Teen BOSS!

NAME: Aya Islim

AGE: 18 years Old

HOMETOWN: Dearborn, MI BUSINESS: Aya’s Sweets

WHEN DID YOU START BAKING?

I started baking at the age of 9 as a hobby. I use to sit and watch the Food Network and would love to recreate what I’d seen on TV. The kids’ bake off shows were always my favorite.

HOW DID THAT LEAD TO OPENING YOUR BAKERY, AYA’S SWEETS?

My mom wanted to showcase my work and that’s when we came up with Aya’s Sweets. She opened a Instagram and Facebook page and began posting videos and pictures of my cakes. At the age of 14, I surprised rap star and actor Ice Cube with a cake at a meet and greet. The community saw my post on social media and the local paper and that’s when my name began to grow. I began to take cake orders weekly and at times had to turn some down because I was so overbooked.

DID YOU START WITH A BAKERY?

Actually, at the age of 15, I had saved up and purchased my first food truck. I expanded my menu and began to work events selling my famous fried Oreos and milkshakes. I wasn’t able to keep up as my clientele began to grow and my treats were on high demand. At 16, I opened my own bakery with the help of my mother. My mother, who is also known as “Momager,” retired from her job to help me manage and run my shop.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT AYA’S SWEETS?

My favorite thing about working at my bakery is getting to spend so much time with my mom and brothers. When we opened up the bakery, we opened as a family business and I am very blessed to be working with my loved ones daily. My mother is my best friend who has always been my number-one supporter and my brothers are my sidekicks who are always there for me.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER TEEN ENTREPRENEURS?

To always pursue your dreams and never give up! Hard work pays off. It may not come easy, but at the end, it’s worth it.