FARHAT BADRUDDIN
Tell us about your journey…
I never thought my journey was an extraordinary one until I realised my passion. I am a Mum and a full-time professional and hardly have any time for much else. However, I was (and am) always keen to learn new skills and challenge myself to try different things.
A few years ago, I was clueless on how to even use an oven for baking. The journey from there to here has been nothing but invigorating. In late 2017, I felt the urge to do something new. I knew that as ‘baking’ was my weakness, I would have the chance to learn a lot if I challenged myself. After some failed attempts and making my family taste all my creations no matter how they looked or tasted, I felt confident enough to invite some friends to try some of my desserts. It was my family’s and friends’ confidence and belief in me that supported me to create my first professional cake.
My first professional cake was a dark chocolate ganache cake for a friend. I was quite nervous when I handed it to her but so happy that it turned out so well. Today, even after making hundreds of professional looking cakes, this nervousness continues as the cake leaves my sight hoping that those receiving it will love and cherish it too.
Tell us about your work and your professional endeavours…
I love my work! My role as the Business Systems Officer at a Victorian Local Council, involves supporting the service delivery of various programs for our local communities. I help manage the entire business lifecycle, contributing to business systems, business relationships and business processes. The work we do benefits the local community and often extends beyond our local council. I take pride in my work and my contributions to the community in this role. The satisfaction that I get, from my work and my contribution, is unmatchable.
I am constantly learning and seeking new knowledge. I know that upskilling myself with the latest industry best practice will keep me ahead of my game.
How did you go about accomplishing your achievements? What inspired you?
While my professional work and my creative passion are both different aspects of my life, the basic driving principle is the same – challenge yourself, learn new things and do your best!
I have chosen the artistic outlet to enable me to practice creativity and learn new skills. Whilst it is sometimes difficult to juggle this with full-time work, it is so worth it when you see the final product and receive positive feedback. It would have been impossible to achieve this without the support of my husband and my daughter, who are always encouraging me. They also help me complete all my artwork. Here is a picture of one such piece.
For anyone who is too afraid to follow their passion, I would say, “dream big”! Don’t be afraid to try something new. If you fail, that is fine, just keep at it. Success is closer than you think!
What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
The most challenging part of having a side gig is ensuring a healthy balance between work, family and my passion. Do not ever let your passion turn into a burden. If you lose this balance, your passion is often the first thing you will have to let go of. Plan ahead and plan carefully. Discuss it with your family, and if you feel overwhelmed, ask for help!
Secondly, let yourself fail a few times (many times, if needed). As a cake artist, I am never completely happy with my product and always feel that it could have been better. On many occasions, I have tried something new and failed. I have made batches of a new recipe of buttercream and had to dispose of it because it tasted bad. I have made cakes that did not rise, cakes that had sinkholes in the middle. I took a deep breath and started all over again. I have learnt that trial and error is an important part of learning and growing.
If you were to name one woman who is a source of inspiration to you…
There are many inspirational women in my life, however, my mother has influenced me the most. She has always put others before her and finds satisfaction in lending them a helping hand.
What are your top 3 baking tips?
- Tip # 1: Have patience!
- Tip # 2: Bake at a lower temperature.
- Tip # 3: Plan your design ahead and stick to it!
