping wedding and celebration cakes. I was born in Lebanon and now live in Hampshire with my family and I feel so privileged to run my own business as a luxury cake designer. I make cakes for weddings all over the UK and abroad, working with top London hotels and planners. It’s been the most incredible journey setting up Unique Cakes by Yevnig, and I often can’t believe my career is also my love, passion and hobby.
Your business…
1. What made you want to set up your business?
My love for detail, art and architecture… Wedding cakes provide a perfect canvas for expressing my passion for couture fashion, architecture and art, allowing me to celebrate my love of intricacy, colour and texture. I adore being creative with my designs and I’m naturally drawn to details.
2. What’s the best part of your job?
Meeting all my amazing clients and designing bespoke cakes – nothing quite beats the feeling of bringing to life the final show-stopping masterpiece from the initial ideas and sketches.
3. What’s the worst part of your job?
There are challenges in my business such as extreme weather conditions which means you have to re-think the logistics and practicalities of creating something perishable. However, it’s these tests that actually make me love what I do, especially when you overcome the hurdle and the outcome is fabulous!
4. What’s the weirdest request you’ve ever had from a client?
I’ve been asked to create a Grooms Cake alongside the main wedding cake – really popular in America, but not so much here in the UK. It’s a cake that is often entirely inspired by a groom’s hobbies or interests and can be really quirky!
5. What’s been your favourite ever wedding you’ve worked on/at?
I was commissioned to create a cake for a wedding at Cliveden House; a 5-star Berkshire hotel. This cake was lavishly finished with 24 carat gold leaf and intricate hand-worked sugar florals and really was the ultimate centre-piece.
6. You’re surrounded by beauty in your job. What do you find beautiful?
Anything to do with nature, texture, architecture – it all inspires each creation.
7. Best piece of advice to offer to those getting married?
Don’t leave it too late to plan every detail!! And don’t compromise on something that’s going to be a lifetime memory – you’ll always have regrets later if you do.
8. Anyone you particularly admire in the industry?
The amazing wedding planner Bruce Russell (below), Cake Designer Peggy Porschen, with whom I trained under, and Ron Ben – Israel Cakes. I admire each for making a successful business out of their talent and craft.
9. Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Stay true to yourself and the root of your artisan business, however big it grows…
10. What was your career plan B?
I never really had a plan B as I worked in Human Resources early in my career and always dreamt of doing something creative, especially in cake design. I truly believe this was always the career path for me!
You…
11. Where do you call home?
The beautiful county of Hampshire.
12. Favourite shop?
It has to be Elie Saab – the beauty of the dresses and couture blows me away every time I step into the shop. It’s totally inspirational!
13. Favourite restaurant?
Sexy Fish.
14. Who would you have play you in a movie about your life?
OMG, in my dreams it would have to be Jennifer Lopez!!!!
15. Cocktail of Choice?
A chilled Pina Colada.
16. Your biggest extravagance?
If I could, I would use 24 carat gold leaf and Swarovski crystals on every cake!
17. Do you collect anything?
Beautiful shoes and bags.
18. If you could buy any building, which one would it be?
Harrods! So, I could own everything inside in its entirety!
19. What’s the most romantic thing someone’s ever done for you?
When my husband asked me to marry him on the beach.
20. Where do you go to let your hair down?
It has to be when I’m on holiday with my family. It’s the only time I really get to relax and switch off.
And finally…
21. Tell us something about yourself?
Even though I’m obsessed with baking and all things sugar craft, I actually hate cooking!
22. Invisibility or flight?
Flight – it would also make the logistics of my business easier!
23. Any regrets in life?
I wish I had launched my business earlier – I always want to tell others who ask about setting up their own business, ‘just go for it’ you’ll never have any regrets other than the fact you didn’t have the confidence to take the plunge earlier.
24. Tell us your favourite Instagram accounts at the moment!
I am obsessed with these two jewellers at the moment, for ultimate extravagance, beauty and craftsmanship:
https://www.instagram.com/mouawadjewelry/
https://www.instagram.com/yessayan/
25. If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
More peace on earth.
Thank you so much to Yevnig from Unique Cakes by Yevnig for taking part! What an insight into this artists mind! I am in complete awe! Peace on earth to all this Christmas, from Yevnig, and me.
