A Journey of Art and Resilience In Conversation with Mani Enoka Gunasekera

Self-taught cake decorator and designer, Mani Enoka Gunasekera, has turned her passion for art into a flourishing career through her brand, Designed by Mani Couture Cakes, which has brought her both national and international recognition. A proud alumna of Musaeus College, Colombo, she once embraced the spotlight as a teen model, before discovering that her true canvas lay in cakes. A remarkable mother of three and a cancer survivor, her story is one of creativity, resilience, and determination. At the heart of Mani Enoka Gunasekera’s journey lies not just the art of cake design, but also the art of resilience. From her kitchen table to international acclaim, she proves that with passion, creativity, and courage, even the sweetest dreams can rise.

Words - Sachini Perera

You are a self-taught cake decorator - what first inspired you to turn your passion for art into cake design?

It all began with my own wedding cake. Designing my wedding cake felt like a natural extension of my love for creating beautiful things, with my background in fashion design, floral art, and make-up artistry. Later, as a stay-at-home mother, I started baking for my family, and soon every celebration became an opportunity to create something unique. What began as joy gradually blossomed into a fulfilling career.

Balancing roles as a mother of three and an entrepreneur is no easy task. How do you manage family life alongside your business?

Time management has always been crucial. I worked strictly during school hours so that evenings and weekends were dedicated to my family. Cooking is another passion of mine, and as vegetarians, I always made sure to prepare well-balanced meals. Raising three lively boys, with school, sports, and other activities, was certainly challenging but also immensely rewarding. Now that they are grown up, they are my biggest supporters—helping with deliveries, sharing business ideas, and even stepping into the kitchen when needed.

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