Exclusive Interview With most popular Chief in Sugar Land, Taxas : Salma Khetani
1.How did you become interested in your creative practice?
Salma : I have always enjoyed doing creative activities like painting, sculpting, and molding. I started to spend lots of time in the library and baking books caught my attention. I did some research, watched baking shows, learned from YouTube and took some online classes. My first big order was a sweet sixteen party. It wasn’t perfect but I was so happy that someone trusted me with an order for their big day.
2.How have you made it financially possible to focus on this?
Salma : I started small and worked on really improving my skills. I used my network of friends and family to spread the word, always making sure to never spread myself too thin.
3.Where do you find your ideas?
Salma : Everywhere! Nature, fashion, architecture. There are ideas literally all around you, especially given the accessibility of the internet.
4.What if you’re making something new–how do you decide if an idea for a recipe is viable? Do you act on all your ideas?
Salma : Continuing education is important in this industry, like any other field. Understanding the basics and building upon it. Learn, practice, and implement that skill.
5.What challenges have you faced in your creative work?
Salma : Everyday is a new challenge since I am a self-taught baker and entrepreneur. Sometimes I lose track of orders or have to deal with difficult customers. It’s thrilling and challenging to bring people’s dreams to reality. One thing I have learned is to never give up and learn from every single mistake.
6.What are you working on currently?
Salma : Cakes, of course! Someone came to me with a last-minute request to make an Eid celebration cake for the County Judge Office. That was my latest project!
7.Do you think artists/artisans should starve? (i.e., inherently?)
Salma : I’m not sure what this question means. Feel free to send it back with clarification!
8.Have you ever reached an impasse where youth ought your creative work had become impossible? What changed your mind?
Salma : Yes, all the time. Sometimes, people don’t give me the freedom to be creative and want a replica of something straight off of the internet. It’s frustrating at time, but I have to work with the client and make their dreams come true, even if it’s not what I would have chosen.
9.How can people view and stay up-to-date with your creative work?
Salma : Instagram @sweettreatsbysalma• Sweet Treats by Salma | Facebook
10.Are there any ideas you wish you had time to act on but haven’t yet? Do you think it will become possible in the future?
Salma : I would love to incorporate more culture into my business. I would love to go around the world on a food tour, learn new techniques. I could open up a small place with no menu, just give people an experience, unusual flavors from around the world every time you walk in.
11.Tell us something we don’t know about you yet:
Salma : I am usually a very subtle person, but if you challenge me with something I never say no. I even surprise myself!
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