Aya Islim is a teenage entrepreneur. We asked her about her business Aya’s Sweets and what it’s like attending high school as a student and athlete while making and selling her own line of home-baked custom cakes and treats.
Q: How did you get started?
At the age of 9 I visited my cousin in Chicago, who at that time was 12 years old and was baking and decorating cakes. I enjoyed watching her and she inspired me to get into baking. I figured if she can do it than so can I. So as soon as I got back home, I began to play in the kitchen. I was baking, decorating, and making my own fondant and buttercream. At the age of 13 my family and friends encouraged me to start my own business. With the help of my mother, I opened Aya’s Sweets and began to promote my business on social media.
Q: How do you find time to go to high school, play volleyball, and run a business?
I play most high school sports, including volleyball, basketball, swimming, and even track. I don’t like to overwhelm myself and still enjoy being a teenager so I don’t bake weekdays unless there are vacation days from school. Education is very important to me and I make sure school comes first and of course during my free time and weekends, I enjoy doing what I love most which is baking!
Q: What are your goals with Aya's Sweets?
My dream is to one day open up my own little bakery along with completing a degree in the medical field. I enjoy seeing my customers reactions when they see their cakes. I feel very honored to be part of their special day, whether it’s a birthday, graduation, or even a wedding. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for all the love and support the community has shown me. I am very blessed.
Q: How can people reach you and order your products?
People can contact me directly at 313-575-2185 to place orders. They can also view my work and contact me on Instagram and Facebook @ Aya's Sweets.
I also have a YouTube Channel teaching everyone step-by-step how to create custom cakes. The channel name is Ayas Sweets.
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