We recently connected with Mariya Devuyst and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Mariya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
The most meaningful project I’m currently working on is building a platform to teach aspiring cake designers how to create and run a profitable side business in luxury wedding cakes.
This project has really grown out of my own experience. When I first started, I realized quickly that learning how to bake a beautiful cake is only a small part of the equation. What actually determines success is understanding how to price your work properly, manage client expectations, streamline your workflow, and focus on designs that are not only beautiful, but also in demand. There’s a huge gap between hobby baking and running a sustainable, high-end cake business, and I didn’t feel like there were many practical resources that bridged that gap.
Through working with wedding clients and building my own business, I started to see patterns, such as what designs consistently booked, what details clients truly value, and where most beginners tend to undercharge or overcomplicate things. I also saw how easy it is to burn out when you don’t have efficient systems in place.
That’s what has led me to this project. I want to create something that goes beyond just decorating tutorials. My focus is on teaching both the creative and business side: how to execute luxury-level designs efficiently, how to price for profit, how to communicate with clients, and how to build a business that feels sustainable rather than overwhelming.
What makes this especially meaningful to me is that it has the potential to genuinely change someone’s trajectory. This is about creating an additional stream of income, gaining independence, and turning a passion into something viable. Being able to share what I’ve learned in a way that helps others skip some of the trial-and-error I went through feels incredibly rewarding.
Mariya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Mariya, the owner of a luxury cake design business where I specialize in creating custom wedding and celebration cakes that are both visually refined and thoughtfully executed. My work sits at the intersection of design and function. I focus not only on how a cake looks, but how it’s structured and experienced as part of large weddings and events.
I got into this industry somewhat organically. What started as a creative outlet quickly turned into something more once I began working with real clients and seeing the demand for elevated, detail-driven designs. As I took on more weddings and events, I realized that there was a gap in the market for cakes that felt truly tailored. I started focusing on creating pieces that complemented the overall aesthetic of an event, and didn’t just blend into the background.
Today, I offer fully customized wedding cakes, dessert tables, and event-based designs. A big part of my process is collaboration, as I work closely with clients and planners to ensure the cake aligns seamlessly with the vision of the day. I also focus heavily on flavour development, because I believe a cake should taste just as memorable as it looks.
Beyond the product itself, I solve a lot of the stress that comes with ordering a custom cake. Many of my clients are planning large-scale events, and they don’t have the time to manage back-and-forth details or worry about execution. I’ve built systems that make the process efficient and clear, from pricing transparency to design direction, so clients can feel confident and taken care of throughout.
What sets me apart is the way I’m able to balance between artistry and efficiency. I’m very intentional about creating designs that feel high-end but are also practical to produce at a consistent quality. That mindset comes from experience, which involves understanding what works, what clients consistently request, and how to deliver a polished result.
I’ve been fortunate to have my work featured in publications such as CTV, The Wed, and Today’s Bride, which has been an exciting validation of the direction I’ve taken with the brand. But what I’m most proud of is building a business that is both creative and sustainable and allows me to take on meaningful projects while maintaining a high standard.
More recently, I’ve started expanding into education by teaching aspiring cake designers how to not only create beautiful work, but how to run a business around it. That’s something I’m especially passionate about, because I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate starting a demanding business without guidance. This is a project I’m very excited to launch and share with my fellow baker colleagues.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
In terms of learning cake design itself, I found that books and YouTube videos were incredibly helpful early on. There’s so much accessible content out there that can teach you foundational techniques, design styles, and give you a sense of what’s possible if you’re willing to practice and refine your skills. From there, enrolling in online cake courses has really helped me refine specific skills I was interested in learning.
The biggest resource I wish I had leaned into earlier is connecting with people.
The most valuable insight I’ve gained when it comes to building a business has come from connecting with experienced business owners and seeking their mentorship. Having access to honest feedback and practical advice from people who have already navigated those challenges is extremely valuable.
Learning how to run a business is a completely different skill set from learning the craft itself. Things like pricing for profit, and building your brand image are often learned the hard way unless you have guidance.
If I could go back, I would invest more time in building those relationships earlier and taking those valuable words of advice to help grow my business more efficiently.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clients has been a combination of strong visual branding and word-of-mouth within the wedding industry.
Because my work is so design-focused, investing in how my cakes are presented has made a huge difference. Consistently sharing high-quality, cohesive visuals that reflect a luxury aesthetic has helped attract the type of clients I want to work with. It sets expectations immediately and positions my brand in a very specific space.
That said, I would say the biggest driver of growth is referrals. Building relationships with wedding planners, photographers, previous clients, and other vendors has been incredibly impactful. When you’re consistently delivering a reliable, high-end experience, people in the industry remember that and they recommend you. Those referrals tend to be ideal clients who already value what you do, which makes the entire process smoother.
I’ve also been very intentional about the client experience itself. Making sure I provide clear communication, streamlined processes, and delivering what was promised (or better) has led to repeat business and organic word-of-mouth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.layerdcakes.com
- Instagram: @layerdcakes
- Facebook: @layerdcakes
