DEARBORN, Mich. (WXYZ) — Aya Islim first started baking when she was 9-years-old. She'd watch the Food Network, and try to re-create whatever she saw.
Since then, the high school sophomore from Dearborn has taken her hobby to a whole new level. From cookies, to designer cupcakes, brownies, and fried Oreos; she does it all. But what Islim is most famous for are her over-the-top designer cakes, which she can transform into just about anything.
She's made cakes that are Rx themed, Game of Thrones themed, Chanel themed, Starbucks themed, you name it.
Last year, she founded "Aya's Sweets" which she runs out of her home.
Highlighting a local "cake boss" today on @wxyzdetroit. You won't believe how young she is. @CakeBossBuddy, look out! @FoodNetwork @greatbbakeoff @foodandwine @DelishDotCom @dodo @DearbornPatch @cityofdearborn pic.twitter.com/sp3bLgjRYK
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) June 19, 2019
"I started selling it out of the house and people would start texting me for orders for cakes, birthday cakes, engagement cakes and all that," the 14-year-old told 7 Action News.
She's now preparing for her first formal wedding cake order.
"Throughout the whole week I'll probably get like 10 to 13 cakes," she says.
This thriving business is on top of school and several sports. Islim said she's saving her baking revenue to help pay for college.
Her mom Amal Essa never thought a childhood hobby would turn into something like this.
"With the support of her teachers and friends, she made it this far. Her first order was actually from her third grade teacher who asked her to make her daughter's birthday cake," Essa says.
Since then, Islim has made custom cakes for musicians and a YouTube star. She said her goal is open up her own bakery.
For more information on Aya's Sweets or to place an order, call (313) 575-2185.
