My Cake Family

It’s hard work wearing the many hats associated with running a small business.  It involves long hours - in my case, I juggle my little business with working a (part time) “day job” - and the combined workload is overwhelming at times.  You can do it alone, but it’s much easier to navigate when you have a fabulous support network to lean on.

I am very lucky to have an amazing crew around me, and they are important in so many ways.  I believe it is important to align yourself with a circle of like-minded folks - I love my “peas in a pod” colleagues, who are fabulously friendly, generous, and kind, and just a little bit sassy too…

Sometimes you just need to talk to someone who “gets it”…

Cake Artists work very long, anti-social hours, usually on our own, and with very little opportunity to debrief difficult situations.  My Cake Siblings are the ones that truly understand what it’s like to be up all night working on a cake (or several cakes), when things might not be going exactly to plan.  They know the pain of split ganache, sticky fondant and sprinkles spilled everywhere (and believe me, they go EVERYWHERE!!).  And my Cakey Brothers & Sisters know exactly how much work goes on behind the scenes of caking, including the mess and washing up and cleaning that comes with every gorgeous creation that leaves the kitchen.  It’s hard work!!

You always need a back up plan…

I know that my Cake Siblings will always be there to help in the case of an emergency - they have stepped in at short notice to help when I was scheduled for urgent spinal surgery, and again when we were stunned by a family tragedy.  I’ve had them by my side assisting at Bridal Showcases, they’ve helped me with big wedding cake deliveries, and I’ve done the same for them.

We send our clients to our Siblings when our own schedule is booked to capacity, and we know that we can trust them 100% to look after them expertly.  I also will regularly send clients to my talented siblings when they are requesting a style that is not in my repertoire - I absolutely refuse to make a sub-standard #nailedit style attempt at a design that is clearly out of my skill set (and for me, this is hand modelled figurines and fondant cakes), and instead choose to refer to someone who will do an exceptional job.  I really do have an incredibly talented & kind circle of cake siblings around me, and I love them with all of my heart.

Our Industry friends always give the best advice…

I am always learning from my Cake Family - we constantly share advice on techniques, recipes and products.  We regularly bounce ideas and talk about how we run our individual businesses together.  There is always something new to be learned!

I like to think that I have cornered the best suppliers (also known as the Extended Cake Family) that I possibly could have within the past few years of establishing my business.  I am so grateful for the knowledge, skills and advice that my suppliers are generous enough to share with me.

I am in contact weekly with my favourite local flower markets & florists, and we regularly chat about colour palettes and styling, and they keep me up to date with seasonal availability & styling trends.  I also work with some brilliant local designers who create the most incredible custom products - cake toppers, froppers, cookie cutters, and embossers.  I am lucky to have some great friendships with these clever creatives, who always look after me so well.

Then there are the ridiculously efficient crew that dispense my cake boards, cake boxes, sprinkles, fondant, and general cake supplies.  I know that I can get my hot little hands on the best products, within a matter of hours of ordering from these amazing suppliers!

When you have to work every weekend, it’s nice to bump into a friend…

Nobody else quite “gets it” like your “Hospo” colleagues who also work Every Single Weekend.  Don’t get me wrong, we absolutely LOVE being part of your special occasions, but it is exhausting working the hours that we work.  I have met some of the most incredible celebrants, photographers, stylists, florists and caterers during my time as a Cake Artist in the Wedding Industry. It’s always fabulous when we get to bump into these guys at events - and even though these catch-ups are brief & a little chaotic, it’s lovely to see a familiar face and chat with someone who you enjoy working alongside.

And kind words from my supporters are always appreciated…

I’m looking at YOU! Yes, everyone who has taken the time to read my blogs or taken an interest in my creations, and is kind enough to flick a “Like” or a positive comment my way.  I see you, and I appreciate you!  The majority of my clients come to me via word of mouth, (that is, because you are talking about me!!), and this means the world! Thank you!

Check out some of my favourite family members here...