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Cupcakes,Creativity & Confidence

April 30th, 2013

I had the absolute pleasure of giving a talk and cupcake demo to the Anstee Bridge program. Anstee Bridge supports year 11 students who require an alternative to school, with the aim of helping them to engage in education. Many of their students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and Anstee assists in guiding them whether this be in further education, employment or training beyond school.

One of their aims is to increase their student’s confidence which can be gained through creativity. This is a charity that is close to my heart, as I believe that creativity is the key to happiness, confidence and innovation. I believe that our purpose is to create, and unfortunately a large part of society fails to recognise the importance of creativity in our lives.

To add creativity and fun into my visit, I took along some cupcakes for the group to decorate. The girls made their own hand made decorations, and they then learned how to pipe beautiful buttercream swirls. All of them were delighted with their creations and they couldn’t believe what they had achieved in such a short period of time.

As part of my talk I shared with them some words of encouragement. I’d like to share some of these with you too in case you find them useful:

* First of all ‘You Matter’ and you are significant to this world. I believe we all have our own unique gifts to offer and you don’t have to be good at every subject to matter. Discover what you’re good at and then become really good at it. Usually it’s something that you’re also passionate about.

* Although we’re in a recession and opportunities in the UK for youngsters are more challenging, there are still opportunities. Don’t despair if university is not an option,work placements and apprenticeships builds key skills and gives invaluable work experience. Alternatively why not work for yourself and be your own boss?

* Because of the internet, the easiest and cheapest time to start a business is now.

* Keep learning, ignore the naysayers and don’t give up on your dream – whatever that maybe!

One of my favourite quotes is “She turned her can’ts into cans, and her dreams in plans.”

For more information about the Anstee Bridge Program, click here

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Cake Business Interview with Elle’s Cupcakery

April 8th, 2013

I’m delighted to feature an interview with Elle who runs Elle’s Cupcakery, a bespoke cake company based in West Kent. They specialise in allergy specific cakes ranging from gluten free, dairy and egg free to sugar free. Their cakes are all made fresh to order and can be catered for any occasion big or small!

Elle’s Cupcakery also host children’s parties with 3 different party packages so they are affordable for everyone. Cupcakes workshops are also run for teenagers in the school holidays and cupcake evenings are available for adults wanting to learn the basics in cake decorating.

I asked Elle a few questions about how she started her cake business and what it takes to run your own business.

What was your inspiration for starting your own business?

Whilst living in Australia, I looked after a boy (aged 6) who was allergic to dairy, gluten and sugar. This meant he had never had a birthday cake that he could eat without becoming ill. As I had looked after many children with allergies I set my self the challenge of making him a cake he could finally enjoy!

When was that light bulb moment, that convinced you to take the leap?

When I returned to the UK I decided I no longer wanted to work in child care and thought it would be a great idea to start an allergy specific cake company, as I had learnt in Australia there is not a wide range of products available in supermarkets to suit allergy specific needs.

I am also qualified in childcare and know that children love baking so thought this would be perfect for children’s parties, what’s more it means little stress for the parents and I provide lunch games and party bags.

What’s the inspiration behind the name?

People have always shortened my name to Elle (Ellen is my full name) and I wanted to include cupcakes and bakery in the name and came up with Cupcakery!

What were the major challenges you faced in starting the business?

I have always worked in childcare so had no idea where to even start when it comes to running a business. My friend suggested I contact The Princes Trust- I thought they would not be able to help me as I can get a job easily in child care or go back to working on Cruise Ships. But I am so glad I did. I sent a short email explaining I wanted to start my own business and soon found myself on their Business Enterprise course. I learnt the basics and was then given a mentor to help me write a business plan before going to the launch group ( like dragons den). From here I secured a small loan of £1500 to get myself a new computer, ingredients and a market stall. I still meet with my mentor once and month and the Princes trust provide help lines if you have any problems.

Where do you find your creativity and who inspires you?

I try to keep as up to date with the latest fashions and trends which help me design wedding cakes. I still work with children so I love to talk to them for inspiration especially when it comes to the children’s parties.

What makes you different to the other cake/cupcake bakeries?

I specialise in allergy specific cakes and have built up a good reputation for this. I am also fully qualified in child care meaning I can run children’s Parties with confidence (I am also first aid trained and CRB checked).

In 2012 I was shortlisted for the Kent Business awards young Entrepreneur of the Year and I have also won the Kent Foundation of Young Entrepreneur Peer award for 2013!

I was also picked to exhibit and The Princes Trust Christmas fair- only a handful of people were selected from over 1000 business’s they have helped start up.

What are your plans for the long term?

I am hoping to get my own company van this year and am also hoping in the future to move into my own unit. This will mean I can do all my cake making and decorating there as at the moment I work from my parent’s kitchen. It will also mean I have enough space to run the workshops and parties from the premises.

What ‘tips’ would you give anyone looking to start a cupcake business from home?

I would defiantly advise going on different cake decorating courses , you can pick up so many different hints and tips from fellow decorators.

Never be afraid to ask- I approached a local 4* hotel regarding Gluten free cakes and was lucky enough to secure a bulk order for 6months.

I would also recommend if you are a young Entrepreneur contacting The Prices Trust. They have been so helpful and I could not praise them highly enough!

Thanks Elle for sharing your inspiring story.

Are you an established or newly formed small cake business? If you sell cupcakes and cake products and would like to be considered for our business feature please contact Tracy at info@magentacakes.co.uk

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Cake Business Interview feat. Temper & Tipsy

November 5th, 2012

I’m delighted to feature a cake business to the blog called ‘Temper & Tipsy’. Read the rest of this entry »

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Introducing… Cupcake Heaven

September 13th, 2012

If you haven’t seen it in the shops already, look out for the latest copy of Cupcake Heaven Magazine which is on sale now.

