Zidhna, the Cake Maker

Zidhna Ali Manik, aged 43, aka Zidhu, has been baking and decorating different types of cakes for nearly 18 years now.

She first started with baking a cake for her child’s birthday party. After that she started taking orders for cakes from her friends and family, and now she gets large amounts of orders via her Instagram page, CakeLovers.

Zidhu notes that one of the biggest issues she faces was getting materials. However, now there are a lot of shops selling them so she no longer needs to import the materials on her own. She also noted that due to the roads of Male’ having a lot of potholes, sometimes while delivering, the cakes get damaged.

Zidhu also holds baking classes to teach people interested in baking cakes and cooking classes as well. She noted that the buttercream courses are taught by her, and sometimes along with professional foreign bakers. She has held these classes in different islands throughout Maldives. She has also held an exhibition named ‘Kamana Festival’ where cakes from bakers who are just getting into the industry are showcased so that the bakers will get more exposure.

It is common to get negative comments as sometimes customers will provide pictures of how they would like the cake to be, but she notes that she tells the customer that she will try her best to decorate the cake exactly as the picture. However, she mentioned that it is difficult to copy someone else’s work exactly.

Zidhu mentioned that she gets a lot of help and support from her family and friends, especially from her husband and child.
Zidhu said that the bride and groom will not have to worry about the wedding cake at all as she will personally make sure to deliver the cake to the venue before the given time.
#supportlocalbusinesses #golocal