Anna Astashkina 🍥 Florea Cakes, Chef 📍 Greenville, South Carolina

How do you manage work-life balance? Is it even possible?

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance was the hardest lesson to learn in my business. I've implemented several strategies to achieve this, including setting clear boundaries with strict working hours, scheduling mandatory days off for personal time, and continuously improving my time management skills.

It also helps to always remember my "why.." I started this business to have a better work-life balance.

By staying connected to my initial motivation and purpose, I am able to prioritize self-care, nurture relationships, and provide exceptional products and services to my customers. Balancing work and personal life is a process, but it is essential to remain fulfilled in my career and avoid the risk of burnout.

Let's hear a little more about you, Anna. What’s your story?

I’m an award-winning Cake Designer, YouTuber, and educator based in Greenville, SC. I am very passionate about designing bespoke wedding cakes, as well as teaching cake decorating classes and online courses to encourage bakers to explore the art of cake. My cakes have been featured in magazines, TV commercials, and online publications worldwide.

My proudest moment is when I see my student booking luxury cakes and feeling confident about their style and pricing!

As a teacher, business woman, and artist, I understand how other aspiring creators might underestimate their talent and ignore the importance of being rewarded for their work. Not only do I teach how to decorate cakes without losing your authenticity, but I also share my insights with the cake making industry by providing tips on how to promote and sell your work. Every artist is unique and brilliant in their own way as long as they put in the work and never lose passion for what they do!

I know what it is like to work long hours and focus on building a solid resume. However, no matter how much passion we have for our work, it is vital to spend time with our friends and families and take good care of our physical and mental state. Throughout the years, I’ve learned how to balance my life and keep my creativity without sacrificing my work ethics.

I want our industry to thrive, and I want to help build a stronger community for bakers to have a business that is financially stable and enjoyable.

Connect with Anna online:

Website: floreacakes.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/floreacakes

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@floreacakes

Want to be featured on the Sugarverse? Share your story and inspire others. Apply for a Creative Spotlight feature today!