For those unfamiliar with the magazine, Cupcake Heaven is part of the ‘Food Heaven’ series which also includes ‘Baking Heaven’ and ‘Cake Decoration Heaven’.

Every issue has inspiring recipes and the opportunity to learn new techniques to take your baking skills to the next level.

Cupcake Heaven’s current Autumn/Winter 2012 issue includes cupcake ideas for Halloween, Bonfire night, Christmas and New Year.

Not forgetting that ‘National Cupcake Week’ is also around the corner (17^th – 23^rd Sept), so check out their collection of 101 recipes which
will give you plenty of inspiration.

For those that love iphone apps, you can also download ‘Cupcake Heaven’ via itunes to your iphone or ipad.

I’m delighted to let you know that the ‘Carrot and Cardamon’ cupcake recipe from the Magenta Cakes blog has also been featured on pg 57 of
the magazine, in addition to an article I wrote on ‘How to set up your own cupcake company’.

Subsciptions are available online for readers in the UK, US and to the rest of the world, so make sure you grab a copy!

Happy Baking!

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in Cake Biz Tips, Inspiration, Sweet Products

A flexible lifestyle working with cake

July 31st, 2012

Image via andthenshesaved.com

One of the great things about running Magenta Cakes is that I’m able to schedule my diary over the school holidays so that I can spend quality
time with my family.

I’ve been able to manage the business around caring for my young son for nearly three years, and I won’t lie and say it’s been all plain sailing, but I feel that I’ve been able to achieve a balance which so many women look for. Balance means different things to different people. For me it means being there for my young family whilst satisfying a personal desire. That ‘personal desire’ includes satisfying my need to maintain my independence, having a good income, being creative and helping others along the way. I could write of many others.

The key difference this year is that little T has started full time school. I have now built a business that I believe can flourish even further and I know I’ll also be around for my son during the transition to big school and beyond.

Last weekend I ran my ‘The Business of Cakes and Cupcakes’ workshop and all of our students were looking to start a home based cake business to achieve not only an income, but to have freedom, flexibility and balance doing something they loved.

Here are some of their testimonials:

“Thank you for such an informative day – I have learnt so much. I’m off to take the cupcake world by storm!”

“Tracy’s informal approach has made me comfortable, positive and excited about starting my cake business, so thank you Tracy!”

”feel inspired and can’t wait to start putting it all into practice.”

I’d love to help you if you’re thinking of starting a cake or cupcake business from home, check out out business page for more details.

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A handful of tips to guarantee your cake business success.

June 27th, 2012

1/ Taking action is more important than over thinking.

Get out of your own head and stop over thinking the details. You’ll work out the details in time. Focus on what you need to do to take action and to get started. Read the rest of this entry »

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8 Signs You’re Ready to Start a Cupcake Business.

May 15th, 2012

(Credits via Pinterest)

So you feel you’ve more or less cracked the cupcake baking, and family and friends love how you decorate them.

You’re starting to wonder if this could be a viable business as a sideline or even full time. Read the rest of this entry »

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A handful of tips for starting a cupcake business – Part 2

March 20th, 2012

Image via truquotes

I thought I’d share with you a handful of tips for those interested in starting a home based cupcake business in the UK. Read the rest of this entry »

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Starting a Cupcake Business (It’s not about the Cupcakes)

March 5th, 2012

“ Being an entrepreneur is almost never about the business you’re in. So, you like cupcakes. Great. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should open a bakery – unless you like working early in the morning, managing lots of people and figuring out what to do with your leftovers at the end of the day.

“Being an entrepreneur isn’t about what you’re selling. It’s about possessing a complementary set of skills that most people don’t have. You have to be good with money, good at managing your time, good at managing people, good at relating to customers and good at marketing and branding. You also have to be willing to live the lifestyle – the hours, the travel, the commitment – required by whatever business you decide to own. If you love cupcakes but don’t have all those other skills, maybe you’d be best off becoming a cupcake decorator and working for someone else.”

Quote from Jeanette Mulvey at BusinessNewsDaily.

When I came across this quote some weeks ago, it completely resonated with me.

Jeanette depicts an honest and true reflection of what to expect regarding the running of a cupcake business, whilst summarising the reality of entrepreneurship.

As I write this post (on a Sunday evening) I can confirm that during the past 24 hours I’ve baked, taught a class, cleaned up, mopped the floor, processed photos, responded to customers enquiries and spent time on other marketing activities – I’m using other complementary skills, and I’m willing to live a lifestyle that usually involves working seven days a week. But hey, I’m enjoying the journey!

Just remember that when you start your cupcake business, it’s not always about the cupcakes!

For more cake business articles check out my business page.

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Sweet Quote ~ Life is…starting your cupcake business now.

February 27th, 2012

This gorgeous retro print is by boopsie daisy who has an etsy shop, and I’m adding this to my wish list as I love it’s retro bakery charm.

I also was drawn to the quote as it reminded me of the students I taught over the weekend.

Every student on the course had a dream of starting their own cupcake business. Some were closer to realising this dream than others.

They were already impressing work colleagues and friends with their baking skills.

They were also on one of our courses to enhance their decorating skills, which is a great start!

However I had a feeling that something was holding them back from starting that business now.

If it’s not now then when?

Life is what you bake it, so why not start making that dream a reality today?

For more cake business articles, check out my business page.

Have a great week!

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