Today we’d like to introduce you to Iftu Abdurahman.
Hi Iftu, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Bismillah: “In the name of Allah (God)”. Looking back, my path hasn’t been linear, but every step has taught me something valuable. And honestly, maybe I should’ve known this was meant for me when I won a cake coloring competition in second grade — that was probably my first “sweet” victory (pun intended).
From a young age, my mom and I would always bake together. She’d pull up a chair for me so I could reach the counter and show me how to crack eggs and mix batter — but of course, she never let me near the oven. She’d do most of the work but tell everyone I made it, as moms usually do.
Growing up in the 2010s, my favorite YouTuber was Rosanna Pansino — aka “Nerdy Nummies”. I was her biggest fan, especially after her first Mario star cake video. Everyone who knew me knew I wanted to be her.
The Easy-Bake Oven (As Seen On TV!) had me in a chokehold. You know, the one that “bakes” cakes with a lightbulb? I’m not that old — but seriously, those cakes never turned out how I wanted. I’d still force my mom and cousin to try them, saying “It tastes good, right?” or “This time it’ll work!” But of course, it didn’t. But all those failed attempts taught me something early on — I was persistent. If something didn’t work, I’d try again, and again. That’s a trait I still carry with me to this day. It’s a strength, even when it could potentially hurt me. It’s shaped me into someone who’s constantly growing.
And honestly, baking wasn’t always my strong suit. I explored other dreams: I wanted to be a gymnast, a teacher, a hairstylist… and at one point I even told myself to “be realistic” and go into the health field. But being a cake artist always lingered in the back of my mind. I just never gave myself the space to really think about it.
Eventually, my childhood cake days faded out… then came the teen years.
I wasn’t rebellious, but that phase of life where you don’t really know who you are? I definitely went through that. Back then, I was just going with the flow of the people around me. But even during that time, the people in my life helped teach me a kind of confidence I never thought I could have.
Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood — and often being the only Muslim Black girl in the class — I didn’t really have a voice. I was quiet, polite, and honestly got walked all over. But when I reached middle school and found a more diverse group of friends, they taught me one of the most important lessons, always stand up for yourself. They gave me the space to be myself.
Then came COVID. Boredom peaked, and creativity sparked.
Sometimes I wonder what life would’ve looked like if COVID never happened — I probably would’ve had a “normal” end to 8th grade, gone on that tour of the “big high school,” and kept the same group of friends. But instead, I found myself back in the kitchen.
Just like when I was a kid, I couldn’t stop baking. Every week, it was a new cake. My family was over it. What started out as a fun way to waste time turned into, “We can’t just keep eating cake every week.” So I started saving them and doing it just for special occasions.
Honestly, I’ve always been drawn to the design side to making cakes — the piping, the decorating, the artistry of it all. My best ideas come while I’m decorating. I never really needed a reference photo. I’d just start, and the creativity would flow. Cliché or not, that’s how it’s always been for me. I believe that it’s a gift from Allah.
In January 2023, I launched CakesByIftu and created my first Instagram page.
Posting pictures and videos felt like a huge step. Fear has always been something that held me back — I was scared for two years to even make that account. That confidence I had started to grow before COVID kind of disappeared during isolation. But the love and encouragement from my family and friends gave me the final push. I went into it with this mindset “If it’s meant for me, it’ll come to me.”
Also known as Qadr — trusting what’s written for you.
And now? My family actually asks me to make cakes.
We laugh because I remember the days they used to beg me not to make another one. But that just shows how far I’ve come.
By senior year of high school, I felt unstoppable. Head up, one step at a time, I started putting myself out there. Even when I was uncomfortable, I knew growth only happens outside of your comfort zone. And I did just that.
And still, I know this is just the beginning. I’m constantly learning, evolving, and reaching new levels with each cake I make. What started as a second-grade coloring contest and some Easy-Bake Oven failures has turned into a real journey of self-discovery, faith, and passion. Every experience — even the small, funny ones — added up to something bigger.
I may not know exactly where the future will take me, but I know who’s guiding it. And that’s more than enough for me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In a perfect world, it would’ve been a smooth road with no errors. But in Islam, we believe this life is a test — so naturally, any path you take will come with hardships. And honestly, I think that’s what makes the journey meaningful.
My first job was at a bakery when I was 16. That job — and especially the people I worked with — really taught me not to be afraid of taking risks or speaking up. I went from being the soft-spoken girl to the one with the biggest voice in the room. That phase of my life felt a little exhausting, because it was such a shift from what I was used to. But it taught me so much about stepping outside of my comfort zone.
My mom always told me, “Ask questions — it’s the only way you’ll learn.”
But being quiet and shy for so long made it hard to build connections. I’d wait for people to come to me first. In business? It’s the complete opposite — you have to show up, speak up, and make things happen.
Eventually, I left that bakery job and found a much easier part-time position so I could really focus on building my business. Looking back, that was probably one of the best decisions I ever made. I truly don’t think I’d be where I am today — pursuing my dream so young — if I had stayed in that bakery, even as a cake decorator. It would’ve limited the vision I had for myself.
2024 was the year of risks and restlessness.
