Tell us the story of how you got into cake & cookie decorating and how you got to where you are today?
I got into cakes because my twins who were due in February, arrived late December - right when everything is closed for holidays. It wasn't until they were about to turn one that I realised I needed cakes for that time and would continue to need them every year. So I started with the Women's Weekly Books and then went on to Planet Cake a few years later, which was huge at the time. Those twins are about to start Year12!
Do you remember the first ever cake or cookies that you made as part of your business?
I started very small - charging friends $50 for dolly varden cakes and things like that until I registered my kitchen in 2011. My first cookies I do remember! Nobody really made fondant covered cookies. I found a recipe and taught myself. That was also in 2011 - they were very simple round cookies with aeroplanes on them.
What inspired you to create cover up?
I It was actually a demo I did at the Cookie Trade Show that was held in Adelaide a few years back! Now, in the Planet Cakes days we covered our fondant in vinyl - which is what I was doing during my demo. People were so interested in it and came up to get a closer look. Very soon after the idea to make a food safe version was born and the rest is history!
What do you feel has been the biggest challenges so far with running your business?
Always pricing cakes! But also burn out and balancing everything with family life. Learning it's okay NOT to take every order that comes my way has probably been the biggest lesson. It's okay to say no and not feel I have to justify why.
Outside of cake decorating/baking, what are your hobbies?
Um, looking at cakes?
Cake decorating used to be my hobby! But now I'd say travel, it's a big world and I want to see lots of it! Also just being able to slow down and enjoy things like coffee (or cocktails!) in the sun
Do you have any advice to share with cake decorators/bakers that would like to expand?
Well, I don't know that I've expanded as much as I've changed focus. Whatever you do, make sure it makes you happy. Work hard but also have time off. Also ask the people around you for help. There are some amazingly generous people in cakes and cookies who'd be happy to give their advice - you just have to ask them.
What's next for savvy cakes sydney?
CAN WE GET THE INSIDE SCOOP FOR ANYTHING YOU HAVE
Planned for 2025?
I have a few ideas that might come to the forefront in 2025! You'll have to watch this space! I'm looking forward to Festival of Cake in 2025, that's for certain!! More information: cover-up.com.au instagram.com/savvycakescollective
