Today we have the yummy I Love The Cake!
Name: Maria Higginson
Company: I Love The Cake
Website/Facebook: www.ilovethecakeshop.co.uk
Describe your products: Delicious and pretty. Cakes, cupcakes, macaroons, cake pops and cake push pops - you name it - if it has cake in it, we'll do it - and we do it in style!
When did you start your business? January 2012
What inspires you? Other cake designers who have been in the business for years - Maisie Fantasie, Lindy Smith and Peggy Porschen, as well as everyday pretty items like lace and ribbon! I also get a lot of inspiration from customers telling me about who the cake is for and what their interests are.
What did you do before setting up you business? I was a manager in the education recruitment sector for 9 long years. I love working with people and loved managing people and coaching them through difficult situations towards a positive outcome.
What is the best thing about running your business? That it's mine. I still work just as long hours as I did working for someone else, but this is all mine. No politics, nobody causing me problems - just me causing my own! I don't earn as much as I did a year ago, but what I lack in wealth, I have more than made up for in commitment!
Why did you start your business? I always wanted to run my own company and started baking again when I became stressed at work - and it was a great release! Then I found I was actually good at it and built it up on a part time basis until I could leave my 'normal' job. I teach in my workshops, which I love, and get to be creative - it's not really 'work' as we know it!!
Your Favourite Product? I LOVE making sugar roses - I could do it all day - most people think they are silk flowers and are amazed when I tell them I have made them!
Best Business Tip: Always have a plan that's SMART (the people who used to work for me know this very well indeed!) If you don't have a plan - how will you know whether you have succeeded or not??
Favourite colour: Turquoise
Biggest business success: My first ever corporate order for a national conference in October 2012 for NCFE - a lot of hard work but over 300 people ate my products over two days (and I am assured - enjoyed them!)
Business dream: Cake and tea shop - no sandwiches, no lunches - just lovely cake (all different types) and tea - maybe coffee and hot chocolate if you're lucky!! All served on my vintage china. It WILL happen!
Do you prefer tea or coffee? Cherry Cola always goes down a treat. Coffee sucks!
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