Interview #24: Karla Chumpitaz of Sweet K

Short Bio
My name is Karla Chumpitaz, I’m 30 years old. I’m from Peru but I live Brescia (Italy) since 2008 and Sweet K is my business at the moment
I studied pastry in my country and after that I took a course of cake decorating that lasted one year.
Here in Italy I dedicate all my time to decorate and have classes especially in modeling that is what I like the most to do.

Karla’s: CakesDecor Profile | Facebook Page

Interview

How did you first get started with cake decorating?
I’ve been always fascinated by pastry, my grandmother was a great baker! When I turned 15 I travelled to the United States for vacations and I had the opportunity to take a Wilton course just for fun…I guess that was the beginning of everything because I enjoy it so much!
After studying pastry in Peru I took a course of cake decorating but I continued my career as a pastry chef until 4 years ago I had to make a decorated cake and I didn’t leave it anymore

What has been your greatest challenge?
When I decided to participate at Cake International last year, it was an amazing and unforgettable experience. That cake was me in every sense, I dreamed on it for months before starting, I knew how I wanted it to be but I was afraid to make it. It took me one month to finish it, every day I wanted to add something new because I thought that something was missing…
I never expected to win the first prize in my category…I can’t explain how I felt in that moment I just know I will never forget it!

What is the most rewarding part of cake decorating?
When someone orders a cake and says “do it as you want, I trust in you”, for me that is the best part. Also when you deliver a cake and you see a big smile on your client’s faces, especially when this are kids…it’s a very rewarding feeling

Could you give some tips to people who have just started decorating cakes or would love to start?
Don’t be afraid to try and be very patient, at the beginning it may seem difficult but practice does everything, practice, practice, practice a lot. Now you can find lots of tutorials on the web that will help, try everything but one step at the time. And last but not least…enjoy what you’re doing because this is a job that brings you lots of satisfaction

How did you find CakesDecor.com and what is it that keeps you coming back?
I found Cakesdecor on facebook almost 2 years ago. I like it because this is a big community of beautiful people who share the same passion, I’ve made so many friends here from all over the world and that is amazing!

Do you have any rituals or habits while you’re working on cakes?
There must be music while I’m working, it helps me to relax and if I have to stay up late makes me company 

Do you Bake …Do you like to bake?
Yes, I do. I like baking, try new recipes can be fun too but if I have to choose I prefer decorating lately

Which one of your cakes is your favorite?
The Tree House because I could use almost all techniques I’ve learned during my career and try others, it was full of tiny details and that is what I love to do

What’s been the biggest surprise in all of this for you?
I think this is a job full of surprises! The recognition I received from the people that like and appreciate what I do, the people who follows me on my Facebook page and here in Cakesdecor and all comments they leave me when I post a cake, friends you can make doing cake decorating are great surprises.
Try and learn new techniques from artists you admire, this a job that you can keep learning and you’ll never get bored

You have been part of “Super Moms Collaboration”. Tell us more about this collaboration. Who had the initial idea to start it?
Yes, a wonderful collaboration, it was an idea of Eva Salazar from Makememycake and our lovely friend Ana Mourinho Remigio from Cupcakes&Dreams…they made a fantastic job and I’m very thankful with them for inviting me
We were 50 cake decorators from all over the world to honor MOMS, all cakes had in common a different flower on it. The talent was incredible and results were fantastic!! I enjoyed it so much

Some of Karla’s Cakes

Thank you so much Karla for the interview!