NEWS

My name is Thuwan Asker Rushaida, and I am a proud alumna of Gampola Zahira College in Sri  Lanka. My journey to success in the fields of arts, crafts, and cake making has been one of relentless dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to my passion. Throughout this journey, I have faced numerous disappointments and failures, yet I have persevered and ultimately transformed those setbacks into stepping stones toward achieving my dreams.

From a young age, I was drawn to the arts. Growing up in a vibrant cultural environment, I found inspiration in the rich traditions and creative expressions surrounding me. My deep-rooted love for the arts led me to explore various hobbies such as drawing, crafting, and cake making. I remember spending hours with my sketchbook, doodling everything from intricate patterns to whimsical characters. However, despite my enthusiasm, I lacked formal education in these areas. Instead of seeing this as a limitation, I took it upon myself to learn and master the skills necessary to excel in crafts and cake making. This self-taught journey was fueled by my determination and an insatiable desire to create.

I realized early on that mastery in any field requires consistent practice and learning. I sought out books, online tutorials, and workshops to refine my skills. Every new technique I learned felt like a small victory, adding to my confidence. I began to understand that failure is not the opposite of success; it is part of the journey. Each mistake I made taught me valuable lessons and ultimately brought me closer to my goals.

As I honed my skills, I began to participate in various competitions related to arts and crafts. The thrill of competition ignited a new fire within me. Each event was an opportunity to showcase my work, and with each submission, I received valuable feedback. My efforts were recognized and rewarded, and these early victories served as the foundation for my growing confidence and ambition. I remember my first competition vividly; I submitted a hand-crafted cake that reflected my passion and creativity. Winning a prize that day felt like validation of all the hard work I had put in.

Determined to reach a wider audience and share my creations with the world, I took the bold step of entering the digital realm by creating my first social media platform, "Aida Craftique & Cakes by Aida" This platform allowed me to connect with other artists and craft enthusiasts, expanding my network beyond my immediate surroundings. The launch of "Aida Craftique & Cakes by Aida" marked a significant turning point in my career. Through this platform, my work began to attract attention from people around me and beyond, leading to new opportunities and recognition. I found myself engaging with a global community that shared my passion, which only fueled my desire to improve and innovate.

Social media became a powerful tool for me, not just for showcasing my work but for learning from others as well. I followed artists and crafters from around the world, absorbing their techniques and styles. I began to understand that art is a collective experience; it thrives on shared knowledge and inspiration. This realization encouraged me to share my own tips and tutorials, fostering a sense of community on my platform.

My hard work and dedication have been recognized through several prestigious awards. I am honored to have received the Sri Lanka Super Talent Award for Craft and Cake Maker, the RL Cement Decorating School Cake Novelty Diploma Certificate, and the Best Creative Crafter and Golden Award from Crusty Crafts Academy. Each award represented not just my achievements but also the countless hours of practice, experimentation, and learning that went into my work.

Additionally, I was awarded the High-Class Business Award for Self-Talented Star of the Year, further solidifying my position as a leading figure in my field.

I am deeply honored and filled with gratitude to have my hard work and dedication recognized in such a meaningful way. This acknowledgment brings immense joy and inspires me to continue striving for excellence in all that I do. It is a privilege to have my efforts showcased before such a distinguished audience, including chief guests from over 20 countries. I deeply appreciate the committee's thorough validation process and feel incredibly proud to be among the selected awardees. This recognition fuels my commitment to continue pursuing excellence and contributing to the global creative community.

In this biography, I am excited to share my recognition under various esteemed categories. I was honored with Asia's Best Delicious Cakes and Craft Maker Award at the Asia's Cakes and Craft Awards, a testament to my dedication and skill in cake making and crafts. This recognition brought with it a sense of responsibility; I felt motivated to uphold the standards that such an accolade represents. Furthermore, I received the Asia's Golden Globe Award under the category of Asia's Outstanding Awards, which highlights my contributions to the arts. Being acknowledged at this level was a humbling experience, reminding me of the impact that art can have on individuals and communities alike. Lastly, I was awarded the Asia's Best Queen Leadership Award under Asia's Leadership Awards, recognizing my leadership and impact in my field. This award affirmed my belief that creativity and leadership go hand in hand, and I am committed to inspiring others to pursue their artistic dreams. I am also thankful to RULA Awards for acknowledging my efforts, further motivating me to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity.

The Women Icon Award, however, holds special significance. This award, my first international recognition, comes as a validation of years of perseverance. To be recognized on such a distinguished platform, with over 20 countries participating, is truly humbling. It is a testament not only to my personal efforts but also to the immense value of the support I have received along the way.

As I reflect on my journey, I extend my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to my mother and uncle, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in my journey. They have been my pillars of strength, encouraging me during times of self-doubt and celebrating my victories with unbridled enthusiasm. I also want to thank everyone who has believed in me and supported me along the way. My deepest appreciation goes to all the organizations that recognized my talent and motivated me to further elevate my craft and pursue excellence.