Interview #22: Michaela Fajmanova of Cakes by Mifa

Short Bio

My name is Michaela Fajmanová and I live in the Czech Republic. After graduating from high school, I worked as a shop assistant, barmaid, air hostess and in the end as a restaurant manager. In 2008 my first daughter was born and I became a full time mum. Three years later my second daughter was born and that’s when I discovered the magic world of cake decorating. In short space of time, the hobby turned into business and today I run my own cake studio specializing in wedding cakes. I live with my husband, children, two dogs, four cats and 10 chickens in a small village by a forest.

My hobbies include drawing, painting, and photography. My favourite sports are skiing and cycling. My family and cake decorating are the two biggest loves in my life.

Michaela’s: CakesDecor Profile | Website | Facebook Page

Interview

How did you first get started with cake decorating?

In summer 2011 I was looking for a birthday cake for my daughter. Since there was nobody around who could match my high expectations, I decided to give it a go myself. I spent a weekend looking for information on the internet, searching for tips and ideas. Then I made my first cake and I immediately fell in love with the whole thing.

What has been your greatest challenge?

My greatest challenge has been entering the Wedding Cake of the Year competition. I was very nervous as this was my first competition and it was also the first time ever I decorated a dummy cake. Unfortunately, my design did not have any success with the jury but it was very popular with the public, so in the end I was satisfied with the outcome.

What is the most rewarding part of cake decorating?

For me it is definitely the moment when I put a photo of my cake on internet and get positive reactions from people :-). As for the decorating process itself, I enjoy the final phase of decorating the most. On the other hand, I really hate the mess I then have to clear up..

Could you give some tips to people who have just started decorating cakes or would love to start?

Don´t try to over decorate the cake, sometimes less is more. At the same time you have to pay attention to details. If you want to publically display your cakes, make sure you take good quality photos. A bad photo can ruin the most beautiful cake.

How did you find CakesDecor.com and what is it that keeps you coming back?

I don´t remember now how I found it, but I like coming here and I visit often. I get a lot of inspiration from amazing people as well as many great tips and instructions. Moreover, CakesDecor.com has a good presence on Facebook which I use a lot.

Do you have any rituals or habits while you’re working on cakes?

I am used to working quietly by myself. Ideally, I turn on some pleasant music and a glass of good quality wine. If I am distracted I make mistakes. Since I have two small children, I have been working mostly late in the evening. Recently I opened a cake studio and thanks to the support of my family I can now make my cakes in the day.

Do you Bake…Do you like to bake?

Of course I do. I bake all of my cakes myself and I also make confectionery like macarons, cupcakes and cake pops. I started freelancing a few months ago. I take orders to design wedding cakes which my customers can have with a sweet bar that matches the cake. I do everything myself and with love :-)

Which one of your cakes is your favorite?

Usually it is the previous one I just made. I am probably the most proud of the cake with the knitting design. The instructions were for brown and cream colours and to make some sort of knitting pattern. Apart from that I was free to experiment. I love these types of orders because I can just immerse myself into the job and not be limited by any conditions.

What’s been the biggest surprise in all of this for you?

I am most touched by my husband supporting me from the beginning, whether cake making was just a hobby or when it became a business. Though he doesn’t approve of white sugar and doesn’t eat sweets himself, he never expressed any disapproval towards my sweet passion. And because of this I am thankful to him.

Some of Michaela’s Cakes and Cookies

Thank you Michaela for your time and interview ;)