" If you want to be noticed, you need to have a unique voice and there isn’ t anything more unique than yourself. Hands down the best way to get your name out there is to use social media to show off you. Only post photos that are true to your style / aesthetic. We all have to create cakes that may not be exactly our personal favourites, we all have bills to pay. But don’ t post those, don’ t put out there anything that you do not feel portrays you 100 %. You’ ll see over time that those images, posts and projects will start to attract to you more clients that are drawn to who you are as a designer."
Do you prefer to create cakes or teach students?
That’ s a tough question! I enjoy both immensely and don’ t think I can choose between the two. Creating cakes is such a balancing tool in my life. I have learned throughout my life that I absolutely have to be creating to feel centred and complete and cake gives me that. But on the other hand I also love change and being intrigued & inspired and that’ s what I personally get from teaching. And a side benefit is that I get to meet amazingly creative and talented humans in the capacity of sharing our knowledge.
Who inspires you?
In the cake world there are so many talented, hardworking people. I really am in awe of the numerous artists I have been exposed to but having said that there are a few that really stand out to me. I really look up to Faye Cahill, Jacqueline Butler and Katherine Sabbath. I feel that all three of them have been able to voice their individuality and talent in a completely virtuous and honest way. They are in the limelight based on their uniqueness, kind spirits and sheer aptitude for the craft. They don’ t have to raise their voices or constantly be in our faces for us to recognise that they are true artists and innovators in our industry.
You began Hey There, Cupcake! in 2010. How has your business evolved over time?
Since 2010 so much has changed.
I started the company creating only designer cupcakes. But quickly my instincts to push boundaries kicked in and a cupcake was too small of a palette for me to work with so by the end of 2011 I was creating cakes. From there it has transitioned into 90 % of our current business being in the wedding industry. We have also been fortunate enough to expand our delivery & service area to outlying counties which has opened a lot of opportunities to work with so many talented wedding industry professionals and clients. Another fortuitous event was being contacted by Craftsy in 2014 to film with them and I now have 3 online classes. HTC’ s 6th anniversary is this August and I am in disbelief at how much we have grown and experienced.
Your consultations are currently by appointment only. Are there plans for a storefront?
I have learned that life is a crazy rollercoaster that throws many curve balls, so while I want to say“ absolutely no!!!” I suppose there’ s always a chance of it happening. But in terms of plans? At this time, no. I love the freedom of creating my own schedule. We have two girls that are at important stages of their education and being here for them is my ultimate priority.
What are your long term goals for your business?
Long term I would love to see a few HTC product lines. Since ultimately my background is in design it seems to be a natural progression as well
as something that really inspires and intrigues me. In terms of creating cake, I would be happy to grow us a bit more, maybe by 2 or 3 more employees, but not much more than that as I pride our boutique bakery business model.
Do you have any advice for decorators wanting to get their name out there?
I am a huge advocate of being true to yourself. Sticking to what you love and are drawn to..
" If you want to be noticed, you need to have a unique voice and there isn’ t anything more unique than yourself. Hands down the best way to get your name out there is to use social media to show off you. Only post photos that are true to your style / aesthetic. We all have to create cakes that may not be exactly our personal favourites, we all have bills to pay. But don’ t post those, don’ t put out there anything that you do not feel portrays you 100 %. You’ ll see over time that those images, posts and projects will start to attract to you more clients that are drawn to who you are as a designer."