Meet Ayodeji (Sunshynemoh) Mohammed | Luxury Cake Artist & Accountant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ayodeji (Sunshynemoh) Mohammed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ayodeji (Sunshynemoh), we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way, both in my business/career is that you can do anything, absolutely anything you set your mind to, if you devote time, attention and patience to it.

Please tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My name is Ayodeji Mohammed aka Sunshyne. I run a home bakery called “Sunshyemoh Bake Shoppe”, where I make luxury customized cakes for weddings and special occasions. I also teach new/aspiring bakers how to make structurally sound and gorgeous cakes. I started my cake decorating journey when I ordered a cake for my son’s birthday some years ago and wasn’t particularly pleased with the outcome. I had been baking prior to that, just not decorated cakes. So I decided I’d give it a go, and made his next birthday cake; this was back in 2018. A few friends saw it and asked me who made it, and I said I did. I got my very first paid order the following week. To say I was terrified is an understatement. The stakes were high, someone was paying me their hard-earned money, and I had to deliver. I’m so glad I went ahead and did it afraid. And I’m forever grateful for that friend who took a chance on me.

A lot of people make beautiful cakes, but not very many people have mastered the art of making both stunning and phenomenal tasting cakes. This is what sets me apart from most bakers. My cakes are skillfully crafted, always moist and the flavors, texture and taste are simply unforgettable. I’m that baker you come to when you need to wow your taste buds and your guests!

What I am most proud of is my ability to stay the course even when I’ve hit several road blocks along the way. There have been days I simply wanted to quit, but I’m super proud of myself for sticking it out and for my growth thus far.

Several factors have led me to where I am today business-wise. My faith in God and the recognition that He’s blessed me with a gift that allows me the opportunity to be a blessing and a part of some of the most special days in people’s lives. Hardwork, dedication, time, patience and an amazing support system have also played major roles in getting me here. Has it been easy? Oh dear, it has been far from easy. As a home baker, you wear so many hats and have to juggle a ton of things. You are the baker, cleaner, dish washer, decorator, delivery person, admin person, social media person, marketing person and so many more. There is a lot of planning that goes into cake making and decorating. It’s not really just flour, sugar, butter and eggs as most people think.

I have managed to overcome various challenges along the way. A notable one is learning how to use Ganache(chocolate melted with heavy cream) to decorate my cakes. Living in Houston where the summer weather is insanely hot and humid; makes the summer months extremely challenging for bakers; particularly if you use buttercream to decorate your cakes. As a result, I had to learn how to use Ganache, which is deemed as one of the most stable forms to cover a cake . It took me almost 1.5 years to finally figure it out. There were several trial and error episodes, and loads of frustrating moments where I thought I’d never be able to do this. Finally figuring it out has definitely been one of the highlights of my cake decorating journey.

A few lessons I’ve learned along the way….you can be good at anything you set your mind to, you just have to give it time, attention and patience. It is ok to ask for help, you’re not a machine. Learn to celebrate your journey and whatever season you’re in; do not despise the days of little beginnings, as all of these culminate into who you are.

I believe absolutely everyone deserves to have a stunning AND phenomenal tasting cake at their events/birthdays or special occasions. It should never be an either or….you deserve BOTH. And the mission of my brand is to ensure that this becomes people’s realities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow, this is a bit of a tough one. However, since Houston is deemed the culinary capital of the South, we would definitely not lack for options in the food area.

We would eat breakfast/brunch meals at Sweet Paris(great food and great ambience), Toasted yolk(they have some delicious breakfast and brunch items- it’s a family favorite) and the Dish Society(healthy and tasty food, with great options)

For Lunch/Dinner We’d stop by at Rouxpour; they serve some amazing cajun food. Astor farm to table would have to be on our list, it’s a South African Restaurant. I visited it for the first time last week and had one of the most amazing fall of the bone oxtails. Also, Mia’s table would be on the list, they have a variety of American style dishes, everything I’ve had there has been awesome. They have the very best Oatmeal raisin pecan cookies I’ve ever had. Finally, Chop & Block, an African fusion restaurant that curates a beautiful west African culinary experience. I’ve heard tons of great things about this place, haven’t been; so going to give it a try with my best friend would be perfect!

For fun- We will visit “The Post” Houston, which is downtown Houston’s hub for culture, food and recreation. I’ve heard really great things about this spot, I’m yet to go there, so would love to explore and experience it with my best friend.

The theater district is a must, we both love the arts. So watching a couple of plays would be top of our list.

Color Factory-Interactive Color Museum- this place is so beautiful and super fun and colorful just as it’s name depicts. It’s an interactive journey through 14 immersive art exhibits. My family and I had a really fun time when we visited, so I’d definitely love for my best friend to experience it. The Museum district. The Space Center Houston- NASA would also be on our list of fun places to visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Jesus first, because without Him I wouldn’t be where I am today. My faith is a very big part of my journey and story. Next would be my amazing, kind and super supportive husband, my awesome kids; who though somewhat young encourage me so much to keep going, they inspire me daily and it’s such an honor to be their Mother. My mom, siblings, in-laws and friends. These people are my support system; they all keep me going on days when it’s ridiculously hard juggling a 9-5 and being an entrepreneur. I have been tremendously blessed with an awesome support system, as the saying goes. “it takes a village”.

Instagram: @Sunshynemoh

Facebook: @Sunshynemoh

Other: Email: Sunshynemoh@gmail.com