Silvia Petrova: Life like a good fairytale 

Every morning we go to work, only to end up in a repetitive cycle, that seemingly lasts for centuries. Everydayness is a heavy burden. 

If this sounds familiar, then perhaps you will share our amazement at those people with talent, that create beautiful things in their free time. We introduce you to Silvia Petrova who lives in London. Last year Silviya received an award for her baking, while her hobby is drawing on biscuits. 

“For me, it is important to have fun, and I achieve this when being creative. I have degrees in graphics from a Veliko TarnovoUniversity in Bulgaria, with a specialisation in illustration. In Bulgaria, I worked as a teacher. In London, I am an au-pair.

I prefer to draw when everyone at home is asleep. In the silence of the night, I can switch off the rest of the world. I always listen to music, and this helps me keep in good spirit. Without the right attitude I cannot be creative.

The idea of drawing on biscuits came about as a joke. I took part in a small business start up workshop, during which the participants were encouraged to think about what they do with passion. I showed everyone pictures of biscuits I had drawn on, and I noticed the awe this caused at the workshop. The family I work in and my friend Moni encouraged me to pursue this activity.

The first order for biscuits came in for the opening of a new kindergarten in Notting Hill – one of my favourite areas in London. From then on the orders have been growing. The biscuits I make are unique and very personal to the occasion or individual I make them for. I think this is what makes them so special and liked.

In October 2017 I took part in The Cake and Bake Show at the ExCel London. I participated with 12 muffins, onto which I drew characters from a British children's book. I chose the book as the theme of the competition that year was Best of British.

While standing next to my muffins I could see the reaction of over 100 000 guests. My favourite moment was when the announcement of the first place winner came, and my muffins appeared on a huge screen above us. I received a standing ovation. Thereafter everything seemed like I was in a fairy tale.