Q: What does living luxuriously mean to you?
A: Living luxuriously is living a life of quality, comfort, and precision. It’s having all the weapons you need to be able to do what you love, to be yourself, and to create your own reality.
Q: What luxuries are you most thankful for and why?
A: Life itself is a luxury and a gift. I am thankful for my ability to see, to feel, and to love. I am very thankful for all my material luxuries, because they allow me to be who I want to be and they unleash my true potential.
Q: What about your home (big or small) says luxury to you?
A: My home is my castle. It blurs the line between self and surroundings, and challenges the line we try to draw between who we are and where we are. I love interesting pieces like my handcrafted wooden table. Fine craftsmanship is very important to me, from my cutlery to my car, everything matters.
Q: Are there any rituals you do at home?
A: I open windows and let all the bad energy escape. I use incense sticks and candles, which create a very tranquil and positive space. Fire makes me think and meditate, and turns my home into a happy place.
Q: What objects do you surround yourself with that inspire you?
A: To be honest, everything inspires me. Things I see, things I smell. My favourite books about fashion or my favourite cup of coffee provoke emotions and keep me dreaming.
Q: How would you encourage others to live their own best life?
A: One of my tattoos says “High on Life.” I moved to Canada 10 years ago from a town far, far away, located at the far east side of Russia. Today, I am happy to be a cake artist creating my life in beautiful Toronto. I live in the moment and think positively. Every project I work on has a part of me in it. I am sharing artistic vibes, memories, and good energy.
Q: How do you share the spoils of your life?
A: I love to spread love and positive emotions. Profit is always good, but the emotion you get back is more precious. I love making cakes for my friends and family. They deserve the best and I always try to surprise them with something extremely yummy and unique. I am not the best cook, but I know how to make desserts. When I have people over, I serve French macarons.
Q: How do passion and hard work play into your life and business?
A: Being picky about quality and true to oneself is so me. And I always say, it takes 30 per cent talent and 70 per cent hard work, passion and self-education. Cake has to look great, smell great and taste amazing. Every detail has to be finished. Quality is everything. As Alexander McQueen said: “What you see in the work is the person himself. And my heart is in my work.”
Photography by Jose Atencia and Arthur Kantemirov