Meet Mariya Devuyst

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mariya Devuyst a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariya, appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?

For me, my self-discipline began with my parents. My father especially taught me what it truly means to be disciplined.

As an immigrant, my dad arrived in this country with very little other than hopes and dreams. He left everything familiar behind, not because it was easy, but because he dreamed of something bigger for our family. I watched him work tirelessly, never expecting life to hand him anything — and yet always showing up with strength, humility, and purpose.

There were no shortcuts. No safety nets. Just long hours, big dreams, and an unshakable belief that hard work would pay off. That same spirit runs through the heart of my business today.

Building something from the ground up isn’t easy. There are late nights, setbacks, self-doubt, and moments where giving up is tempting. But I’ve learned that success isn’t about how many times you fall, it’s about how many times you choose to get back up. When things get tough, I think of my father, and how he faced adversity with quiet courage. How he turned obstacles into opportunities. My business is a tribute to that legacy. Every challenge I’ve overcome, every milestone I’ve reached, is rooted in the strength I saw modeled growing up.

Self-discipline is in my blood. And every day, I carry that forward, not just for me, but for the next generation watching me, just like I once watched him.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Mariya Devuyst, founder of Layer’d Cakes, where I specialize in handcrafted signature Little Cakes — rich, beautifully layered, and made to feel like a personal celebration. Each one is designed to be both indulgent and aesthetic, evoking emotion and joy in every bite.

Early on in my journey, I noticed something missing in the industry: the concept of cake tastings were almost exclusively offered to brides. That didn’t sit right with me. I believe everyone deserves the joy of trying beautiful, handcrafted, personal-sized cake — no matter the occasion. That’s why I introduced Little Cake Sets — a unique, inclusive tasting experience that makes premium cake accessible to all. Whether you’re marking a milestone, planning an event, or just brightening an ordinary Tuesday, I believe every day deserves a little cake.

My fresh perspective to cake has resonated with others. My work has been featured in leading publications such as Today’s Bride, Confetti Magazine, and The Wed. I was also honoured to be named one of the Top Three Cake Artists in Canada on CTV’s Cross Country Cake Off, hosted by MasterChef Canada winner Mary Berg.

Currently, we’re focused on growing our reach through thoughtful brand collaborations — including a recent partnership with STACKT Market to celebrate their 6th birthday. At Layer’d, we’re committed to redefining what cake can be: thoughtful, personal, and always made with purpose.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Resilience has been the foundation of my journey as a small business owner in a creative field. There were countless moments where things didn’t go as planned, or where I felt overwhelmed and doubted myself. But learning to stay grounded, keep showing up, and pivot when needed has been essential to my growth. It’s important to stay connected to your “why” and not being afraid to fail, because the lessons are always worth it.

Intuition has helped guide not only my creative work, but also my business decisions. From knowing which designs feel right to understanding what my customers truly want, leaning into that gut feeling has led to my most successful ideas. My motto is to reflect, listen, and trust that your vision has value, even if it looks different from what others are doing.

Resourcefulness is what keeps me moving forward, even when I don;t have all the answers. I continue to teach myself new skills, ask questions, and find a way forward with what I have. My advice is to stay curious and don’t be afraid to start from scratch. Research is your best friend, and community — even online — can be a game-changer.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

We’re looking to collaborate wih brands, event planners, and creatives who want to elevate their marketing, activations or client experiences through thoughtful, sensory-driven details.

Layer’d Cakes is known for their beauty and taste, and we serve as both a visual moment and a meaningful treat. Whether it’s a launch event, influencer gifting, UGC-style marketing, or brand dinner, we help create memorable, shareable moments that both amplify your story and leave a lasting impression.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.layerdcakes.com
• Instagram: @layerdcakes
• Facebook: @layerdcakes
• Other: TikTok: @layerdcakes

Image Credits

Elle Ivy Photography (Last Image)