We were lucky to catch up with Elizaveta Terletskaia recently and have shared our conversation below.

Elizaveta, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

One of the greatest things my parents did right was giving me a lot of freedom and the right to choose my own path. They never imposed a strict direction – I was allowed to try everything that sparked my interest. And I did. From a very young age, I was involved in all kinds of activities: sports, music, creative arts. My schedule was packed, moving from one class to another, and yet I felt supported every step of the way.

Because of that freedom and encouragement, I developed a wide range of skills. I can play the drums, I’ve trained in competitive tennis, and even learned sailing. In each of those areas, I reached a level I’m proud of – not necessarily to become a professional, but to know that I could do it. That early exposure to variety gave me confidence, adaptability, and the belief that I can learn anything I set my mind to. It’s a mindset that has shaped both my life and my career.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Liz, a pastry chef and mentor specializing in elegant European-style mousse cakes. I started my business while on maternity leave, turning my passion into a way to stay a full-time mom and still earn a strong income.

Today, I not only create premium desserts, but also teach other women – especially immigrants – how to build their own home-based baking businesses.

What sets me apart is that I blend creativity with strategy. I help women turn their talent into income, and their kitchens into thriving businesses. I’m proud of the community I’ve built – and the many women I’ve seen succeed because of it.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe the best way society can support artists and creatives is by fostering a culture of collaboration over competition. One of the core values I live by is that there’s no such thing as true competition in the creative world – because every artist has their own unique voice, energy, and ideal audience. There are enough clients and opportunities for everyone.

Support means sharing knowledge, lifting each other up, and creating spaces where creatives feel safe to grow, take risks, and express themselves authentically. When we focus on community instead of comparison, we all rise together – and that’s when the creative ecosystem truly thrives.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to empower women, especially immigrants, to believe in themselves and build financial independence through creativity. What started as a passion for pastry during my maternity leave has grown into something much bigger: helping others realize that their talent can change their lives.

Through my desserts, teaching, and community, I want to show that it’s possible to do what you love, be present for your family, and still build a meaningful, profitable business. My creative journey is about more than just beautiful cakes… it’s about freedom, confidence, and creating a life you’re proud of.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/lizzie_sweezie