The Sweetheart
from nails to cakes: a creative journey of discovery
Sofie (33), owner of The Sweetheart in Westrode, is bursting with creativity. “I used to be always crafting and drawing. I even had my own nail studio,” she says enthusiastically. But after the birth of her second child, she changed course. “My working days were way too long. I missed spending time with my children and the creative work that I loved so much. That's when I started baking cakes for birthdays and parties. Soon I also received requests from friends and colleagues. I made my first sweet table for a colleague's retirement party, and from that moment on, things really started to roll.”
from hobby kitchen to pink dream
The first creations were born in her kitchen, but it quickly grew out of hand. “My cupboards were overflowing with baking supplies,” laughs Sofie. “Our garage, which used to be my nail studio, was at the top of my wish list to convert. I always dreamed of a pink kitchen.” In January 2024, that dream became reality. “It’s my happy place, where I can let my creativity run wild.”
passion became a full-time adventure
Sofie's biggest milestone? “That I was able to turn my passion into my job. In May, I quit my job and started my bakery full-time. I enjoy the process every day. Especially the thank-yous from customers, such as a photo of their party with my cake, make it all worthwhile. That's what I do it for!”
a day in the life of a baker
What does a working day at The Sweetheart look like? “During the week I make decorations while my children are at school. The real work starts on Friday evening. I am a night person, so I bake, fill and decorate everything at night. I finish cake by cake, so that everything is ready for the customer in the morning.”
inspiration and challenges
Sofie gets her inspiration from social media, but also from clients who give her creative freedom. “The most beautiful creations often arise spontaneously. I often try out new techniques myself first, like with black cake batter. I tested that ten times before I made it for a client. But it remains a challenge to say 'no'. Sometimes I take on too much, and then I work whole weekends without sleep.”
special creations and precious moments
Her favorite cake? “Gender reveal cakes in pastel shades with bears, flowers and pacifiers. Those details make it so special.” She goes all out for her own children every year. “Six months in advance I ask them what theme they want. Then I work out their party in detail. I’m someone who can go overboard with that. But their joy when they see the cake and fly into my arms, that’s priceless.”
There are also pastries that she is less enthusiastic about. “I do make basic desserts like fruit pies, but my heart lies with the more creative assignments.” She also consciously skips 3D cakes.
social media as a growth engine
“Social media has really helped my business. People see my work and order faster. Word of mouth also works well, but the visual aspect remains important.”
dreams for the future
“My biggest dream? To keep doing what I do now, and maybe one day work together with my daughter Valentina (9). She already helps out and often says: 'Mom, I want to work for you later.' How special would that be?”
sofie's golden tips for novice bakers
- Don't give up when something fails.
- Give your own twist to your creations.
- Believe in yourself.
practical tricks for neat cookies
Sofie's secret for perfect cookies? "I roll the dough between two layers of foil and let it rest in the fridge for at least four hours. That way my cookies stay the same thickness and perfectly shaped." Cookies with fondant are also a favorite. "The techniques that exist make it so easy to make something beautiful and unique from a simple cookie."
mistakes and lessons
Every baker makes mistakes, and Sofie shares her own experience: “I didn’t firm up my stacked cakes well enough in the beginning, which sometimes caused them to collapse. I learned that!”
beautiful packaging completes it
“You put so much love into your work. Beautiful packaging is a must. Customers really appreciate that and it gives your creations that finishing touch.”
funny and unique requests
From a cake with a penis on it for a bachelorette party to cookies with 'Snip Snip Hooray' on them for a vasectomy, Sofie has done it all. “Funny, but not something I have to do often,” she chuckles.
new skills and compliments
There are always new things to learn. “Royal icing is something I’ve been thinking about offering for a long time. Maybe I’ll take a course on that soon.” The best compliment she’s ever received? “That it’s not only beautiful, but also super delicious.”
want to know more about sofie?
Website: www.thesweetheartx3.be
Instagram: @the.sweetheartx3
Facebook:The Sweetheart