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

Aniya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Often the greatest growth and the biggest wins come right after a defeat. Other times the failure serves as a lesson that’s helpful later in your journey. We’d appreciate if you could open up about a time you’ve failed.

In the beginning of my baking journey I started off as what they would call it a rookie. I didn’t know what I was doing exactly but just knew I really wanted to do it . I started off small doing all buttercream cakes & cupcakes , at a point I wanted transition into fondant not knowing it took a lot of practice . Me being me dedicated passionate just excited to work on cakes I gave it a try , which was a epic fail . 2017 I decided to make a cake covered in fondant and the process tore me apart at that moment it didn’t come out as planned . The final product didn’t resemble the ideal cake . That took a toll on my confidence I cried I didn’t want to do fondant anymore at that moment . I was super upset not realizing all it took was some practice and dedication . I even made a promise to myself that I would never do fondant cakes , but things changed . I didn’t give up instead I kept going doing my research , networking with other bakers , practicing daily and even took a 48hour class at a CUNY school . As time went on I started to notice I was getting better with fondant . 2022 here I am today a full time experienced fondant decorator , the same girl who didn’t want to do fondant .

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Aniya I’m from Brooklyn NYC , I am a 28year old full time home based baker/cake artist . This journey started when I gave birth to my daughter in 2016 & wasn’t able to go back to work . I knew at that moment I had to tap into my inner passion . As a kid growing up my mom would bake with me or for my school events . Comming from a family who had bakers I was always into cakes . I just didn’t put my all into it during my teenage years , which I do regret because I probably would be further then I am but I got the journey started . As my journey begin I knew I wouldn’t wake up with it all figured out, but I was just super excited to start this journey . I started off making cupcakes , and transitioned into buttercream cake , from buttercream to fondant cakes and more .I offer cakes , treats , and icecream .I specialize in a lot of custom cakes . A lot of my clients give me creative control which means they give me the character or slight idea and I take it from there . 85% of cakes are my own ideas . I am not afraid to step out of my comfort zone . I’m not afraid to learn . I’m also very honest with my clients if , I am not comfortable with the order meaning if I can’t do it I tell them instead of pretending because I’m not in it for the money I’m it it because I love what I do & I rather have returning clients and new clients . I’m a very colorful bright person I love colors I love art I love to create realistic cake art . I love to make my clients happy . I’m okay with not being for everyone because everyone has their preference . I can honestly say I’m proud of myself on this journey I came far and accomplished a lot from cake competitions , magazine articles , news paper articles & billboards . I want my clients to know my business is based off passion , creating , learning experiences and inspiration . I love people to taste my work I love people to get to know me Vs word of mouth .

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Creativity allows us to view and solve problems more openly and with innovation. Creativity opens the mind. Creativity helps you see the bigger picture. Creativity helps motivate you . Creativity is a wild mind with a discipline eye. Creativity boost your confidence . Creativity will have you creating the unexpected

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I really don’t have a process . I built my audience by being ME . that’s the best way I can honestly put it im ME. I post my work with confidence because I know what I put into it off of social media . I create and just post just because I want people to know that I exsist and that I love what I do nothing is forced everything naturally is me

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @CreativeCakeBar
• Facebook: @CreativeCakeBar
• Twitter: @Creativecakebar