We were lucky to catch up with Himali Wickramasinghe recently and have shared our conversation below.
Himali, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Starting Cakes by Wee wasn’t just about frosting and fondant—it was about discovering my passion and purpose.
When I first started baking in the Midwest, it felt like learning a new language. From adapting recipes to finding the right ingredients, everything was a mix of trial, error, and a lot of late-night Googling. The kitchen became my safe space—a place where I could express myself without words, where the hum of the oven and the swirl of batter felt like home.
At first, I baked only for family and friends. My daughter Sophia, who has a sweet tooth that could rival anyone’s, was my biggest fan. But when others started asking if they could order cakes for their own celebrations, I realized I had found something special.
Running a bakery from home wasn’t without challenges. Learning how to communicate with clients, write descriptions that truly captured the essence of my creations, and build trust with every customer became part of the journey. It wasn’t always easy, but I learned that cake has its own universal language—it brings joy, celebrates milestones, and connects people.
Cakes by Wee has become more than just a business. It’s a testament to creativity, resilience, and the power of starting something new. Each custom design, every swirl of frosting, is a reminder that purpose often finds us in the moments we least expect.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Himali, a custom cake designer and the owner of Cakes by Wee, a home bakery in Iowa specializing in custom cakes, cupcakes, and desserts for all kinds of celebrations. By day, I work as a researcher, a role that challenges my analytical side, but my evenings and weekends are dedicated to expressing my creativity through baking. Cakes by Wee started in 2024 as a way to share my passion for baking and art with others, and it has since become a part of my identity and purpose.
What excites me most about my work as a custom cake designer is the opportunity to bring people’s visions to life. Every cake tells a story—whether it’s a child’s dream birthday, a couple’s wedding day, or an intimate family celebration. I love combining my love for precision, inspired by my research work, with the artistry of baking to create something both beautiful and delicious.
At Cakes by Wee, I focus on making every dessert feel personal. From hand-piped frosting details to unique, themed designs, my goal is to craft treats that taste amazing and leave a lasting impression.
Recently, I’ve been exploring new ideas for Cakes by Wee, like offering dessert tables and expanding into holiday-themed treats. Balancing my research work with running a home bakery has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. It’s been exciting to see how my customers embrace these new offerings, and I look forward to continuing to grow and innovate.
Whether you’re celebrating big milestones or little victories, Cakes by Wee is here to add a little sweetness to your story.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Creativity
As a custom cake designer, creativity is at the heart of everything I do. It’s not just about making cakes look beautiful but also finding unique ways to bring a client’s vision to life. Creativity doesn’t always come naturally—it’s something I’ve nurtured by experimenting, seeking inspiration, and being open to new ideas. For those starting out, I’d say don’t be afraid to think outside the box and let your imagination guide you. Surround yourself with inspiration and always be willing to try something new, even if it’s a bit intimidating.
2. Resilience
Balancing my research work, a growing business, and personal responsibilities hasn’t been easy, but resilience has been my anchor. There have been late nights, challenges, and moments of doubt, but staying focused on my goals and pushing through setbacks has made all the difference. My advice is to embrace challenges as part of the process. It’s okay to stumble; what matters is getting back up and continuing to move forward.
3. Commitment to Learning
Whether it’s improving my baking techniques, understanding business management, or finding better ways to connect with clients, I’ve always believed in being a lifelong learner. Starting Cakes by Wee meant stepping out of my comfort zone and acquiring skills I didn’t have before. For those early in their journey, invest time in learning—whether through formal education, tutorials, or simply hands-on experience. The more knowledge and skills you acquire, the more confidence you’ll have in tackling whatever comes your way.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The number one challenge I face as a part-time baker with a full-time job is time management. Balancing my career as a researcher, running Cakes by Wee, and being present for my family requires careful planning and a lot of flexibility.
For example, there are times when a large cake order coincides with a demanding week at work. Juggling both responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially when there’s little room for error in either role. As a baker, every detail matters from baking the perfect sponge to ensuring timely delivery and as a researcher, I have to maintain focus and precision.
To overcome this, I’ve developed strategies to manage my time effectively:
Planning Ahead -I use detailed schedules to map out my workweek, allocating specific blocks of time for baking, decorating, and delivering cakes.
Batch Work – Whenever possible, I prepare components in advance, like making frosting or baking cake layers early in the week, so I’m not rushing closer to deadlines.
Setting Boundaries- I’ve learned to say no to orders when my workload becomes too heavy. It’s important to protect my energy and ensure that every cake I deliver meets the high standards I’ve set for Cakes by Wee.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cakesbywee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/4qoHs9RFN9TCPTf_DoGM4Q
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