For the CEO of CakeInspiration, the goal is to evolve and never lose sight of the emotional connection that makes his work meaningful

“How They See It” is where we delve into the minds of those shaping the future of today’s most dynamic companies. In this instalment, we ask Kai Yang Chan about his work as CEO of CakeInspiration, a company that transforms cakes into meaningful experiences. He shares an insightful perspective on the artistry behind celebrations, the balance between tradition and innovation, and why a well-crafted cake is more than just dessert — it’s a memory in the making.

“I never intended to build a business around cake. My background was in engineering — structured, logical, predictable. But life has a way of pulling you towards what truly excites you, and for me, that was creating something that didn’t just sit on a plate but told a story.

My wife and I recognised early on that cakes, as simple as they may seem, hold extraordinary significance in people’s lives. They mark milestones, bring people together, and evoke nostalgia in a way few things can. When I saw the look on a client’s face as they took in the details of their cake — a design that perfectly captured their story — I knew this was what I wanted to do. 

Engineering gave me problem-solving skills, but CakeInspiration gave me purpose.

In a world that moves at breakneck speed, where moments often pass in a blur, what we do is a quiet reminder to pause. We celebrate, we commemorate, we connect. Cakes are not only about taste or aesthetics; they are about meaning. Each creation carries weight — it represents a person, an achievement, a memory. 

And as the world shifts towards the digital, where so much of our interaction happens through screens, a tangible symbol of celebration becomes even more essential. There is something profoundly human in gathering around a cake, in sharing a slice of joy.

The ritual, the moment of shared anticipation before the first cut — it is these seemingly small details that make life richer. 

More than confectionary

Of course, the work is far from simple. People often assume that running a cake business is all about making something pretty and delicious. In reality, it requires a careful balance of creativity and operational efficiency.  

Every cake is a logistical feat, requiring meticulous planning, execution, and often, problem-solving in the eleventh hour. Tradition and innovation constantly tug at each other — should we stick to the classics or push the boundaries? 

The answer, I’ve learned, lies somewhere in between. 

We must respect the past while embracing the future, ensuring our craft never becomes stagnant. It is a delicate balance — one that requires patience, experimentation, and an intuitive understanding of what makes people feel connected to their celebrations.

At CakeInspiration, we honour cakes’ timeless joy while staying ahead of trends, integrating modern techniques, and experimenting with sustainable packaging. Listening to our customers is key.

They tell us what resonates, and we translate that into something tangible. The goal is to ensure that as we evolve, we never lose sight of the emotional connection that makes our work meaningful. 

I believe a cake should not just be a product — it should be a memory, a feeling, a part of someone’s most cherished moments.

Balancing tradition and change

Running a business, especially in a field filled with industry veterans, has not always been easy. There were moments, particularly in the early days of CakeInspiration, when self-doubt crept in. 

I sometimes felt out of place when I walked into meetings with established luxury brands. Was I making the right decisions? Was I negotiating fairly? The industry moves fast, and the pressure to keep up can be overwhelming. But over time, I learned that the key is not to chase every fleeting trend but to lean into our strengths. 

A mentor, Vincent Phang, CEO of TungLok, once told me: Focus on what works for you, not what works for the industry. That advice shaped the way I built CakeInspiration. Instead of following every wave, we refined our niche, deepened our expertise, and created something lasting. 

If I had to identify the three things that would propel us even further, mentorship would be at the top. Having experienced guidance is invaluable in an industry where scaling a business while maintaining identity is a delicate balancing act. 

The second would be a strong, skilled team — one that shares our vision and takes pride in their craft. Cake-making is an art, and finding people who understand that and contribute their flair is crucial.

Finally, strategic collaborations could help CakeInspiration reach new audiences and create more meaningful work. The right partnerships can amplify impact far beyond what we could achieve alone.

But beyond these, I have also come to appreciate the role of adaptability. Success in this business is not just about having the right ideas; it is about the ability to pivot when necessary.

There have been times when we faced unexpected challenges — supply chain disruptions, sudden shifts in consumer demand, and even broader economic uncertainty. The businesses that endure remain flexible, open to reinvention, and resilient in the face of change. 

I have learned that setbacks are not failures; they are lessons. They force us to refine, improve, and grow stronger. They remind us why we do what we do.

Lessons in resilience

Ultimately, for me, success is about becoming a name that people trust with their most important moments. I want CakeInspiration to be synonymous with celebration, the first name that comes to mind when commemorating something special. 

More than that, I want to build a legacy of joy, creativity, and sustainability — one that extends beyond our team and into the communities we serve. If people look back at a cake we made years from now and remember the happiness it brought them, that would be a success in its most accurate form.

And even in uncertain times, people’s resilience gives me hope. No matter what challenges arise, they find ways to come together, celebrate, and create joy. That, more than anything, reminds me why this work matters. At its heart, CakeInspiration is not about cakes. It is about people. And as long as stories are told and moments to be cherished, we will continue to do what we do best — one cake at a time.”