I was juggling a part-time job, growing my business, and finishing my senior year of high school all at once. There were weeks where I had multiple cake orders, late nights, and early mornings. I’d come home from school and go straight to baking, then head off to a 5-hour shift, then stay up until 3 or 4 a.m. decorating cakes. And somehow still woke up at 8 a.m. for my first class. Shoutout to my entrepreneurship teacher for passing me just off the strength of seeing me work on my business every day during her class (she was a real one). It was the longest days and the shortest nights.
But that was my first real taste of what running a business actually feels like. The late hours, the pressure, the time management — it’s a grind.
One of the biggest struggles was understanding the financial side of things.
How to manage money, track profit and expenses, price properly… it’s a whole world they don’t teach you in school. I had to learn from scratch. Thankfully, we’re in the age of the internet, so information is everywhere — but it’s still a skill that takes time to develop. And I’m still learning.
Business isn’t linear. Some months are slow, others feel like you’re barely keeping up. But I’ve realized this journey has unfolded exactly how it’s meant to.
I’m beyond grateful to have people in my life who push me, check in on me, and constantly remind me of my potential — especially in the moments where I can’t see it myself.
I’ve always been told, “Make your prayers as delusional as you want.”
Because even the most impossible dreams become possible when you believe — and when you trust in Allah.
How I got here, and where I’m going next, is all with the will of God.
And that belief alone keeps me grounded through the ups, downs, and everything in between.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Art can be expressed in so many different ways—and for me, custom-designed cakes are my form of art. My business, CakesByIftu, is all about celebrating life’s most meaningful moments. Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, engagement, baby shower, wedding, or gender reveal, I put my heart into every design. It’s never just about baking a cake—it’s about creating an art piece that’s almost too beautiful to cut into.
I specialize in elegant designs with intentional detail, always working closely with my clients to bring their vision to life. No matter the size of the event, I aim to create a cake that turns heads and lives in memories.
In summer 2025, I’m launching something I’m incredibly excited about: Tiered Collections—a curated set of package deals for larger events. These collections are all about making the process smoother and more enjoyable. From tasting boxes to cake slice services, you are taken care of in every detail so you can focus on celebrating.
What makes CakesByIftu stand out is the full experience—visually stunning cakes that also taste amazing. I constantly hear how good my cakes are, and it means the world to me. There’s something so special about seeing someone’s face light up—not just from the design but from that first bite. I believe people always remember how you made them feel, and I pour that belief into every interaction and every creation. Whether it’s the way I treat my clients, the way the cake looks, or the way it tastes so good and leaves them wishing they had one more slice—that’s what I care about most.
What I’m most proud of is staying true to myself. I’ve always had my own vision. My mom raised me to never follow the crowd, and that’s something I carry with me in every design I create. I draw inspiration from trends but always put my own twist on it. My ideas, my style, and the way I approach my work—it’s all one of a kind.
At the end of the day, CakesByIftu is more than just a cake business. It’s a reflection of who I am—creative, intentional, and deeply passionate about making people feel celebrated. I want each client to walk away with something unforgettable: a cake that tells their story, a flavor they crave long after it’s gone, and a moment they’ll remember forever.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Celebrations happen every day—big or small—but the most special ones always carry a story. For me, being able to customize a cake that helps tell that story is everything. Whether it’s the final touch or the very beginning of a moment worth remembering, my goal with CakesByIftu is to make each cake a part of someone’s journey.
I’ve come a long way, but this is truly just the beginning. My ultimate goal is to keep perfecting my craft. Every opportunity I get, I pour myself into creating something so beautiful, it almost feels wrong to cut into it—and that’s exactly the kind of experience I want to keep offering. I envision growing the loyal clientele I have now, while expanding to reach more people who value quality, creativity, and care.
One of my biggest dreams is to have a space of my own—a studio where I can create freely, with a team that shares the same passion and drive. It’s something I’ve been dreaming about since I was 14. It’s a big task, but I’ve learned that quiet progress—taking those baby steps and staying focused—is how you truly build something lasting.
And honestly, I don’t believe there’s a “top.” Because what is the top, really? What does success even mean? To me, success isn’t a destination—it’s a mindset. It’s knowing that growth never stops, and that we are the only ones who set limits on ourselves. The way you execute your vision, how you carry yourself through challenges, and how you stay grounded through it all—that’s what matters most.
As I grow, I constantly remind myself that true success is about the intention behind every step, and the patience you carry along the way. I truly believe that with sincere effort and trust in Allah, everything will fall into place—in His perfect timing.
“And that man will have nothing except what he strives for.”
(Surah An-Najm, 53:39)
This verse from the Quran, keeps me grounded. It reminds me that as long as I’m striving toward my goals with clear intentions and a good heart, Allah sees it all. The rest is written. My only job is to keep showing up—with effort, faith, patience, and a heart that stays grateful. And that’s exactly what I plan to do.
Pricing:
- 6″ Heart Cake (feeds 12-17) $100
- 8″ Heart Cake (feeds 35-40) $150
- 6″+8″ Tiered Cake (feeds 50-65) $220
- 6″+8″+10″ Tiered Cake (feeds 115-135) $380
- 1 Dozen Cupcakes $35
Contact Info:
- Website: cakesbyiftu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cakesbyiftu/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cakesbyiftu
