How Two Sisters Built a Digital Sisterhood Across Cultures
You’ve probably scrolled past their videos without realizing it—two sisters cracking each other up over stolen hoodies, debating fashion choices, or attempting (and failing) to master skateboarding in their London flat. Sara and Avni Deshmukh, known online as @iconicakes, aren’t your typical TikTok duo. Born in Pune, India—Sara on December 4, 2001, and Avni on December 12, 2004—they moved to London about a decade ago, and their content feels like a warm, chaotic group chat with your closest friends. Forget overly polished routines; their charm lies in the messy, unscripted moments, like Sara’s lockdown skateboarding attempts (spoiler: she wobbled more than she rolled) or Avni’s earnest bedroom redesigns that inevitably ended with clothes spilling off the bed. They’re the kind of creators who make you feel like you’re eavesdropping on real sisterhood, not a performance.
What started as lighthearted sibling banter evolved into something deeper. Over the past year, they’ve woven their Indian heritage into the fabric of their content in subtle, powerful ways. Sara, the older sister, now occasionally speaks in her Indian accent during videos, sharing snippets of Diwali celebrations or explaining why certain family traditions matter. It’s not a grand statement—it’s as simple as her laughing while teaching Avni how to properly fold a sari, or recording their mom’s voice calling them for dinner. These moments resonate because they’re *small*: no flashy productions, just genuine glimpses into balancing two cultures. For followers navigating similar identities, it’s a quiet reassurance that embracing every part of yourself isn’t just okay—it’s worth celebrating.
Their rise feels organic, almost accidental. They’ve built a combined audience of 4.6 million followers largely through YouTube Shorts, amassing a staggering 616 million views across 300+ videos. Yet their TikTok magic thrives on interaction. They’ll stitch fan comments into duets, turning random viewers into collaborators—like when a follower jokingly asked Avni to “review” their thrifted jeans, and she filmed a hilariously over-the-top runway walk in their shared living room. “TikTok isn’t just about content—it’s about creating a friendship group,” they’ve said, and you feel it. Watching their videos, you’re not just a viewer; you’re part of the inside joke.
Behind the humor, there’s resilience. They’ve talked openly about the friction of being sisters *and* business partners—like the time Avni accidentally deleted Sara’s favorite outfit photo mid-shoot, sparking a 20-minute dramatic reenactment filmed for their followers. But it’s their vulnerability that sticks with you. When Sara first used her Indian accent online, she admitted feeling nervous; now, it’s a thread through their content, connecting with diaspora communities longing to see themselves reflected. They’ve turned personal growth into collective healing, one relatable clip at a time.
Today, @iconicakes feels less like a “brand” and more like that friend group you wish you had—equal parts supportive and silly. They’ve mastered the art of turning everyday chaos into connection, whether it’s debating who stole whose sweater (again) or sharing why their mom’s cooking is “non-negotiable” comfort food. In an algorithm-driven world, they remind us that the most powerful content isn’t perfect. It’s human.