We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Silvia To. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Silvia below.

Silvia , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

My mom is the strongest woman I know… All I am I owe to her. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and general education I received from her. She was a single mother of 7 & has given me so much all of my life. When I needed strength with life, she gave me a home & reassurance. When I needed support to push through with my dreams, she supported me & cheered me on. I love you her. I am strong because a STRONG woman raised me..

Silvia , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve been told by many that I’m the extreme of both an introvert and extrovert. I can easily adjust to my surroundings, but if you find me at home you’re going to find me reading a book or hanging out with my family. I believe in a close nit family. Not only was I was raised with 3 brothers and 3 sisters but I myself have 5 boys, so you can always find me doing something involving my family.

I’ve always wanted to be in the food industry. To me cooking/baking is very soothing and calming. It’s my happy place and a way for me to show my love. I put in all my heart into my cakes. I want the customer to feel the love with ever bite! Ha-ha

I definitely wasn’t an easy road… I kept doubting myself. Always thinking I couldn’t do this full time so for the first 15/16 years I had a full time job. I’ve done it all… name it. Flipped burgers, watched children, cleaned toilets until I landed an office job where I worked in Human Services and Accounting. This is where I got comfortable- it’s easy to get comfortable and see your passion as a hobby after some time. I definitely wasn’t happy though… I struggled to stay on task and I was tired! Dog tired! I finally made the decision to go full time cakes after I had my last baby.

I was able to add multiple things to my menu such as decorative cookies, dipped treats & even take classes from caking teachers willing to teach new techniques and up coming trends.

I now can take as many orders as possible and rarely turn down orders due to being fully booked or over worked. (Which has been the best part of it)

I have seen children grow through this. Starting from their first birthday to now some being in their teens! To me that’s priceless.

I also have been a struggling parent… I understand that our child’s birthday is a beautiful celebration and sometimes the budget can’t stretch for the custom cake or treat table so I offer payment plans and suggestions to help them get the best bang for their buck.

I’m proud of myself and family for the encouragement to follow my dreams. For the support I receive from my close friends & my hard work for not giving up… trying something over and over until it’s right so I can expand or add a new item.

I’m one in my area that say I can offer almost everything on a dessert menu that is within my guidelines.
From cakes to decorative cookies & even the French macaron! (That recipe took me 20+ times to master.)

I would say all I want my customers and followers to know is that I’m working on growing and learning so I can make a better cake for you!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

In staying consistent with all my customers I was able to build my reputation.

Don’t get me wrong in 16 years you can make some huge mistakes, but I do and did my best to right any wrongs. With any business you can lose customers but I have been able to redeem myself with almost all.

Also, being understanding… for example being late or changing a design last minute. It speaks volumes when you don’t scold them for it.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

For me the best source for new clients has definitely been from loyal customers. Them being happy with the product and then referring their friends to me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thecakeladyctx
• Facebook: @thecakeladyctx
• Other: Tiktok: @thecakeladyctx

Image Credits
All photos provided where taken by Silvia To