Bolos de Sonho (Dreamy Cakes): My Dream Come True

For as long as I can remember, I've had a keen interest in learning how to make cakes. I started helping my grandmother and mum make cakes for family parties from an early age.

Although my professional life was geared towards administrative work as an accounting technician, I always made my daughters' birthday cakes and desserts, as well as other treats, but I was curious to learn how to make the regional cakes of the Algarve (such as doce fino) because I found the figurines very funny (perhaps because of their creativity).

In 2019, I made the decision to work from home at my husband's construction company and as I was available, because I had flexibility in my schedule, I was able to go to a workshop on doce fino, D. Rodrigo and Morgado, which piqued my interest in wanting to learn more!

The pandemic hit and at that point, cooped up at home, I started researching on the internet and found an opportunity to do a one-year cake design course - and I didn't hesitate!

I fell in love with the process and found it a form of therapy. Yes, therapy, because when it comes to decorating a cake I completely lose myself in the world of creativity - which I love and makes me feel good!

This is how I acquired knowledge of sugarpaste moulding techniques, flowers and painting wedding cakes.

In 2022 I started working in this area from home, as well as taking part in events (Feira do Folar, Medieval Fair, Arte Doce, Conventual, etc.) - a way of publicising my work! In addition to this apprenticeship, and so that I can practise to the full, I took a qualification certificate, obtaining level 4 in Cookery and Pastry.

I've also done training in HST and HACCP, as well as legalising my home kitchen (licensing) and starting my business, so that everything is in order and I can carry out my business with total security and transparency.

Thank you for your attention and the opportunity to realise my dream and your dream cakes! It's a pleasure and I do it with a lot of love!