A Gen Z baker turns her passion into an artform, creating stunning cakes and teaching others while honoring a promise to her beloved grandmother.
Nguyen Yen Linh, born in 2000 in Ninh Kieu, Can Tho, is the owner of a uniquely creative online cake shop. Behind her flawless pastries lies a journey filled with challenges, determination, and an unwavering passion for baking.
Falling in love with baking in 10th grade
Linh fell in love with baking in 10th grade.
Linh’s love for baking began out of curiosity and a deep sense of wonder. In 10th grade, she was captivated by macarons - a French delicacy known for its elegant appearance and delicate taste.
Seeing the colorful treats for the first time, she longed to try making them herself. By chance, her family had just received a small oven as a gift, allowing her to begin experimenting.
Macarons, however, are notoriously difficult to master. Failed batch after batch worried her parents, who urged her to give up. But Linh didn’t quit. She turned to online tutorials, baking communities, and relentless trial and error.
She started by offering homemade treats to friends and teachers. Their encouragement helped solidify her decision to pursue baking seriously once she turned 18.
From home kitchen to edible artistry
Her cakes are visually striking, like edible works of art.
Without the means to attend a formal pastry school, Linh balanced university studies with self-guided learning and practice.
In her early days, it took her two to three days to make 1,000 macarons. Through persistence and better tools, she eventually reduced that time to just one day, with more consistent quality.
She never considered quitting, even after countless failed attempts. To Linh, each mistake was a lesson—a necessary step in the path to mastery.
A special loaf of bread, a priceless smile
One of her most elaborate pieces: a tiger-themed cake.
One of her most touching memories is making bread for her grandmother, who initially disliked sweet foods and politely declined Linh’s early creations.
After adjusting recipes to suit elderly taste buds, Linh finally made a loaf soft and flavorful enough to change her grandmother’s mind. When her grandmother not only finished it but asked for more, Linh felt a happiness she’d never experienced.
That small moment of recognition became one of her greatest joys - and the driving force behind her commitment to the craft. Her grandmother was the “special guest” who helped Linh choose her path.
From taste to art: the dragon cake transformation
The dragon cake was built over 30 hours with meticulous detail.
Linh pours her heart into decorating cakes, transforming them into artistic creations. One of her most intricate pieces was a dragon-shaped cake - a true labor of love that showcased both her skill and imagination.
To create the dragon’s form, Linh first practiced drawing and shaping it on canvas using a mixture of sugar and egg whites.
The first dragon took more than 30 hours to complete. Every detail - from scales to claws to tail - was crafted with extraordinary care and precision.
Despite her experience with cake decoration, the dragon challenged her like no other project. The need for lifelike clarity and dynamic expression pushed her to stay highly focused.
The second dragon took nearly three nights and a full day to finish. She refined the pose, legs, and tail, making each version sharper and more expressive.
Though exhaustion often crept in, she remained alert and committed to finishing with excellence. The final result stunned both her family and her clients.
Many people now view Linh’s cakes as edible works of art. Her steady improvement and unique style have helped her carve out a distinct niche in the industry. Increasingly, customers are seeking her out for custom designs unlike any other.
Growing her business and giving back
Linh constantly pushes herself to improve and evolve.
Today, Linh runs her cake business online, investing carefully in tools and equipment to enhance both quality and efficiency.
Beyond selling cakes, she also teaches others - sharing her hard-earned knowledge with students who share her passion.
From a curious high school student experimenting with macarons to the proud owner of a boutique cake brand in the city, Nguyen Yen Linh’s journey is one of perseverance and heart.
With unwavering dedication and love for her craft, she has created not only remarkable cakes but a lasting impression on all who encounter her work.